VD Southernwind German Shepherds

11/24/2024

11/24/2024

This Gender-Neutral Adult T-shirts item is sold by PawsAndStyleStudio. Ships from Wilmington, DE. Listed on Aug 13, 2024

11/24/2024

This Gender-Neutral Adult Sweatshirts item is sold by PawsAndStyleStudio. Ships from Wilmington, DE. Listed on Nov 6, 2024

11/24/2024

This Gender-Neutral Adult T-shirts item by PawsAndStyleStudio has 2 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Wilmington, DE. Listed on Sep 17, 2024

11/24/2024

This Gender-Neutral Adult T-shirts item is sold by PawsAndStyleStudio. Ships from Hialeah, FL. Listed on Aug 31, 2024

11/24/2024

Camera… ACTION!!!😂😂❤️

78 likes, 8 comments. “I am deeply grateful for the invitation to Decoy the Renaissance Ring Club’s French Ringsport Fall trial in Connecticut. The event showcased the remarkable dedication and skill of both handlers and their canine partners. The club’s commitment to excellence in training an...

11/24/2024

A Call for Kindness in the Dog Community

I recently came across a discussion in a German Shepherd group from Australia that left a very heavy impression on me. The conversation started with someone sharing a photo of their beloved dog, but it quickly spiraled into an attack on the dog’s appearance. The comments were filled with anger and negativity, with some accusing the dog of being part of a “crippled” line simply because of its structure.

This kind of behavior is disheartening. Every dog is someone’s companion, their loyal friend, and their joy in life. Why do we feel the need to tear others down in such a hateful way? Yes, we all have opinions, and yes, some of us are passionate about certain aspects of the breed—be it straight backs, high withers, working lines, or show lines—but there’s a better way to communicate these views.

If you truly feel strongly about something, educate. Share your perspective in a way that uplifts others rather than attacks them. Explain your reasoning respectfully and with kindness, especially considering that not everyone is at the same level of experience. Many people in these groups are newcomers—eager to learn, but not yet aware of the broader history, studies, or complexities of the German Shepherd world.

The truth is, there’s no concrete evidence or scientific study proving that high-withered German Shepherds are more prone to hip dysplasia or crippling issues than other structural types. Making such claims without evidence only spreads misinformation and fuels unnecessary division within the community.

We all love our dogs. That’s why we’re here—to share, to learn, and to celebrate this incredible breed. Instead of fostering an environment of judgment and hostility, let’s create one of kindness, support, and constructive dialogue. My mother always told me, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Let’s remember that behind every post is a person who loves their dog deeply. If we want to make a change, it starts with how we treat one another.

Let’s choose kindness.
Rutkowski SowieckiBebo SantanaVD Southernwind German ShepherdsBlazethegsd1Ricardo García MejíaBeatriz P GonzalezTanya BeasleySalvatore GennusaKelley Amanda StobieCindi GasconNorth Yorkshire Dog Training TOP GSD SHOWDeutsche Schäferhunde "vom Lärchenhain" - Laerchenhain GSD KennelGerman Shepherd are the bestBestinhaus German Shepherds

11/24/2024

Every pawprint on the earth is a legacy of love left in the lives they touch.”
Rutkowski SowieckiBebo SantanaTOP GSD SHOWJan Ragsdale TuckerOhmygsdsAlexander MendozaTanya BeasleyCrouse Canine

11/22/2024

📣 Exciting news at & !
great98 , our new intern, is diving into the fundamentals of clicker training, learning how to charge the clicker and shape operant behaviors. 🧠💡

Joining the fun is 7 week old Bcaria Dswk Du Fraddicalu, the newest star of our breeding program. 🌟🐾 Watching her curious mind at work is nothing short of inspiring!

This duo is putting in the time and effort to master the basics—and it’s just the beginning. The future looks bright! 🔥

11/21/2024

11/20/2024

Misconception on Dog behavior..

Check out Cecilia’s video.

11/20/2024

Join us in TikTok!

6105 Followers, 2106 Following, 47.8k Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by Cecilia

11/20/2024

.. this is amazing!! Train.. train.. structure.. bond anf forget of behavioral issues!! No more reactive dog, no more stress, Train Train!! Bond snd you will be successful!

