Best products from r/germanshepherds
We found 49 comments on r/germanshepherds discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 177 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Evolution Double Row Undercoat Rake with Rotating Pins
- Rotating pins
- Available in double row and single row
- Quality Guaranteed
- Removes loose undercoat and helps to prevent matting
- Keep your dog's coat looking great with our dog undercoat rake featuring rotating pins
- Gentle method of getting your dog looking its best
- Teeth rotate to pull through the coat without damaging it
- Ideal for collies, Golden Retrievers, St. Bernards, Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, Chow Chows, terriers, and schnauzers
- Comb the entire coat before baths for great results
- Effectively removes mats and tangles
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2. The Art of Raising a Puppy (Revised Edition)
- Little Brown and Company
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3. ChuckIt! Ultra Ball, Medium (2.5 Inch) 2 Pack
- ULTRA BOUNCE BALL: This ball toy for dogs entices play withhigh impact bouncing! Play fetch at the lake or pool thanks to the lightweight, buoyant design. Compatible with Chuckit! ball launcher
- TOUGH & DURABLE: Rubber ball for dogs has a textured surface & a thick rubber core for aggressive chewers yet is soft on dog's mouths
- PET TOYS: Get ready for bonding & fun with your dogs & cats! Check out a variety of our pet toy products such as frisbees, perches & mirrors for birds, prey wand toys for cats, plush toys, light-up interactive toys & more
- CHUCKIT! FETCH TOYS: Chuckit! creates toys that enrich the human-animal bond & bright colors help dogs & puppies stay engaged. Checkout Chuckit! for ball launchers, bouncy balls, frisbees, indoor dog toys, glow toys & more!
- JUST FOR PETS: Petmate makes a variety of pet products for dogs, cats, chickens & other small friends! Check out our brands such as Aspen Pet, Arm & Hammer, Booda, Chuckit! , Jackson Galaxy & more!
Features:
4. Shark Rotator Professional Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor with Lift-Away Hand Vacuum and Anti-Allergy Seal (NV501), White with Red Chrome
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
- LED HEADLIGHTS: Powerful lights on the nozzle reveal hidden debris and pet hair around your home.
- WIDE UPHOLSTERY TOOL: The wide cleaning path helps remove pet hair, dust, and large debris from mattresses, couches, curtains, lampshades, and other delicate upholstered surfaces.
- DUSTING BRUSH: Dust and clean delicate surfaces, like fans, blinds, lampshades, and keyboards.
- CREVICE TOOL: Great for cleaning tight spaces, between couch cushions, and in hard-to-reach areas.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, Wide Upholstery Tool, Dusting Brush & Crevice Tool.
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5. Redbarn Dog 4lb Chicken Roll for Dogs (1-Count)
- Packed with fresh meat and high quality, garden-fresh ingredients, our Rolled Food is an easy solution to feeding your dog a nutritious, high-protein diet. It meets the nutritional levels established by AAFCO for all life stages, from puppies to senior dogs.
- We use a low-temperature cooking process that allows our food to retain vital minerals and nutrients. We’ve also added functional ingredients like Sunflower Oil, a rich source of omega 6, and Flaxseed to support digestion and a healthy skin and coat.
- With over 50% fresh protein per roll, it’s more convenient than a raw food diet and can easily be stored without the need for refrigeration until opened. Can be used as a complete and balanced meal, as a protein supplement to dry food, a treat, a training tool, or an aid for administering medications.
- Made without the use of artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Our beef and chicken recipes are available in whole grain or grain-free. Sourced and prepared in the USA in our Kansas company-owned facility.
- Our manufacturing process is a unique blend of state-of-the-art technology and handcrafted quality. Safety is our top priority. Our in-house quality assurance team performs more than 2,500 tests per month.
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6. XL Dog Crate | MidWest ICrate Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate w/ Divider Panel|XL Dog Breed, Black
ICrate the 'All Inclusive Dog Crate' Includes Free divider panel, durable dog tray, carrying handle, 4 'roller' Feet to protect floors & Midwest Quality Guarantee 1 year WarrantyXL DOUBLE DOOR FOLDING DOG CRATE ideal for Dogs w/ adult weight of 90 to 110 pounds | Convenient divider panel allows crat...
