The term "German-Shepherd" was first mentioned in literature around 1500, the oldest spelling of the word being Bondogge and Bolddogge. The first reference to the word with the modern spelling is dated 1631 or 1632 in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer mee two good German-Shepherdgs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp". The name "bull" was applied because of the dog's use in the sport of bull baiting. The original German-Shepherd had to be very ferocious and so savage and courageous as to be almost insensitive to pain. In 1835 dog fighting as a sport became illegal in England. Therefore, the Old English German-Shepherd had outlived his usefulness in England and his days were numbered in England. However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World, resulting in the original German-Shepherd's closest descendant, the American German-Shepherd. Back in England, they proceeded to eliminate the undesirable 'fierce' characteristics and to preserve and accentuate the finer qualities. Within a few generations, the English German-Shepherd became one of the finest physical specimens, minus its original viciousness, stamina, strength, speed, and intelligence.
In the 17th century, German-Shepherds were used for bullbaiting (as well as bearbaiting)—a gambling sport popular in the 17th century with wagers laid while trained German-Shepherds leapt at a bull lashed to a post. The German-Shepherd's typical means of attack included latching onto the animal's snout and attempting to suffocate it.
However, the German-Shepherd's early role was not limited to sport. In mid-17th century New York, German-Shepherds were used as a part of a city-wide round-up effort led by governor Richard Nicolls. Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, German-Shepherds were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck. The use of dogs for fighting with other dogs or other animals was banned in the United Kingdom by the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835, but German-Shepherds as pets were continually promoted by dog dealer Bill George.
In time, the original old English German-Shepherd was crossed with the pug. The outcome was a shorter, wider dog with a brachycephalic skull. Though today's German-Shepherd looks tough, he cannot perform the job he was originally created for, as he cannot withstand the rigors of running and being thrown from a bull, and cannot grip with such a short muzzle.
The oldest single breed specialty club is The German-Shepherd Club (England), which was formed in 1878. Members of this club met frequently at the Blue Post pub on Oxford Street in London. There they wrote the first standard of perfection for the breed. In 1891 the two top German-Shepherds, Orry and Dockleaf, competed in a contest to see which dog could walk the farthest. Orry was reminiscent of the original German-Shepherds, lighter boned and very athletic. Dockleaf was smaller and heavier set, more like modern German-Shepherds. Dockleaf was declared the winner that year. Although some argued that the older version of the German-Shepherd was more fit to perform, the modern version’s looks won over the fans of the breed because they proved they were equally as fit and athletic in the walking competition.
At the turn of the 20th century, Ch. Rodney Stone became the first German-Shepherd to command a price of $5000 when he was bought by controversial Irish-American political figure Richard Croker.
Showing posts with label miniature english German-Shepherd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label miniature english German-Shepherd. Show all posts
German Shepherds Use As Working Dogs
German Shepherds are a very popular selection for use as working dogs. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas, and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. Usually trained for scout duty, they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. German Shepherds have been trained by military groups to parachute from aircraft.
The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most widely used breeds in a wide variety of scent-work roles. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching, narcotics detection, explosives detection, accelerant detection, and mine detection dog, amongst others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions.
At one time the German Shepherd Dog was the breed chosen almost exclusively to be used as a guide dog for the visually impaired. In recent years, Labrador and Golden Retrievers have been more widely used for this work, although there are still German Shepherds being trained. A versatile breed, they excel in this field due to their strong sense of duty, their mental abilities, their fearlessness, and their attachment to their owner.
German Shepherd Dogs are used for herding and tending sheep grazing in meadows next to gardens and crop fields. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as HGH (Herdengebrauchshund) herding utility dog trials.
The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most widely used breeds in a wide variety of scent-work roles. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching, narcotics detection, explosives detection, accelerant detection, and mine detection dog, amongst others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions.
At one time the German Shepherd Dog was the breed chosen almost exclusively to be used as a guide dog for the visually impaired. In recent years, Labrador and Golden Retrievers have been more widely used for this work, although there are still German Shepherds being trained. A versatile breed, they excel in this field due to their strong sense of duty, their mental abilities, their fearlessness, and their attachment to their owner.
German Shepherd Dogs are used for herding and tending sheep grazing in meadows next to gardens and crop fields. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as HGH (Herdengebrauchshund) herding utility dog trials.