11/20/2024

Managing Your Dog’s Environment:

A Key to Preventing Unwanted Behaviors

For the last 48 years that we have been breeding raising , training and advising our Southernwind Families, we have been repeatedly encouraging our puppy owners to start Managing their puppies life and behavior from the very first day!

When it comes to raising well-behaved dogs, managing their environment is one of the most effective tools you can use. A dog’s behavior is heavily influenced by their surroundings, and with proper management, you can prevent many unwanted behaviors before they even begin. Let’s dive into how taking action to control your dog’s environment can lead to a happier and more harmonious life for both you and your furry friend.

What Does Environmental Management Mean?

Environmental management involves setting up your home and your dog’s daily life to reduce triggers, prevent opportunities for bad habits, and create positive associations. It’s not about strict control, but about making it easier for your dog to succeed and for you to train desired behaviors.

Why Does It Matter?

Dogs are creatures of habit and instinct. If left unmanaged, they will naturally follow behaviors that might not align with your expectations—such as chewing on furniture, barking excessively, or stealing food. Managing their environment helps guide them toward behaviors you want to encourage while reducing stress for both you and your dog.

Realistic Examples of Environmental Management

1. Chewing and Destructive Behavior
Scenario: You have a puppy or young dog who loves to chew on furniture or shoes.
Solution:
• Use baby gates or exercise pens to confine your dog to a safe area when unsupervised.
• Provide plenty of chew-proof toys and rotate them regularly to keep them interesting.
• Remove items that you don’t want chewed on, like shoes or cords, and replace them with appropriate options like Kong toys filled with peanut butter or frozen treats.
2. Housebreaking Challenges
Scenario: Your dog has accidents in the house.
Solution:
• Crate train your dog to provide a safe and controlled space where they won’t want to soil.
• Stick to a consistent feeding and potty schedule. Take your dog out regularly, especially after meals or naps, and reward them immediately when they eliminate outside.
• Block access to areas of the home where accidents are likely to occur until your dog is reliably housebroken.
3. Excessive Barking at Windows
Scenario: Your dog barks at people or other dogs walking past the window.
Solution:
• Use frosted window films or curtains to block your dog’s view of high-traffic areas.
• Create a “quiet zone” in your home where your dog can relax away from the stimulation.
• Teach an alternate behavior, such as going to a specific spot or mat when they hear a sound, and reward calm behavior.
4. Jumping on Guests
Scenario: Your dog gets overly excited and jumps on people when they come into the house.
Solution:
• Keep your dog on a leash when guests arrive, allowing you to control their movements.
• Teach your dog to sit when greeting people, rewarding them for calm behavior.
• Use barriers like a baby gate to create a buffer zone where your dog can settle before meeting guests.
5. Food Stealing
Scenario: Your dog jumps on the counter or table to steal food.
Solution:
• Remove temptation by keeping food out of reach.
• Teach a strong “leave it” command and reinforce it consistently.
• Use management tools like closing off the kitchen or keeping your dog in another room during meals.

Benefits of Managing Your Dog’s Environment

• Prevents bad habits from forming: If a dog never learns that jumping on counters leads to snacks, they won’t try it.
• Reduces stress: For both you and your dog. A managed environment means fewer opportunities for accidents or frustration.
• Supports training efforts: Dogs thrive on consistency. Managing their environment reinforces the structure and rules you’re teaching.

Key Takeaway

Good environmental management is not a replacement for training—it’s a complement to it. By thoughtfully arranging your dog’s environment, you create opportunities for success, minimize stress, and build a stronger bond with your pet.

Take the time to evaluate your home and daily routines. Simple changes can make a world of difference in preventing unwanted behaviors and setting your dog up for a lifetime of good habits and happy coexistence!

Hope this helps in creating a better and safer environment and fulfilling lifelong relationship!❤️❤️your dog! Be your dog advocate!!
GSD SHOWJennifer Rutkowski SowieckiVD Southernwind German ShepherdsBebo SantanaBlazethegsd1Jan Ragsdale TuckerOhmygsdsRafael PerezRicardo García MejíaSalvatore Gennusa #

11/17/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎

Tanya Beasley, Elaine Sadeghi, David Perez, Martin Laureano Cruz, Pat Farley

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

11/17/2024

Discover ceciliamart's collection, Southernwindk9 Dog Wisdom Hub Blog