Keeping German Shepherds in the apartment

There is an opinion that it is not worth having a large dog in a city apartment. This is partly the case. Pets of impressive size need space. However, there are universal breeds that will feel equally comfortable both in the private sector and in a city apartment. These include the German Shepherd.

The German Shepherd is a proud and loyal animal. This breed is characterized as a service breed. These dogs are truly versatile. German Shepherds are used for work in the police and the army. Dogs are known for their athletic performance. Beautiful and stately dogs are excellent companions and guards.

As for the name, according to historical information in the 16th century Germany became the center for breeding this breed. In Russia, German Shepherds appeared in 1904 and were immediately sent to the service. In wartime, they acted as sanitary dogs, and also performed the role of "bloodhounds", helping the police.

Today, representatives of this breed are beautiful and hardy dogs that perfectly protect the home and faithfully serve the owner. The characteristic features of the German Shepherd include:

• strong, muscular body;
• wedge-shaped head (elongated muzzle);
• expressive, almond-shaped eyes;
• ears are triangular;
• long, powerful limbs;
• dense coarse fur with a thick undercoat.

Boys are larger than females. The height of the German Shepherd varies from 55 to 60 cm at the withers.The colors of the "Germans" are varied: black, black-backed, zoned or black and tan. There are individuals with red, golden and gray fur. Large pets have a versatile character and are suitable for living in a city apartment.

Naturally, the German Shepherd needs space. Living in a cramped home will bring discomfort to her. If the breeder has a spacious apartment, then there will be much less problems. The pluses of the German Shepherd Dog, located in the "urban environment", include the following nuances.

• The "Germans" are excellent guards. The property and values ​​of the owners will be under reliable protection.
• Sheepdog gets along well with small households and plays the role of a "nanny".
• The pet is quite unpretentious in care and is easy to train.
• The animal loves outdoor games and can frolic for hours with the owner.

However, there are also disadvantages. For example, during the moulting period, the animal's hair will be everywhere. Also, German Shepherds require long walks, where they splash out their energy. It is necessary to walk with the animal 2-3 times a day. “Germans” cannot be left alone for a long time.

The psyche of a dog that is left without a breeder for a long time can be shaken. In addition, raising dogs must be dealt with even at a "tender" age. Otherwise, the pet's aggression will be directed against the household. Training "Germans" should be given 4-5 hours a day. Not all breeders have that much free time.

Keeping a large, playful dog in an apartment is not an easy task. Nevertheless, many problems can be avoided with a competent approach to raising a puppy. From the first days of the baby's appearance in the house, the breeder needs to choose a convenient and comfortable place for him. The pet should remember its corner and rest there as needed. It should be light and secluded. The dog sometimes needs to be alone and gain strength after outdoor games. An excellent solution would be to build an open-air cage for a puppy. As the pet grows older, the "walls" can be removed.

The bed for the German Shepherd must be made from natural materials. A mattress is suitable, the pillowcases of which can be easily removed and sent to the wash. "Germans" love to study various subjects and try to taste. Therefore, your pet will need a whole arsenal of toys and special bones. It is better to remove the shoes from the puppy away.... He will undoubtedly take a keen interest in her.

Males have an independent character and tend to dominate. With proper training, many problems can be avoided. Another weakness of the "Germans" is sex drive. Males, sensing a female, can fall into an inadequate state and show aggression towards others. Girls have a soft and docile disposition. They are easier to train and train in teams.

Caring for a German Shepherd puppy in an apartment should be thorough and regular. They feed the babies 5-6 times a day, it is enough for an adult dog to eat twice a day. "Germans" are perfectly suited for premium industrial feed and natural food. In order for the animal's coat to be shiny and thick, and the teeth to be strong, vitamin complexes are included in the pet's diet.

The dog is combed with a special comb once every two weeks. During the molting period, the procedure is carried out more often. It is best to remove fur residues outdoors, for example, while walking. After the street, the paws of the animal are wiped with a damp cloth. Wash the dog as it gets dirty (3-4 times a year). Special shampoos, including dry shampoos, are perfect for German shepherds. Puppies are taught to bath procedures from 3-4 months.

Do not forget about the hygiene of your teeth and ears. The ears are cleaned with cotton swabs dipped in a special solution. German Shepherd's teeth are looked after 2-3 times a month. For these purposes, pastes or powders are suitable, which can be bought at any pet store. Bones with fluoride are perfect for removing tartar and plaque.

Another indicator of a shepherd's health is its claws. They should be shiny and strong. In case of fragility and stratification, the pet must be shown to a specialist.

Claws are cut at home with a claw cutter.

German Shepherds are quite temperamental animals, so they want to constantly move. The puppy is taken out for walks after it has been vaccinated. The first walk lasts about 10 minutes, then its duration increases. The time spent by the "Germans" in the fresh air ranges from two to four hours a day. An adult pet is taken for a walk on a leash and in a muzzle.

German Shepherds do not tend to show aggression towards other animals, although their behavior towards unfamiliar cats is unpredictable. As guards, pets do not favor strangers on their own territory, so guests should be careful. Excessive attention of strangers to the "Germans" is undesirable.

Inhabitants of city apartments should relieve themselves on the street. It is advisable to take the puppy out immediately after sleeping and eating. German Shepherds are intelligent and quick-witted animals, so they quickly get used to the toilet on the street.

For more information on keeping German shepherds in an apartment, see the next video.