7. Signature K9 Modular LLC Harness, Coyote Brown
- Law Enforcement and Military grade professional training equipment
- Lightweight and extremely durable plus the modular feature allows for seemingly limitless functionality
- Made in the USA by American craftsmen
- Modular feature allows for seemingly endless functionality
- Fully adjustable for a perfect fit
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8. Manual Woodworkers & Weavers Throw Pillow No Dogs allowed on this sofa
Humorous dog lover expression featured on front and back of accent throw pillowDistressed black lettering on a beige/natural color backgroundBlack piping accent trim100% cotton cover; 100% polyester fillingMeasures 12.5 x 8 inches; Made in USA
9. Dog Crates for Extra Large Dogs - XXL Dog Crate 48" Pet Cage Double-Door Best for Big Pets - Wire Metal Kennel Cages with Divider Panel & Tray - in-Door Foldable & Portable for Animal Out-Door Travel
- Simple to Install - Versatile Design allows for extremely easy set up and take down to fold and store it away - No tools required
- Convenient space saving design means it can be stored practically anywhere when not in use
- Materials are Made from Heavy Duty Solid Metal "Steel" - Maximum Security Refuge Safe - Easy to Clean 100% Washable
- Dimensions: 48" (Length) x 29" (Width) x 32" (Height) + Free Split Divider + Multiple Doors + Versatile Carry Handle
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10. K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot Elevated Dog Bed Gray/Black Mesh Large 30 X 42 X 7 Inches
Dog cot made of waterproof, 600-denier fabricRaised dog bed helps pets stay cool with its mesh centerDurable & tested for strength, holds up to 200 poundsSimple, tool-free assembly with non-skid rubber feetRemovable, washable coverOne-year limited warrantyIf you have questions, please contact us at ...
11. COX VETERINARY Lab Acti Flex Joint Compound Quart
- Advanced, fast-acting, liquid formula
- Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Superoxide Dismutase
- Improves the horse's own supply of joint-lubricating synovial fluid
- Speeds the body's self-repairing processes
- Size: 32 oz (quart)
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12. Iceland Pure Unscented Pharmaceutical Grade Sardine Anchovy Oil For Dogs And Cats.Bottle Size 33Oz
- ✅100% SAFE AND ALL NATURAL - Our omega 3 liquid fish oil contains high levels of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. It does not have rosemary extract, additives, or preservatives that could potentially harm your dog. Just 100% of the purest, most potent omega 3 fish oil on the market, ready to help improve your pet's health.
- ✅REDUCE INFLAMMATION - If you have noticed your pet playing less and having trouble with everyday activities, we got you sorted. The omega 3 in sardine anchovy fish oil helps support joint and bone health and also supports a healthy immune system. Your favorite dog or cat will always be more active and comfortable.
- ✅EASY TO SERVE - Iceland Pure Unscented Pharmaceutical Grade Sardine Anchovy Oil for Dogs and Cats is easy to serve. Just give your beautiful dog one teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight. Ensure you feed once a day or split into two meals. One pump of the pump bottle equals about ½ teaspoon. The essential fatty acids contained in salmon fish oil help support natural allergy defense. Your pet will be much happier playing rather than itching and scratching.
- ✅WILD CAUGHT FROM ICELAND - Our Sardine Anchovy oil contains high levels of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. It is free of impurities, toxins and heavy metals. If your dog has hot spots, dry skin, a dull shedding coat, or itching and irritation, Sardine Anchovy oil provides relief and nourishment to keep skin and coats in the best condition.
- ✅ PURITY - All Of Our Oils Are Tested Regularly For Purity By Us 3Rd Party Testing Companies. Our fish oil omega 3 dogs liquid is human-grade quality, NON-GMO, mercury-free, and molecularly distilled to remove all toxins and heavy metals. Buy this premium Unscented Pharmaceutical Grade Sardine Anchovy Oil and improve your pet's health.
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13. VetOne: KetoHex Antifungal & Antibacterial Veterinary Formulated Shampoo for Dogs, Cats, & Horses, 16 oz
DEEP CLEANS & DEODERIZES – KetoHex Shampoo is pleasantly scented and has a synergistic base for deep cleaning and deodorizing of dogs, cats, and horses.TREATS SKIN INFECTIONS & LESIONS – KetoHex Shampoo is designed for the antiseptic cleaning and management of skin infections responsive to chlor...
