Just4GSD - German Shepherd Dogs

19/02/2024

Show us your favourite GSD winter picture. It doesn't need to be your dog or have snow. (not everyone is blessed with the white muck ;) - not a fan)

19/02/2024

TRAINING TIP: Here are some tips to train your dog with the help of the whistle:

1) Take your dog to a place without any disturbance or distraction. Keep some tasty calming treats with you.

2) Blow the whistle when the dog is not attentive to you. Blow one short blast and wait and watch till the furry fellow comes to you for investigation.

3) As soon as he/she comes to you and start investigating, praise and give him/ her the special treat that you have brought.

4) Repeat the same sequence from further distances. If your dog is not paying attention call their name shortly after the whistle so they associate their own name with the whistle.

5) Never beg or coax your dog to come with food. The treats are a reward not a bribe.

6) Your dog will gradually make the relationship between the whistle and the reward. You will know they have by the eager response of your dog to the whistling.

7) Keep practicing with the whistler over a number of sessions. Like all forms of dog training repetition is important.
Visit our website to grab some cool products for your GSD. https://just4gsd.com/

19/02/2024

18/02/2024

Have a great day from Just4GSD !

17/02/2024

Who can resist puppy eyes?! Not us! What have you given into by the power of this GSD expression? Visit our website to grab some cool products for your GSD.
https://just4gsd.com/collections/supplements

17/02/2024

Sibling love! Let’s see your GSD’s and their siblings (animal or human)! Visit our website to grab some cool products for your GSD. https://just4gsd.com/

17/02/2024

What is Tether Training and Why Should I Care?

Steve Walsh – Just4GSD - German Shepherd Dogs

Tether training can be a great option when helping to training your GSD in a variety of things including appropriate child dog interaction, potty training, hands free running (tether leashed) and more.

The word “tether” is generally used to describe a short (about 4 feet long) leash with a snap on either end. The purpose of a tether is to restrain your dog for a short period of time, keeping it near you. It can be used as a training tool for behavior modification, bond-building, and various forms of training.

With pups, the main benefit of keeping your pup tethered to you is that you will be able to supervise him at all times – this is extremely important for potty training and it will help you build a stronger bond with your puppy from the very start. Using a tether will also help to keep your puppy from getting into trouble around the house. The Devil makes work for bored, unsupervised pups 😊. In addition to potty training and supervision, tether training can also be used to teach your puppy positive habits like remaining calm in the presence of guests.

Tether training is however not just for puppies. You can also use tether training to teach your GSD to run or walk on a hands-free leash – you can even train your dog to run on a tether attached to a bicycle. (Just make sure its long enough so their tail doesn’t get tangled in the back wheel of the bike or chain.)

No matter what you use the tether for, there are some important things about tether training that you need to be aware of, so your dog doesn’t come to view the tether in a negative way or as a form of punishment. Before you start using the tether, you’ll have to get your pooch used to it and take steps to help him form a positive association with the tether.

Here are a few tips to help you tether train correctly.

Tether training is by no means a complicated form of dog training but there is a right and a wrong way to go about it.

• Familiarize your dog with the tether before you start training and teach them that the tether is associated with good things, not bad. Start by just attaching the tether to his leash then praise and reward him. Start slowly and working your way up to keeping them on the tether for a few minutes at a time.

• Only release your dog from the tether when they are completely calm. If you release your dog when they are acting out or anxious, you will only be teaching them that this behavior works and reinforcing the idea that the tether is something to be afraid of.

• Take baby steps with tether training. If you are training your dog to walk or run on a tether, start off slowly by using the tether in your backyard, working your way up to slow walks, then jogs, then longer runs (if that is your goal).

• No matter what you are using the tether for, always reinforce and reward positive behaviors. When your dog is on the tether, keep plenty of treats handy and be quick to praise your dog for good behavior!

• The overall goal is firstly to build a mental association with the tether as “good” and then to use this tool to train the desired behavior.

As is true with any type of training, it will take time for your dog to get the hang of tether training. As always be consistent in your training methods and be patient with your dog as they learn. Once your pup’s training is established you will both be able to enjoy the benefits!

https://just4gsd.com/

16/02/2024

Best friends are hard to find but when you find them, you better hold on tight! Let's see a photo of your GSD with their best friend (animal or human)!

