Here is a subject most people do not even know can help with your training. Most dogs are either left pawed and discovering which one your dog is will help you train your dogs’ easier and help your dog be more balanced while training.

Here is how you find out which one your dog is:

1. When you throw a ball for your dog, watch to see which way he or she turns when they come back.
2. Do this at least six times.
3. If your dog comes back the same way the majority of the time, that is what your dog is.
4. If your dog turns back, left, they are lefty, right, they are righty.

How It Helps Training

I can only give you examples here to explain it so you will understand. When we train our dogs to around a blind, or curtain, a certain way, or any object, and they are having difficulty, one of the reasons could be because their instinct is to go around it the other way. When this happens, we train the dog to go around the way they are more comfortable.

Think about when you are writing. Most people are comfortable using one hand or the other. Some people can even use both, which is call ambidextrous. Dogs can also be ambidextrous and you should use that to your advantage in training. It would be hard for us to change our hand in writing, just as it would be for dogs.

When you train, and you’re having a hard time getting your dog to go a certain way, think about what is more comfortable for your dog. You will see a big improvement!

Understanding the Pros and Cons of playing laser

Laser tag, a wonderful game between man’s best friend and owner to strengthen an already inseparable bond. However, like most things, playing laser with our companions can have some Pros and Cons. This article will cover the pluses behind playing laser; such as, building drive, training, and overall exercise including the health benefits behind them. But also including the cons and downfalls that diligent pet owners should watch out for.

When you play laser with your dog, you have to ensure that every time they play they get a reward when your play time is over. Much like positive reinforcements or habits built on the actions we perform, it is a great idea to provide positive reinforcement and backing to your best friend as well to let them know it was a positive experience worthy of praise. In the end, it can be very frustrating to your dog because they were unable to “catch” the light and can become a point of contention or something they become obsessed with.

So, how do we avoid this obsessive behavior What is a way we can ensure that our best friend knows when playtime is over? Simple, whenever your game of laser tag has come to an end, use a marker word such as “Got It!” When you stop shining that impossible to catch light simply reward your dog with a treat or dog food, during this time you can give them a treat or some dog food and if you would like you can switch up your game time playing other games like fetch, or even playing around with a ball!

Understanding that playing should be a random game and never everyday at the same time. This can create a pattern and they will know when it’s time to play. When our best friend hears the sound of the click on the laser, they are ready to go and they know it’s time to play. However, instead of using the laser, switch up the game and play ball. This way they are not going to always anticipate the laser, but initiate play with the click sound. If you use the laser and they hear the click when you use it all the time, they will expect it. If you switch it up they will be expecting play and not always the laser. This will break any obsession a dog may have. However, if you notice your dog is getting obsessed with it, stop playing right away and switch things up for a bit.

Now, if continuous use of nothing but the laser during these times of play can have adverse effects. Some dogs become neurotic,  constantly wanting it and crave nothing else. This is one reason why you must use caution and observe your dog’s behavior. The other downside is some dogs can start to chase shadows while in public. This can be dangerous for your dog and others around you. If you see your dog starting to chase shadows after you start playing laser, stop the laser right away!

If your German Shepherd Dog has hip dysplasia from genetics there is not much you can do except for your vets advice.

However, to prevent your German Shepherd from getting hip dysplasia that is not a genetic incident, follow these 5 top tips:

1. If your German Shepherd is a puppy remember this rule: “ALL FOUR PAWS ON THE GROUND!”,  until they reach the age of 14 months old. Hip dysplasia can develop through jumping before the full development of their hips. Puppies are very active and love to pounce around everywhere and on everything. This is where training and puppy play pens come in handy. It allows you to control your puppies activities, keeping them safe until you can have your attention on them 100%. If your puppy is running around free to do what it wants and not supervised, how will you know if he injured himself? Keeping a close eye on your puppy is very important not only for their safety, but for their health.