14. KONG ZoomGroom, Dog Grooming Brush, Boysenberry
It removes loose hair like a magnet, and it stimulates capillaries and natural oil production for healthy skin and a healthy coat.Perfect for removing hair and use with shampooMassages while you brushComes in two colors: raspberry and boysenberryAvailable in two sizes: small/puppy and regular
15. Chuckit! Ball Launcher Classic Medium (25 inches)
- TENNIS BALL LAUNCHER: Our longest launcher at 26 inches, this dog ball launcher enhances fetch by upgrading throwing speed and distance to challenge dogs to run farther faster. Compatible with ANY Medium size Chuckit! Ball
- PET TOYS: Get ready for bonding fun with your dogs. Check out a variety of our pet toy products such as frisbees, perches mirrors for birds, prey wand toys for cats, plush toys, light-up interactive toys more
- CHUCKIT FETCH TOY: Chuckit creates toys that enrich the human-animal bond bright colors help dogs puppies stay engaged. Checkout Chuckit for ball launchers, bouncy balls, frisbees, indoor dog toys, glow toys, and so much more
- JUST FOR PETS: Petmate makes a variety of pet products for dogs, cats, chickens, and other small furry friends. Check out our brands such as Aspen Pet, Arm Hammer, Booda, Chuckit, Jackson Galaxy, JW Pet, and more
Features:
16. Chuckit Tennis Balls Medium (4 Pack)
NATURAL AND DURABLE: Featuring an extra-thick natural rubber core, Chuckit! Tennis dog balls are durable for long-term useHIGH-VISIBILITY COLORS: Pets and pet parents can easily spot the bright blue and orange tennis balls for dogs during outdoor playHIGH-BOUNCING BALLS: Tennis dog toy ball is made ...
17. HDP 18 Ft Dog Agility Training Open Tunnel
- Length: 18 ft
- Opening: 24"
- Stakes: 7" long
- Grommet: metal
- Case is included
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18. Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Stick Cordless Bagless Vacuum for Carpet, Hard Floor and Pet with XL Dust Cup and 2-Speed Brushroll (SV1106), White/Grey
Dust cup capacity 0.64 quarts; Cordless conveniencePowerful pet hair pick upSwivel steering for easy Maneuver2 speeds settings optimized for carpet & bare floorExtra-large, easy to empty dust cup
19. HERM SPRENGER Ultra-Plus Prong Dog Training Collar, 2.25 mm x 16", Steel Chrome Plated Dog Prong Collar, Pinch Collar for Dogs, Dog Correction Collar, Dog Prong Training Collar, Dog Supplies
- HERM SPRENGER PRONG COLLAR: Our dog collars, dog training collars and dog training tools are safe and with proper use
- DOG PRONG COLLAR: High-quality, steel chrome plated; Fits dogs with up to a 16-inch neck
- PRONG COLLAR: This dog training collar features safety ends for the safety of the dog and the owner
- DOG CORRECTION COLLAR: Center plate allows for even pressure/correction
- PINCH COLLAR FOR DOGS: The HERM SPRENGER Ultra-Plus Prong Training Collar provides similar usage to a pinch collar for dogs
Features:
20. Hartz Chew'n Clean Bone Small
- Satisfy your dog's natural urge to chew while promoting the dental benefits of clean teeth and general oral health
- Includes a small version of our signature Tuff Bone for dogs under 20 pounds
- Constructed from durable, nylon and polyurethane with a multi-textured surface to withstand mild to moderate chewing
- Features a tempting bacon scent to peak your dog's interest and deliver chewing satisfaction
- Colors vary. Product chosen at random during time of shipment
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Congrats! Asking questions like this is the first step to becoming a responsible GSD owner. I would keep up with the research as you two learn how to become good buddies; I've owned GSDs my whole life and I'm still picking up good tips from trainers and the like. I've got a detailed response below, but feel free to PM me if you want to talk further. I'm always happy to help, and I wish you and your girl the best!