15/02/2024

Bo Dereck & her GSD. Visit our website for products related to GSD.
https://just4gsd.com/

15/02/2024

How to Positively Change your GSD's View on Nail Trimming

Have you ever had a GSD that is afraid of getting their nails trimmed? This is probably because of a negative experience they've had in the past with either their nails being trimmed too short and hitting the nerve, having their leg pulled out in an uncomfortable position, or many other possible reasons. The best way to reassure them is to start slow. Smear some peanut butter on the trimmers to relate them with good feelings. Show them to your GSD and give him/her a treat. Reach for the leg and give another treat. Slowly start trimming the nails and give more treats. If he/she retreats or resists at any point, go back to the last step where your GSD was comfortable and reward them. Don't hurry them. It might take a while, but it is the best way to create a positive and lasting experience for future trimmings. This is also a great tactic to use on puppies to start them out right.
Nail trimmers don't have to be every dog's worst nightmare!
Buy some cool stuff from JUST4GSD website.
http://www.just4gsd.com/

14/02/2024

Five Tips for Effective Tether Training

Steve Walsh – https://just4gsd.com/ - German Shepherd Dogs

Tether training is not rocket science but there is a right and a wrong way to go about it.

• Familiarize your dog with the tether before you start training and teach them that the tether is associated with good things, not bad. Start by just attaching the tether to his leash then praise and reward him. Start slowly and working your way up to keeping them on the tether for a few minutes at a time.

• Only release your dog from the tether when they are completely calm. If you release your dog when they are acting out or anxious, you will only be teaching them that this behavior works and reinforcing the idea that the tether is something to be afraid of.

• Take baby steps with tether training. If you are training your dog to walk or run on a tether, start off slowly by using the tether in your backyard, working your way up to slow walks, then jogs, then longer runs (if that is your goal).

• No matter what you are using the tether for, always reinforce and reward positive behaviors. When your dog is on the tether, keep plenty of treats handy and be quick to praise your dog for good behavior!

• The overall goal is firstly to build a mental association with the tether as “good” and then to use this tool to train the desired behavior.

As is true with any type of training, it will take time for your dog to get the hang of tether training. As always be consistent in your training methods and be patient with your dog as they learn. Once your pup’s training is established you will both be able to enjoy the benefits!

14/02/2024

Caption This!
Visit our website to grab some cool products for your GSD. https://just4gsd.com/

14/02/2024

What do you do to exercise your pup when you feel it's too cold to go outside?

13/02/2024

Let's talk GSD art :) Have you had or made a picture of your favourite fluffy friend? What style do you prefer? Lets see German Shepherd masterpieces.
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13/02/2024

Do you have GSD siblings who are double trouble when they're together? Tell us your stories! Visit our website to get exclusive discounts on GSD products https://just4gsd.com/

12/02/2024

12/02/2024

PHOTOGRAPHY GIFT TIP : Gallery Wrapped Canvas, Keepsake Boxes, Matted Prints and Wood Mounts all look great in your home and make great gifts too. You just don’t get the same feeling – the same impact – from digital files alone.
Moments, personalities and memories… captured and living on forever as tangible, tactile prints - very cool!

11/02/2024

Calling all GSD lovers! What are your thoughts on the exquisite white German Shepherd? True Shepherd or not? Either way, these stunning pooches are here to light up your day with their beauty and charisma!

With their majestic pure white fur and intelligent eyes, white German Shepherds are truly a sight to behold. Whether romping around at the park or cuddling up at home, they exude elegance and grace with every move. Not to mention, their loyalty and love for their human pals knows no bounds!

Share this post if you're a fan of these heavenly hounds and let's spread the love for white German Shepherds across the globe!

11/02/2024

Jennifer Aniston & GSD

11/02/2024

Who doesn't love a good GSD meme? Check out this thread and try not to laugh!

25 Goofy Memes Of German Shepherds That Will Make You Laugh All Day - World's largest collection of cat memes and other animals

10/02/2024

Show me your beautiful white Shepherds
Visit our website to grab some cool products for your GSD.
https://just4gsd.com/

10/02/2024

Fall German Shepherds - lets see those GSD's. Visit our website for products related to GSD.
https://just4gsd.com/

10/02/2024

7 Obedience Training Tips for German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherds are big, powerful and highly intelligent dogs. They make wonderful pets, but obedience training is essential for their mental wellbeing and safety.
Unfortunately, there are many myths about training dogs – particularly large and strong breeds. These include using pain as a correction tool, asserting dominance, or withdrawing food for “bad” behavior.

Negative techniques are unnecessary for any dog, but they are worse for GSDs. Despite their size, German Shepherds are a sensitive breed that react best to compassion and praise. In fact, dominance techniques can increase anxiety and reinforce bad behaviors.

With this in mind, here are seven tips for training your GSD without resorting to pain and punishment.