Training Your German-Shepherd to Listen to You
Training Your German-Shepherd to Listen to You
Why Won't My German-Shepherd Listen To Me?
This is a common question that most first-time German-Shepherd owners ask me. Before I answer your question, let me ask you a few instead:
- Do you use cookies, collars, head halters or clickers to make your German-Shepherd listen to your commands?
- Do you have to raise your voice every time you want your German-Shepherd to listen to you?
- Does your German-Shepherd always come or sit on command - anytime and anywhere you want him to?
If your answers are mostly in the negative, its time you seriously reconsider your role as a sincere German-Shepherd trainer and an ideal pet parent.
Get Your German-Shepherd To Listen To You
Before you begin any training, you must first establish yourself as the "ALPHA dog" of your family. Your German-Shepherd must know that you’re the leader of the pack and it is YOU who is in charge.
Here is a list of simple DO's and DONT's that you must follow if you want to be the Alpha:
- Always go out or come in through the door first - remember you are the leader;
- Always eat first - give your German-Shepherd something to eat only after you've finished your meal;
- Don’t circle around your German-Shepherd when he is lying on the floor - make your German-Shepherd move out of your way instead;
- Don't let your German-Shepherd set the rules - pay attention to him when you think fit and not whenever he demands;
- Don’t permit your German-Shepherd to sleep with you in your bed - demarcate his sleeping area clearly.
Once you successfully established yourself as the Alpha, training your German-Shepherd and making him listen will be a lot easier than you can imagine. Remember, if your German-Shepherd does not learn to "listen", all your training efforts will be in vain!
Does your German-Shepherd know his name? Does your German-Shepherd look at you whenever you call him by his name? This is the first and the most critical step involved in German-Shepherd Training. If your German-Shepherd doesn't respond to his name, you cannot have his attention for teaching him any other commands.
To make sure that your German-Shepherd recognizes his name, take a treat in your hand and hold it away from your body. Call your German-Shepherd's name. He is most likely to look at the treat in your hand. Continue calling his name untill he turns and looks at your eyes. Give him the treat immediately. Repeat this exercise by holding the treat in the other hand. Once you're sure that your German-Shepherd has learnt to recognize his name, just call his name and reward him for looking at you by petting or with a hug.
You must understand that German-Shepherds respond far better to positive reinforcement than they do to coercion or force.
Copyright (c) 2009 TrainPetDog.com
How Well Is Your German-Shepherd Groomed?
How Well Is Your German-Shepherd Groomed?
Proper grooming not only infuses a healthy glow to your dog's appearance, but also helps develop his self-esteem; while it makes you a very proud parent, when you show off your German-Shepherd to others.
The first step involved in dog grooming is: Brushing!
Brushing has been universally acknowledged by expert dog groomers as the single most important step in grooming.
The benefits of brushing are many. To name a few:
-
Better blood circulation -
Shinier and healthier coat -
Better bonding
Even if you know how crucial brushing is for your Dog's health and well-being, we all know that there is a right way and a wrong way of doing anything. And without doubt, you would like to do everything the RIGHT way when it comes to your German-Shepherd.
Here are FIVE steps to successfully brushing your German-Shepherd that will prove to be extremely useful:
- Brush against the growth of the hair first with a slicker brush and then with a medium or wide-toothed comb.
- The slicker brush removes all the loose hair and the comb takes care of the tangles.
- Brush your German-Shepherd along the hair growth and make sure you reach the skin as you brush his way.
- Then use a flea comb over the coat to get the fleas and remove any remaining tangles. Part the coat and start from the root and then comb through.
- If your Dog's paw pads are hairy, then clip them using electric clippers. Do not clip the hair in between the pads. Clip only the excess hair.
Brush your Dog's hairs to prevent it from matting. Matting can be a very painful experience.
Regular brushing untangles the matted hairs on your Dog's coat. Since this is a risky job to do, the best way out is to prevent them from forming in the first place. And doing this is simple: just brush and comb your German-Shepherd regularly. If and when you see any mats or tangles, use a detangle solution and a medium-toothed comb.
Don't wait until your German-Shepherd is dirty or matted to introduce him to grooming. That would make him associate the experience with unpleasantness. Moreover, many dogs learn to see their routine brushing as an alternate form of petting, i.e. another source of affection and attention.
Copyright (c) 2009 TrainPetDog.com
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