To your questions:
A few other things worth doing that will make both your lives easier:
Such a cutie! My shepherd/bloodhound mix is a champion chewer, so the usual fluffy toys would get destroyed in a couple of minutes. Even though he loves to shred a fluffy toy (he always goes for the eyes first!), I usually stick to the more industrial-strength chewies. He loves kongs with peanut butter, nylabones, and especially bully sticks (dried bull penises - gross, I know, and kind of expensive, but great for chewing).
Rawhide is bad because it shreds and they can choke. May want to ask your vet about bully sticks and when they are age-appropriate, though, and you will want to make sure that you supervise them closely with the small piece when they get it down to a couple of inches. They can swallow the nub and it can lead to problems.
Also, don't get any edible dog treats that are not made in the USA. A lot of treats from Asia have been found to be terribly contaminated and lethally poisonous.
Another great option are sweet potato chews - you can make them yourself in a low oven (lots of recipes online), a dehydrator, or you can buy them in pet stores. They don't last as long as meaty treats but they can be a good change of pace for the dog. Dried chicken tenders are also good but don't last very long in my experience (and again, make sure they are made in the USA).
Antlers are a wonderful treat, but are very expensive. Bones...well, I'm on the fence about bones. I will occasionally give my guy knuckle bones, but shin bones and other marrow bones can chip teeth pretty easily. Talk to your vet about bones in general, they would be your best resource on that topic, I think.
Another thing my pup loves is when I take a paper towel tube, fold one side over, and put in some good stinky training treats. Then I fold down the other side of the tube and have him sit in the kitchen while I hide the tube for him to find in the other room (usually under a cushion or chair or a blanket). He'll spend a few minutes searching for it, then a few more minutes gnawing through the tube to get at the treats. It keeps his mind and his jaws occupied! I usually take the empty tube away from him as soon as he's gotten the treats out, but he's never tried to eat the paper or anything.
Yet another fun thing to do when the weather is a little warmer (or on a nice sunny cold day) is to make ice cubes with sodium-free chicken broth and then let the pup chew on them. I prefer to do this outside because it can be a little messy. Indoors I give my guy ice cubes as treats, which he enjoys a lot too (just not as much as the chicken broth cubes, those are his favorites).
About the kong: it's kind of spendy, but you won't have to buy another for a long time if you keep up with it. You can fill it with either wet food or peanut butter, and you can also freeze it once it's stuffed, which makes the pup have to work harder for his reward. I usually keep a frozen kong with peanut butter on hand to give him when I need to leave the house for any length of time; this keeps him occupied for a long time and keeps him away from shoes or other off-limits chewables. Keep it clean with a hot water soak every now and then.
GSDs are super-smart dogs as a rule and very much enjoy doing nose work and puzzles. Google up some dog puzzles and see what strikes your fancy; experiment with your guy to see what he likes the best. The ones my guy really love include the Kong Wobbler and the treat star pictured here. But he also loves it when I simply spend a few minutes hiding small stinky training treats all over the house for him to sniff out and devour.
The best thing you can do is spend time with him every day playing with him and engaging his mind. GSDs really thrive on agility games and hide-and-seek. We got our guy an agility course tunnel for Christmas and he's been scampering through it all week, he loves it and loves the praise and treats he earns for doing it. We also have him jump over stacked blocks and broomsticks for fun. The most fun I ever had with him was taking a 10 week agility training class. He loved it so much that I hope to do the advanced one next Spring.
Sorry I wrote so much, and I know it's not all about chewies, I just love my guy! Here's wishing you many wonderful years with your new best friend.
They are wonderful family dogs, and extremely loyal towards their "packs." We've even done some schutzhund training with my girl, and she has never outwardly shown aggression to any stranger, just a calm alertness that I absolutely love. I know from her training what she is capable of physically, but she 100% takes cues from me. If I'm comfortable, she's comfortable, if I'm nervous, she's alert. We've never had issues with new people coming into our home, if my husband or I accept the person, so do the dogs.
GSDs are amazing dogs. They are also difficult novice dogs, so you jumped into the deep end. here are some tips.
GSDs are "working" dogs. this basically means your GSD is going to be much happier with a task and when put to use. For you and your dog "working" can be training and putting you dog through her paces. basically, if your dog thinks she is useful then she will be much happier and not seek negative attention.