1. Training a GSD Should Not be a Battle of Mental Strength
Training a dog should be a positive process. The goal isn’t just to teach commands and obedience, but also to develop a stronger bond between you and your pet.

For this reason, training should be a positive experience for your dog. Use rewards to reinforce the right behaviors and be enthusiastic with your praise. The more fun you make the training session, the more effective it’s likely to be.

This doesn’t mean you always need to use treats though. GSDs often find their toys to be just as rewarding as a food treat – although you’ll get best results by using a mixture to keep things interesting.

2. Reward for Correct Behavior
It’s often natural to scold a dog when it does something wrong, while forgetting to give praise for good behavior.

For example, you’ll often see owners scold their dog for jumping up, but then ignore them when they don’t. This only reinforces that jumping gets attention - even if it’s negative.

Instead, teach your dog what he should do rather than always focusing on what he shouldn’t. Watch for positive behavior – even if it’s accidental – and give lavish praise or even the occasional treat. When he performs a command correctly, be enthusiastic and use a happy, higher-pitched voice.

It’s vital this praise comes immediately after the good behavior though. Even a delay of a few seconds can make it hard for a dog to understand why he’s being praised.

3. Proofing the Basics is Essential
The strength of a German Shepherd means you must always be in control of your pet. Whether you’re at home, a dog park, café or visiting a friend, your dog should be responsive to your commands.

A common mistake is to assume a dog who knows a command at home will respond with distractions. This is rarely the case, which is why “proofing” a command is a vital step in the training process.

Proofing involves re-teaching a command in gradually more difficult environments. When your dog knows “sit” at home, for example, you can then train the same command in the garden. You might be surprised that your dog isn’t as responsive in a different environment – although he’ll pick up the command quicker the second time.

Once you’re confident in the garden, increase the difficulty by adding distractions, training in a public park or with other dogs around. It’s only when your pet responds in all environments that a command is truly trained.

Extra Tip: The first command you should proof is your dog’s name! He should look at you when you call his name, as you can’t train other commands without his attention.

4. Be Consistent
All dogs need boundaries and consistency – but this is especially important for GSDs. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs, so become anxious when their owner doesn’t treat them in a consistent way.

This is why it’s a bad idea to let your dog on the sofa for a “treat” or occasionally feed him under the table. While it might seem like giving a little extra love, these actions blur the boundaries – especially if the dog gets scolded next time.

5. Avoid Retractable Leashes
Training a German Shepherd to walk politely on a lead is essential. Trying to restrain a pulling GSD doesn’t make for an enjoyable walk, and can be dangerous if you don’t have the strength to hold your pet back.

While leash training deserves an entire article on its own, you should avoid using retractable leashes when training a GSD. It’s important to reinforce a proper a walking distance, but a dog won’t understand this if the leash changes length.

There are also safety issues with a retractable leash. If your pet suddenly sees something to chase, he may forget he’s on a leash. When a large German Shepherd reaches the end of the line at full speed, he’ll either break free or cause a serious injury.

You should also use a harness while teaching your dog not to pull. Collars can cause pain and even damage to the trachea when a strong dog pulls, as the force is concentrated on the throat. A harness is a safer option - although it must be sized correctly to avoid chafing and an altered gait.

6. Fix Issues While Your Dog is Still Young
Behaviors that are cute when your GSD is a puppy may be much less desirable when he’s grown. Common examples include jumping up as a greeting, mouthing and barking.

If possible, spend time breaking these bad habits when your dog is still young. Look for any behavior that wouldn’t be acceptable from an adult GSD, then work on reinforcing an alternative behavior.

7. Never Reinforce Undesirable Behavior
German Shepherds are intelligent and quickly pick up on patterns. If, for example, your dog barks when he’s hungry and then you put his food down – even if you were going to give him food anyway – he’ll learn barking gets food. Once these habits are ingrained, they can take a lot of time and perseverance to fix.

For this reason, avoid accidentally reinforcing behaviors you don’t want. If your dog barks at dinner, wait until he stops before giving food. If he jumps when you come in the front door, ignore him until he settles down. He’ll soon learn these behaviors don’t get him what he wants.

Summary
Training your German Shepherd is a vital part of being a responsible dog owner. Obedience training doesn’t just make your pet much easier to live with, but can also keep your dog safe and happy.

GSDs respond best to positive training techniques. Be consistent with your training, reward your dog for good behaviors, and remember to proof all your commands. Follow these tips and you’ll be amazed at your pet’s progress.
Visit our website for more blog posts.
https://just4gsd.com/

Source: Total German Shepherd

09/02/2024

Lets see some winter action shots!!