Was it when the police came to visit your kindergarten and they brought one along? Did you happen to catch the television show Rin Tin Tin?

German shepherds have been a part of our lives and society for ages, and while many of us love and cherish the breed for its heroism and sense of loyalty, few realize what actually goes into bringing in one of these big boys. That’s why we made a short little article of things to look out for with this noble and respectable breed.

For starters, the German shepherd is very adaptable. Meaning you don’t necessarily need to live in a big house or have a big yard. However, if you do live in an apartment, you must exercise him regularly. That means making time for him along with all your other responsibilities like paying the bills, researching energy savings, etc.

And as far as training and family life is concerned, the German shepherd is a perfect fit. They are intelligent and receptive to commands making them ideal to train and they are both fiercely loyal and loving to any family willing to take them in. However, be warned. If you have company, you will need to take some time introducing them to a German shepherd – they have a tendency to be overprotective.

The German Shepherd first appeared in Germany near the end of the 19th century. Though the dog was registered in Germany, it is likely that its ancestors were wolfish dogs and rural sheep herding dogs from nearby areas, including France. The German Shepherd was initially known as the Alsatian Wolf Dog, having supposedly originated from the Alsace area between France and Germany at the time. Eventually the wolf part of the name was dropped and it was called simply the Alsatian Dog. The heavily disputed territory of Alsace became part of France around this time as well, so the idea that the dog wasn’t really German was likely perpetuated at this time. There were also negative connotations to the word “German” well into the 20th century stemming from the World Wars.

It wasn’t until 1977 that the Alsatian name was finally changed to German Shepherd Dog or Deutscher Schferhund in German. The Alsatian dog back then however was still the same dog as the German Shepherd, in spite of some common myths. Sometimes in Europe the dog is still referred to as the Alsatian, but do not be fooled, it is still the German Shepherd.

Kerstone German Shepherds of Abilene, Kansas has a wide variety of German Shepherds available. Their dogs have been given many awards at shows for their confirmation and health, and the testimonials they showcase speak to the fact that people are more than satisfied with their puppies and their training.

In Southeast Kansas, Whirling Thunder is an AKC recognized breeder of German Shepherds for show, companionship, and security. Their kennels are located in Pittsburg, Ks. The puppies are born in the house and stay there until they begin their shots and worming program at six weeks.

Noblecroft German Shepherd Breeders have been producing quality German Shepherds for fifty five years. They are located in Wichita, Kansas and have both German and American lines in their kennels.

Inspect the kennel and see the dogs when you are ready to select your next German Shepherd for home, business or show purposes.

Teaching your dog to obey your commands:
They worst mistake you can make is not train your pet
First teach your German shepherds simple commands like sit and lay, roll over and fetch.
Coming down to the dogs level and mimicking what they’re doing is a good way for them to understand, make sure as your doing this you are saying what you are wanting them to do.
Give them treats, when you are teaching your dog commands make sure to be encouraging don’t use any type of negative tons.
When they finally learn those commands give them a special reward, that way they know they’ve understood you and that they got it.

Make sure your animals are social:
Letting your German Shepherd play and interact with dogs and people helps dogs understand to that they’re environment is safe.

Make sure to be the Dominant one:
The first thing to teach an animal when your in control is feeding, teaching them that the they eat when you tell them to eat tells them your in charge.
Teaching them simple things like don’t let them on the couch unless they have your permission first.
Making them understand that they can’t go outside the house without a leash and make sure that the dog is following you.

Being impatient with an animal or harsh is never sends a good message to your animal.
When your screaming at your animal it teaches them nothing, it can turn your German shepherd violent.
Always remain calm.

Training your German Shepherd doesn’t have a time limit, every animals learns in a different way and a different pace.