Your puppy will chew stuff up if you let it. yelling at it and telling it off will be your first reaction but it won't really help, so don't do it. get a bunch of different type of toys/chews. lots of consistencies, rigid toys, floppy toys, etc. when your dog looks like it is about to chew the table leg.... give her a toy. it is all about redirecting her energy into something that you approve of.
speaking of toys... never play "tug" with the dog. it is OK to tug a little (i will play tug for 5 seconds or less) and get them excited but let them have the toy. if you don't do this you are making them work really hard for the toy. this can result in them not wanting to give it to you later.
crate train your dog. you want to make sure the crate is small enough so they can't/won't pee in the corner and sit in the other corner to escape it. i recently got this crate https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QFWCLY/ for my new puppy. it is big enough for an adult but it comes with a divider to make the crate small while they are a puppy. i train mine by giving them a treat when they get into their crate. i tell them "kennel up" and lead them to the crate. then i give them the treat when they are inside. this is a great way to get consistent behavior. don't leave them toys in the crate in case they choke. you can give them elk antlers (you can get a bag of them at amazon). your puppy will act like you are the meanest thing in the world when you first start crate training. it will take upwards of a few weeks but they get used to it. don't put a blanket or bed in the bottom of the crate. they will chew it and might choke. you can get them a bed when they are older.
potty training... take her out a lot. every 20 mins. when she goes tell her how good she is and reinforce that it is good behavior. the tend to pick up on outside pretty quickly. if you take them out a lot, at first, they likely won't go inside and will develop a good habit.
your puppy won't be able to hold her bladder for long at first. make sure she goes out late at night (right before bed). crate her at night. set an alarm and get up in the middle of the night for a potty break. you likely won't get 8 hours straight (without peeing) until 3 - 4 months old.
while training you need to be more stubborn than your dog. if you tell it to "sit" and it doesn't sit then make it. don't be mean. be firm and make the dog sit. give praise and/or treats. if you get into the habit of telling the dog to do something and then don't make sure it happens you are just training your dog to ignore you.
don't let your puppy jump on you or others. it might be cute now but it will be horrible when you have a 100lb dog that greets people by jumping on them. if they start to jump you can ignore them and turn away from them. acknowledge them when they quit jumping. once they sit on command you can use that to your advantage. you will start learning when they tend to jump.... be pro-active and make them sit before they jump.
good luck. enjoy.
edit: i forgot socialization!!! this is huge. you want a friendly GSD, not some dog that you can't take anywhere. don't take your dog to the dog park at first. crazy dogs jumping all over it can be a traumatic experience for a new pup that is still building confidence. it can also show your new pup that some pretty bad behavior is acceptable. at 3 months your dog is ready for the dog park... maybe sooner. have friends come over a lot so your dog gets to be OK with people coming over. also, take your dog as many different places. Home Depot and Lowes usually let you take dogs. people love to pet a puppy so this is a great experience for your dog. Obviously, petsmart and petco allow pets too. make sure you vary the dogs experience. you don't want to always go to petsmart and have the dog OK with the petsmart but the park or home depot is not cool in the dogs mind.
Here's my list of "favorites" for my GSDs:
Chuck-It Balls. By far, the most durable balls I've found. They've got some "give", so they seem to enjoy chewing/chasing them more. Remember, once the ball can fit between their back teeth, it's time to upgrade to the larger size.
The Shark Vacuum is a beast. We've tried any number of vacuums over the years, this one falls into the "Not Stupidly Expensive and Totally Worth It" category. Getting a decent Undercoat Rake goes hand-in-hand with a good vacuum. Rake once a week (three times during shedding season), brush 1-3 times a week, you'll give your back a break no matter what vacuum you buy.
In terms of training treats, we really like the Red Barn Chicken and Liver Rolls. After a while, we use them exclusively for scent training, but it's an excellent (and not expensive!) treat for any kind of training. Cube small, you'll get a ton of mileage out of one roll.
Herm Sprenger Dog Collars make great training collars. Not everyone likes the idea of a pinch/prong collar, so if it's not your thing, look elsewhere. However, if you are planning on training with pinch, these are the best, bar none. We use the small size and just add links as our dog grows - it's almost impossible to injure them with the smaller prongs and they tend to respond better. Please learn how to use a pinch before using one of these extensively - they shouldn't be used for restraint and you should probably wait until 8+ months (a number of people I know even wait till 14+ months for any obedience aside from the "necessities") before doing a ton of training anyway.