3. Exercise your German Shepherd dog everyday. Maintaining their muscle mass and keeping them strong will prevent injuries to the bones. Injuries can cause osteoarthritis later down the line and turn into hip dysplasia. Be very careful of injuries. If your dog plays Frisbee or does sports that involves jumping, ask your vet for a joint supplement.

4. Make sure your German Shepherd has a nice firm bed to sleep on and not a cold floor or concrete. Their bodies need support just like ours do at rest. As well, make sure they are sleeping in a place that they can stretch out and be comfortable while they sleep. If they sleep in a crate, make sure it is big enough for them to stand up, turn around and have room to stretch their legs. Constant pressure on their legs will cause problems.

5. Make sure your breeder has proof of hip certifications of the parents that bred the puppy you plan on buying. It is very important to find a breeder that is responsible for the puppies they breed and ensure the health of their puppies. Also, choose a breeder that guarantees their puppies hips just in case their is an unknown flaw.

By following these 5 rules, your German Shepherd have a wonderful chance of never developing this terrible disease. It is important to care for your German Shepherd, have the finances to raise one properly and keep up on a well diet and exercise.

This article is going to give you tips on how to break up a dog fight.

How to Break Up a Dog Fight: If you are not alone, follow these directions:

• Grab the aggressor of the fight first by the back legs and hold him up
• Grab the other dog and hold him up by the back legs
• Turn the dogs counter clock wise and walk away from each other while doing so, so as to pull them apart.
• Be very careful when the dogs are apart. The dogs are in fight mode and will bite at anything, even you. They do not realize they are hurting you if you get bit.
• When the dogs are apart, make sure you spin them away from you so you do not get bit.
• Take control of the dogs and make sure you secure them with a leash at this point so the fight does not continue again. DO NOT let go of their legs until you have full control of them.
• Check your dog for injuries and get to a vet immediately if there is blood.

How to Break Up a Dog Fight: If you are alone, follow these directions:

• Grab the aggressors back legs as you would if you had another person with you.
• Take your leash and get it around the back of the aggressors and lynch the dogs back leg up with the leash.
• Quickly assess a place to hook your leash to the fence with the dog in tow. Make sure you hook it up high so the dog cannot get loose.
• After hooking up the other dog, grab the other dogs back legs and pull the dog counter clockwise away from the other dog. Get that dog to safety and to a place that is secure.
• Then you can pass out!

It is very stressful to do this alone, believe me I have done it myself. Just remember to stay focused and keep your wits about you. Always have a leash with you when you walk your dog and be a strong pack leader. Know when there may be a situation about to happen and try to stop it from happening in the first place by showing your leadership. Some dogs, not all, will back down if you show your dominance.

It does not always work but at least you can say you tried. Remember, your dog feels every emotion you do. They feel your fear and anger. Do not ever show that you are fearful when this situation happens. Stand your ground and the aggressor may just back off.

Before you purchase a German Shepherd, know the top 5 causes of hip dysplasia.

Hip Dysplasia is very devastating to both you and your dog. Not only are you watching your dog go through pain, but you are watching them deteriorate right in front of your eyes. One of the biggest questions we answer here at Von Weiss Kennels are, “Why do German Shepherds get hip dysplasia?” or “Our German Shepherd had to be put down because of hip dysplasia and we are ready for another German Shepherd puppy.” Below are the top 5 causes of hip dysplasia, our dogs come with a guarantee NOT to have hip dysplasia! Looking for a new German Shepherd puppy? 

Top 5 Causes of Hip Dysplasia

#1 Genetics

This is one of the more important causes of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia can be genetically passed to puppies by a sire or dame that has hip dysplasia in their bloodlines. It is a genetic flaw. When breeders do not get their breeding pair x-rayed for hip dysplasia, and one of the parents have the disease, the chances of the puppies inheriting hip dysplasia is great. Unfortunately, dogs can also carry the Gene of Hip Dysplasia. The German Shepherd Dog can have great x-rays of the hips yet still have a litter with hip dysplasia. You would have no way of knowing if that line is effected unless they have been bred and the puppies will show signs in the litter. At this point both dogs need to be spade or neutered to prevent it from ever happening again. Good breeders will have at least 3 generations of the hip certifications of the bloodline they are breeding.

