Cat and Dog Blog

How must I train a German Shepherd Dog?

My german Shepherd is 2 Years old.

I took my German Shepard to Dog Obedience classes, everyone loves a German Shepard, the trainer wanted to walk with her and do the sit and heal thing with her, because she learned it the first class!! You can teach them anything, I taught my dog that I wanted her to “go potty” in a certain part of our yard, and she learned the word “potty”, works esp well in the winter!!! They are very smart dogs! The age isnt a factor.

Females can be a bit stronger willed than males, I have trained both, but, it still doesnt take long because of their intelligence level…

I found out about the classes through the local 4-H group.

The German Shepherd Dog: Gait Video $19.95 A detailed and biomechanical analysis of how the characteristics in the German Shepherd standard contribute to sound, strong structure and efficient, beautiful movement. The most up-to-date computer graphics and animation help both novices and experts understand canine movement more fully. (86 minutes)…

The German Shepherd Dog: Handling $19.95 How to show your German Shepherd successfully, including: the organization, procedure and strategy of an SV-style show. Raising the show puppy, teaching gunsoundness and physical examination, and teaching the dog to “stack”. Part of the group of videos which discusses the German Shepherd the German Way! Video, 60 mins….

The German Shepherd Dog: Gait $19.95 This video is designed to illustrate, analyze and teach the German way of looking at the German Shepherd Dog conformation. The GSD was originally meant to be an enduring trotting animal, designed to cover many miles each day working around flocks of sheep. Following this ideal produced the most widely-used and versatile working dog in the world. Video, 60 mins….

German Shepherd Dog – 24H x 16W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

Custom Wood GERMAN SHEPHERD Dog Ornament $9.99 Custom Wood GERMAN SHEPHERD Dog Ornament Holiday Dog Oranment. Personalize this Ornament with your pet’s name. Personalized Dog Ornaments. Masterfully created wood cut ornaments to cherish your pet during the holidays. A perfect gift for any dog lover. Holiday Dog Gift Idea. Each ornament can be personalized with up to 15 characters. Please Enter Text or Wording in space provided above. Personalized Dog Ornament. Engravalbe Gifts

Melissa And Doug Plush German Shepherd $49.99 Melissa And Doug Plush German Shepherd

ASTRO320 + DC40 DOG COLLAR DOG TRAINING $596.99 ASTRO320 + DC40 DOG COLLAR DOG TRAINING

Melissa & Doug Plush German Shepherd (Children’s) – Tan $59.95 With its cocked head, this friendly German shepherd is ready to hear from you! Gentle and well behaved, this beautifully constructed doggy is made of soft, furry fabric with attention to every detail. For ages 3 and up.

Where can I find the best sled dog equipment that is $20 or less?

I want to train my dog to be a sled dog. I need
two harnesses
and/or a gangline for two,
but I’ll settle for just one right now.
I’ll order it online or buy it from somewhere near Dallas.
It has to be $20 or less please.

OK mushing is expensive, really expensive, so be warned. There is an old joke, “SO you want to be a musher? get up every morning at 6 AM, go stand out in the freezing cold, and burn a 100 dollar bill, if you can do that a few months then you might be ready”

Also you don’t mention what type of dogs you have. Many breeds are successfully working in sled dog sports. But to be safe you may want to talk with your vet and make sure yours are sound and healthy to work. Also living near Dallas heat and hydration will be a concern. Have your vet teach you about judging and managing hydration for dogs working in hot climates.

The links given above do have cheap stuff, but I would not vouch for the quality. When you are working with dogs your gear will take a beating, so you should invest in quality well made gear. When it comes to harnesses this is critical.
You should make sure that you get a harness that is properly fitted, find a knowledgeable musher (one who trains and runs sled dogs) to show you how to fit your dog. A poorly fit or made harness can cause discomfort or injury. I would not go to a pet store, the harnesses they sell are not properly designed or padded for pulling.

In my opinion, if you are being thrifty you are better off buying really good gear used, then crappy gear new. Gangline can be made easily, all you need are the raw materials and some fids (tools for making lines, they are really cheap) and someone to show you what to do.

Lastly I have to say training dogs to mush without having either trained dogs to help you or another experienced musher to help you will be a real challenge, not impossible, just hard.

But I have solutions to offer along with all my opinions

Your best bet would be to find a local mentor, or dryland club to work with. Dryland is mushing done in areas without snow, using either carts, bikes, quads, or running.
Sled dog central has great links to clubs, events, and suppliers.
http://www.sleddogcentral.com/

Also consider some of these books and websites, the more you learn the better things will work out for you. A real key to training working dogs is being clear and consistent with them. SO you need to really understand what you want them to do, communicate it clearly, and always respond in a consistent manner so you dog will learn what to expect from you.
“Dog Driver” Miki and Julie Collins – a MUST read, this a great book, and will help you lots.
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Driver-Guide-Serious-Musher/dp/0931866480

The Speed Mushing Manual, Jim Welch, good info even if you just want to have fun
http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Mushing-Manual-Train-Racing/dp/0962364304/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Ski-jour with your Dog, Mari Hoe-Rattio again the advice here is great regardless of weather or not you ski-jour
http://www.amazon.com/Skijor-Your-Dog-Mari-Hoe-Raitto/dp/0963085409/ref=pd_sim_b_14

These have been recommended to me, but I have not read
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Scooter-Sport-Dogs-Love/dp/1411657063/ref=pd_sim_b_11

http://www.amazon.com/Mush-Revised-Beginners-Manual-Training/dp/097906760X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

http://www.amazon.com/Training-lead-dogs-ordinary-positive/dp/B0006DY0LG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234597889&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Mush-Revised-Beginners-Manual-Training/dp/097906760X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

Equalizer Carpet Stain & Odor Eliminator 20 ounces aerosol $7.39 Removes organic stains & odors associated with pets: urine, feces, vomit, fresh blood, food, for cleaning stains associated with training, debilitated/sick animals, cat litter box aversion & elimination behavior problems. Use on carpets, floors, furniture, clothing, litter boxes, cages & pet sleeping area. Do not use on wood surfaces. No phosphates or CFCs….

SDISC Cozy Pet L/XLrg Pad Only (15-Pack) Sanitary pads for use in Large and X-Large Cozy Pet Sanitary Panties….

Dog Pull Toy – Two Headed Snake Set of 2 Double the trouble, these two headed squeaker snakes will keep your dog on his toes and entice him to tug, chew, and play for hours! Package includes one tiger and one leaopard printed snakes….

The Koehler Method of Dog Training $19.95 One of the most popular books on dog training ever publishedThis book has been the choice of thousands seeking expert instruction in dog training since it first appeared in 1962. The Koehler Method has gone through 38 printings and has sold over 475,000 copies. It has taken on the status of a classic on the subject and this, the first new edition of the work, will bring the ingenious approach of a…