I'll stay away from food recommendations as it seems to be such a controversial topic. I will say that there are a ton of good sites out there to research - first figuring out whether you're feeding raw, tube, or kibble and then what to do once you decide.
Last - look for a dog club in your area. I personally like the German Shepherd Dog Club of America - Working Dog Association, but there are a number of places like this. I can tell you irrefutably that my dogs' favorite day of the week is training day. Nothing like getting out there with other GSD lovers and doing some tracking/obedience/protection work.
Hope this helps! Good luck :)
Wow, your first dog is going to be a German Shepherd..... Do your research, he will be great with the kids as long as your willing to put the time in to do this right.
GSD pups are notorious for being "mouthy". Redirect him, when he bites, let out an "OUCH", draw back, play stops, give him a bone immediately. (or suitable chew toy) Remember, you are not rewarding him, you are redirecting. He is a baby, he is teething and hasn't learned bite inhibition yet. You have to teach him.
I have also used the technique that when he bites, "OUCH" and turn your back on him. That is what worked for my current boy. You would have thought he lost his best friend. It was traumatic, he did not like it at all. It worked.
Potty training. If you don't catch him in the act, don't scold him, he has no idea he did anything wrong. If you catch him, "NO" and immediately take him outside. When outside in the appropriate place and he starts to go, use a key word like "going potty", "go poop" whatever you want to use. You will feel like an idiot saying it over and over while the dog defecates but you will thank me later.
Consistency and routine are your friend. He IS smarter than you are.
I would highly recommend a professional trainer for YOU. At least basic puppy classes. Crate train, it is the best thing on the planet. You can also use it to help build his bladder.
He appears to be about 12 weeks, can't really tell for sure. You have so much research to do....
The Monks of New Skete "The art of raising a Puppy" is a good resource book on raising GSDs. They have a good mix of positive training with discipline. GSDs need both. He has to view you as the pack leader or he is going to walk all over you. Especially since he is a male.
These are my opinions. I have had Shepherds since I was a kid and the past 25 years as an adult. I took a basic puppy class last year with our newest Dog. It was for me as a refresher more than for him but he got some socialization out of it as well. They need that, take him places, new sounds, people, pets. Do not let it be traumatic for him. He will go through "fear periods" every so often, he will be afraid of things that he wasn't before but it will pass.
These things are a Godsend
Get them into training ASAP. They can be a stubborn, headstrong, energetic breed. In the wrong hands, this could be a disastrous combination.
They have razor sharp puppy teeth that they like to put to good use. You will most likely end up with some handsome red scratches on your legs/arms/face/etc. Do not fret, this is normal.
If you did not know already, this breed is prone to hip dysplasia. The occurrence of hip dysplasia is based on mainly genetics, weight, and exercise. Hopefully you got your pup from a good breeder who screens the parents' hips and elbows, as orthopedically sound parents will more likely produce orthopedically sound pups. You can also help reduce the likelihood of HD by keeping your GSD lean and on a healthy food. I recommend Victor Nutra Pro here https://www.chewy.com/victor-select-nutra-pro-active-dog/dp/129281 You can find other good foods on Dog Food Advisor. In addition, here is a chart that illustrates the different body types of dogs: http://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/how-to-evaluate-your-dogs-weight/ This is just a general guideline of course - the healthy body types will vary slightly by breed. But this is a good starting point. Last point is exercise. Don't put too much stress on their joints at a young age. Ie, don't run them too much, have them jump too much, etc. Keep the exercise low impact at this stage.
I recommend feeding your pup from a Long Wobler, as they can tend to eat fast. You can find them on Amazon here https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003ALMW0M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496502891&sr=8-1&keywords=kong+wobbler
I recommend brushing out their fur with a rake and Kong Zoom Groom. You can also find them on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0062Z0RPA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496502790&sr=8-3&keywords=dog+rake+brush and https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002AR19Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496502846&sr=8-1&keywords=zoom+groom&dpPl=1&dpID=51QkRAxrf0L&ref=plSrch
I would highly recommend crate training. It's one of the best things you could do for your dog. I like the Midwest 48" crate here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000QFWCLY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496503032&sr=8-1&keywords=midwest%2Bicrate%2Bfolding%2Bmetal%2Bdog%2Bcrate&th=1&psc=1
Let me know if you have any questions!
