Always remember your dog is a non-human living animal. Do not practice "Anthropomorphism" in trying to humanize the German Shepherd Dog or expecting it to act like a human because it doesn't have the intelligence and reasoning of a human being. A German Shepherd Dog is not usually delicate and dainty especially when young as a puppy. It may play rough and not understand the power of its bite or the sharpness of its teeth, its size, power, and strength or the appropriate times to use these attributes. They will not fully understand how to interact in a gentle or fragile way until taught. The tendency for humans to anthropomorphize animals can be disastrous.
We have implemented most, but not all of "Puppy Culture Program" to improve the outcome of the puppies we breed. Watch Puppy Culture Videos... Our dogs are not simply purebred "Show and Performance Dogs," they are also "High Drive Working and Protection Dogs" which require different training and socialization techniques. German Shepherds are highly intelligent! Therefore, respect your dog’s intelligence and ensure that you set a positive example and offer both negative and positive reinforcements when attempting to train your dog. The average dog has the mental abilities of a 2-year-old. In terms of ranking all dog breeds, the top three are Border Collies, Poodles, and then German shepherds. Therefore, we repeat: "respect your dog’s intelligence, set a positive example and offer both aversion (negative) and positive reinforcements when attempting to train your dog." Don't be afraid to tell your dog "No!" Read More...
Socialization is the "introduction" to something new the dog has never experienced. Introduce your dog to new sights, sounds, and smells remembering that your German Shepherd Dog has enhanced senses different than humans. To a puppy, the whole world is new, strange, and unusual, so think of everything your dog encounters as an opportunity to make a new, positive association. Puppy Enrichment is trying to expose your puppy to as many different types of games, exercises, people, environments, noises, scents, and textures as you can and help your puppy be exposed to them. That means, for instance, have the puppy walk on carpet, hardwood, tile, and linoleum floors; have him meet an old person, a young person, a person wearing sunglasses, a person carrying crutches.
Socialization and Puppy Enrichment is very important in introducing your dog to new environments. Your dog does not know how to act appropriately in new and different environments, any more than a human child does. Your dog is like an infant or child that must be introduced and then taught how to act and interact appropriately the way you desire.
Socialization With Babies and Infants
Never leave an unsupervised baby alone with an unattended dog even for a second. Dogs not yet socialized can become agitated by the sounds and movements of a baby. They have been know to try to move a baby by carrying the baby in their mouths, the way a mother dog might do with her puppies. Most pets wouldn't harm a baby intentionally, but why take the risk of an accidental injury? Don't leave your baby lying on a blanket on the floor unattended. Socialize your dog around children in a positive and controlled environment. Read More...
Without proper introduction, your pet may not welcome this little person now given the time and attention that your pet was previously given. Accustom your pet to your baby's scent. Dogs are very conscious of new scents, be it from another animal or person in the house, and with a newborn around, there will certainly be a lot of changes in the air. Once your dog gets used to the scent of the new baby, it will feel that his domain is less threatened. Let your dog sleep next to a blanket or piece of baby's clothing so he can get a few whiffs. Read More...
Socialization and Confidence
Your dog needs to learn how to interact socially around other people outside of his pack family. Your dog also needs to learn how to act around other dogs and other animals. Your dog must learn how to conduct itself in new environments, with confidence and without fear or aggression. Dogs are at their most sensitive and receptive between 3 and 16 weeks of age. After 16 weeks, it can become difficult to get a puppy to accept anything new or unfamiliar. Your dog should be socialized enough for you to have guests and strangers in your home. Encourage your dog to explore and reward your dog with affection and praise to develop confidence. Learn more about Socialization from the AKC.
Fun Facts: Some female celebrities who own or owned German Shepherd Dogs: Ginger Rogers, Eva Gardner, Amy Grant, Shania Twain, Bo Derek,
Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez, Kristen Stewart, Miley Cyrus, Bella Thorne, Claudia Schiffer, Jennifer Aniston, Fernanda Lima, Nikki Reed, Meryl Davis, Shay Mitchell, and Shania Twain.
