My Dog Training Secrets 

German Shepherds are rated as the 3rd smartest dog in the world, and police use them for this reason, and also because of control! They always look alert. This breed is bigger and has a curved tail and the tip of the tail is buff color. They have an average life span of 10-12 years. This breed is known worldwide for their strong character and even today, are utilized for more than just house pets. You'll often see these working dogs in the armed forces, police departments, or even gracing the silver screen, a la' Rin Tin Tin!

German Shepherds are easy to train to be obedient. They are considered "sharp" which essentially means that when they are trained, their response time is nearly immediate--the time from thought to action happens in milliseconds. Working dogs by and large are considered to have high intelligence levels--whether it's guarding or herding, their "jobs" require certain competencies. The dog’s nose can sniff out drugs and intruders and can alert handlers of underground mines in time to avoid detonation.

German Shepherds are work dogs and needs an outlet to burn off some energy. They are known to be one family or one person dogs and the breed is very protective of the family or pack. If you really want a good guard dog that is loyal to the family and is good with children, then you need a German Shepherd. It is best to not get an adult dog, but to raise one from a puppy so they will have the proper training.

Dogs are very sensitive animals and can, if trained and conditioned, pick up on your body language towards someone who is unwelcome in your home, or be very friendly towards someone who is welcome.

As is common of many large breeds, German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. Good breeding is needed to breed these traits out of their dogs, so that the dog may enjoy a pain-free life and stay suited for work situations. Other health problems sometimes occurring in the breed are skin allergies and canine degenerative myelopathy. German Shepherds, like all large bodied dogs, are also prone to bloat.

Dogs like these have been bred for generations for what some would call "drive," strength, courage, and athletic performance. The males will top 100 pounds, the females, 80. Dogs with coats that have tri-colored hair (that is, black and white and either brown or red) are called sable or agouti. German Shepherd's, when well-trained, are loving dogs they work great for families with the area to support their need for exercise and mobility.

A German Shepherd is a great dog to own as an adult, and can truly make a strong presence at your home. Having lived in Africa, this dog was one of the most common dogs to be seen in many expatriate's, embassy's, and larger home's yards. It was a great pet, very obedient, and a very ominous presence to keep away intruders.