Seconded for "The art of raising a puppy" by the Monks of New Skete as a fantastic start to fundamentals of dog training, with a couple of personal amendments:
Hardcopy
Audiobook
Highly recommend a puppy class (not petsmart if it can be helped). They will give you structure and provide you with positive tools to help you and your new fur-kid.
Some school specialize in whole family training and I would recommend you attend class with them so that your toddler and hubby can learn how to be consistent with the pup. Everyone on board and everyone consistent will help.
What area/state are you in?
edit: Don't worry about being "ALPHA". consistency is more important. Go to a good puppy class in your area really. Or read/listen to The Art of Raising a Puppy. Also Schutzhund: Theory and Training methods is a good book for understanding where your GSD comes from and it's potential.
Harness. The leash I made, got some climbing rope from my local military surplus store, they also had the metal pieces to clap the rope don't remember what they are called. They also had the leash clip thing too... I made a short one and a longer one came out good and super strong.
The harness is awesome and military grade I definitely recommend it! I need to buy the strap extensions it just barely fits around Apollo at the moment. They sell them on a couple sites check out Signaturek9.com they have the extensions there, the harness was just way cheaper on Amazon. Let me know if you have any more questions... I am thinking about posting up a review on it here if people are interested...
K&H Manufacturing Original Pet Cot. It is a great bed! He absolutely loves it. It is vented in the middle so he doesn't get too hot or cold, and it is super portable!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CHMG9DK/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We bought this one for our pup and it's worked great for us so far. It came with a divider which was great for when she was a puppy and at about 5 months we took the divider out. It's very sturdy and Shadow seems to really like it.
Fish Oil and Glucosamine/Chondroitin are good joint health supplements. My girl has very mild arthritis in her elbow and that's what her orthopedist recommends. I use Iceland Pure fish oil (sardines and anchovies) and Cosequin DS.
In the mornings, let him really wake up/loosen up from any stiffness before doing any strenuous activity. Massages are good, so give a little extra tactile love.
It looks like a yeast infection. Use some regular antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone cream alternately until it goes away. I also recommend this anti-bacterial anti-fungal shampoo. During a bath use extra shampoo on this area with a washcloth. Good luck!
This is what I use for my 3 GSDs:
https://www.amazon.com/COX-VETERINARY-Joint-Compound-Quart/dp/B00938UJ9M/
Wayyy cheaper than buying the canine variation they have and this is more concentrated. For the first week I'd give two teaspoons worth, then after that I do one teaspoon as maintenance. All mine weigh ~75lbs each. It does make a huge improvement as they get older!
Precision Pet Two-Door Great Crate in XL. Solid quality. Comes with a divider, which I used for the first few months. Picked it up on a Warehouse deal for $97. Highly recommend.
I got this one for my parents' house when they're looking after her and it is very thinly built, to the point that she bent the one door out of commission. Just be cognizant of the gauge of the metal, you get what you pay for.
You need this!
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OE5M4TC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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(It doesn't really work. It is funny, though. And if you look in the customer reviews' pictures, you can see my shepherd boy comfortably resting on his snout pillow!)
30”x42”
Got it on Amazon
My boy is about 85lbs and it fits him well.
I highly recommend. Not bad for $60 really. I have spent just as much on the large pillow style beds.
Try the Zoom Groom by Kong. I think it's way better than the furminator and really won't damage their coats.
http://www.amazon.com/KONG-ZoomGroom-Grooming-Brush-Boysenberry/dp/B0002AR19Q/ref=sr_1_10?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1392572821&sr=1-10&keywords=dog+grooming
> $135 apiece
amazon sells them for $3.60 each:
http://www.amazon.com/ChuckIt-Medium-Ultra-2-5-Inch-2-Pack/dp/B000F4AVPA?
THESE have outlasted ALL balls in our house
Monks of new skete "Art of Raising a Puppy". The Art of Raising a Puppy (Revised Edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316083275/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GPfOBb4SH8CCF
The Art of Raising a Puppy