#2 Diet

This is one of the causes of hip dysplasia you have control over!  Feeding a poor diet can also cause hip dysplasia. Feeding your dog a low calcium and protein diet infected with preservatives such as BHA and BHT will set your German Shepherd up for health issues. It will weaken their bones due to lack of ingredients needed for strong bones. As well, over feeding your German Shepherd will cause extra weight and pressure on their hips and cause hip dysplasia as well.

#3 Injury

If your dog shows signs of hip dysplasia at a young age, it may not be genetics, but an injury for allowing a puppy to jump over things or on things. Puppies are very active and need to have their activities monitored. If your puppy is having issues, an x-ray will show an injury. Older dogs can also get hip dysplasia from an injury as they get older and will present osteoarthritis first and then hip dysplasia. Always be on the lookout, this is another one of the causes of hip dysplasia that you have control over.

#5 Birth problems

Occasionally, a mother has a puppy that will be born breach, (feet first), and the mother cannot push the puppy out due to it being breach or too large for her to whelp. A breeder will have to carefully pull the puppy out to save the puppies still waiting to be whelped (born). There is a small possibility that the puppy in question may have a hip problem due to pulling on the puppies legs to allow the other puppies to be whelped. This is a rare occurrence but can happen. An experienced breeder will know how to pull the puppy out with as little pressure to the puppy’s legs as possible.

The “Dog Flu” can be a very upsetting illness for you and your dog. Knowing the facts can help avoid your dog from contracting this disease. The disease is called Influenza Type A or H3N8.

The dog flu originated from horses and has mutated and migrated to dogs. Symptoms of the dog flu disease are a cough, runny nose, fever, trouble breathing in a more serious case. If your dog suffers from any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

The following list will help you prevent your dog from contracting the Dog Flu H3N8:

1. Sanitize

It should be a regular practice if you are a pet owner to clean their bowls, kennels and bedding everyday. Bowls should be washed with soap and hot water, never bleach. Depending on the type of bowl you use, the bleach could settle into the pores of the bowl. Bedding should be machine washed regularly and kennels and crates washed with a anti-viral cleanser.

2. Floors

What ever you have on your shoes, you bring into your home. If possible, take your shoes off at the front door and have a pair of shoes waiting for you inside that you know are clean and where they have been. If this is not possible, you must clean your floors every time you come in your home from a place (other than your backyard),outside. If you have carpet, Lysol products work well. On tile and marble floors use bleach. This may seem overprotective, but it will help you keep your dog from getting ill.

3. Dog Parks

Dog parks are a breeding area for all types of illnesses. It is not recommended to bring your dogs to a dog park. You have no idea if other people have immunized their dogs, taken precautions against Rabies or have ever even been to a vet. The Dog Flu is very active in dog parks.

4. Teeth

Brushing your dogs teeth and keeping them clean will help with the prevention of growing bacteria, which could be a secondary complication in the H3N8. If your dog will not let your brush, use a small warm towel with approved dog paste and wipe them clean as best your can.

5. Diet

If your dog has a strong immune system, it will protect them from getting sick and if they do, it will be a milder case. Never feed your dog food with BHA or BHT in it. It causes cancer and weakens your dogs immune system. Make sure your dog is on a good, well balanced diet and not some junk dog food filled with corn and fillers. Give healthy snacks such as carrots.

Now that you have brought your new German Shepherd puppy home, there are 5 things you must remember to follow through with to help acclimate your German Shepherd Puppies new surroundings.

#5 Understand Your German Shepherd Puppy

#4 Create Boundaries

German Shepherd Puppies need to have boundaries and taught what they are allowed to do and not do. German Shepherds need to have a playpen and a crate to control your puppy’s activities. Without either one of these training tools, your puppy will be running around the house in chaos and not be aware of what they are allowed to do and not do. That leads to frustration, anger and yelling at your puppy. When this happens, it will hurt your bond with your new German Shepherd Puppy and you will be off to a bad start.

You are the pack leader, therefore you teach your puppy boundaries. This does not mean yell at your puppy when he does something wrong. Your German Shepherd Puppy has NO clue what is right and wrong yet until you teach him. To start, use a puppy playpen. This way, your puppy is not learning bad behaviors such as chewing on the couch or eating shoes and electrical cords. Have plenty of toys in your German Shepherds playpen and change them every few days to get your German Shepherd used to different things, textures and sounds. When you are ready to bring your German Shepherd puppy out with you, make sure he has your FULL attention. Do not let puppy run around without you observing and training.

#3 Crate Training

#2 Potty Training

The crate is also the best tool to teach your German Shepherd how and when to “make” in a designated area. First thing in the morning you are to let puppy out of their crate, pick up your puppy and bring them to their potty area. Do not let the puppy walk there for the first few days. Once you see you puppy “making”, give a high praise with a high tone of voice. But don’t do it so loud that you scare them into stopping what they were doing! Once your German Shepherd puppy is finished, put your puppy back into their crate and feed them. About 5 minutes after they are done, bring puppy back to the designated area and let them go again. This time it may take a while. In a two or three days you will be able to figure the time it takes your puppy to “make” and you can adjust your timing.

Once puppy is all done with potty training and eating, it is time to do a little socializing with your new German Shepherd puppy. Play with your puppy, run with your puppy and keep a positive attitude! Then, put them in their puppy pen when you cannot be with them full time.

#1 Keeping Puppy Safe

All German Shepherd puppies need three sets of shots to protect them from Parvo, distemper and rabies. A puppy is NEVER to go to dog parks, allowed to dig and hang out in the backyard or go into public areas until they have had all three sets of shots. This, without a doubt, is one of the biggest killers of German Shepherd puppies, lack of knowledge. Until two days after the puppies shots are complete, keep your puppy secure and safe by keeping them in the house and monitored while they go “make”. It will save your puppies life.

As well, when you are at the vet, hold your puppy at all times. Do not let your puppy down on the floor. People constantly bring in sick dogs and the vet may not be aware of a dog that has Parvo or distemper that is waiting to be seen.                     

What is Schutzhund

The word “Seiger” means Champion in German.; it is a Schutzhund sport term used for qualified breeding German Shepherds. The point of Shutzhund is first and foremost to qualify a dog for breeding and prove the bloodline by trialing the dog in many areas. In Germany, a Sch title (1, 2, or 3) is required for both parents, or the dog is not an SV.The German Sieger trials, run by the original GSD club, and the USCA, the Schaferhundverein (SV). The Bundessieger is the SV German champion, and the Weltsieger is the SV world champion.

The end result is a dog unfazed by just about anything, with the closest possible relationship to his or her trainer. American breeders keep going back to Germany for breeding stock simply because German dogs are still generally the best in the world, and the Sieger trials are the reason.

Achievement in Schutzhund:

1. BH: public comportment. Stability in the presence of other dogs doing strange things (skateboard, for instance). Good basic obedience. Like the AKC CD title.
2. AD: Basically, run a half-marathon with two brief breaks, then do obedience at the end. Unless the trainer is an iron man competitor, he or she rides a bicycle. A GSD can trot effortlessly faster than almost any human being can run.
3. A conformation. Is the dog biomechanically sound? Does it look like a GSD? This has a couple of levels.
4. Schutzhund 1, 2, and 3 are progressively harder tests of obedience, ground-scent work, and the ability to take on an aggressive human “agitator” without losing control: place him under arrest following the orders of the handler, and protect the handler from attack.