Learning about my dogs based on breed
German Shepherd
These dogs are highly intelligent and will show undying devotion to their master but they are dogs that need company and stimulation to be at their best. It is however, important to remember that this is a working breed and that they do have certain characteristics that some people might find difficult to live with. The German Shepherd should be steady, loyal, self assured, courageous and willing and should not be nervous over aggressive or shy. Nervous aggression is something that we are now seeing more often as a result of bad breeding. It is sad but there has always been indiscriminate breeding of German Shepherds right from the start, which has lead to problems with temperament and health. (http://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/german-shepherd-history.html)
So what happens if you have a G.Shep that was isolated until the age of 1 and is very nervous and shy? I guess she's not really shy as much as cautious and unsure about most everything. She is very timid. I've read that they are really good with kids, that's another issue we have, although she doesn't get aggressive with them she is often bothered by their very presence. She has had a rather unconsistent life but I'm hoping that we can overcome that and get her back on track. She is 6 years old now and never had a lic of training. She is stubborn and lazy. She has proven to be a great protector of our home, doesn't dig much or bark much.
Labrador Retriever
Temperament - Labradors have a very special and unique temperament, one that sets them apart from all other breeds. It's the reason they are so highly regarded as a family companion dog, some would say they are the perfect all-round family dog.
Ok so my Lab is about 6 months old. Yes he is very easy to train. I have learned that it is essential to get them young if you plan on being able to train them by yourself or having a busy life (other children to tend to). He easily walks with you, is learning sit and stay, is fairly good at not begging ( but has troubles remembering when toddlers offering him food from the table). He does enjoy playing ball but our older dog often attacks him when he gets the ball (she will refuse to get the ball). He digs when he's board or smells something, as we have had to bolder up the bottom of the compost bin. Feeding is something we keep strictly to a scheduled but he also always acts hungry. I have found as long as he always has a bone around he won't cause much trouble when left alone.
These dogs are highly intelligent and will show undying devotion to their master but they are dogs that need company and stimulation to be at their best. It is however, important to remember that this is a working breed and that they do have certain characteristics that some people might find difficult to live with. The German Shepherd should be steady, loyal, self assured, courageous and willing and should not be nervous over aggressive or shy. Nervous aggression is something that we are now seeing more often as a result of bad breeding. It is sad but there has always been indiscriminate breeding of German Shepherds right from the start, which has lead to problems with temperament and health. (http://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/german-shepherd-history.html)
German Shepherds should be socialized at an early age
and trained after 7 months of age. They are very sociable and need
attention. The German Shepherd does well in apartment living provided
they are mature, trained, and have plenty of exercise. German Shepherd
pups require a more open environment for proper development.
The German Shepherd Dog is of middle size, strong, well muscled and
elegant looking. Height is 22-26 inches, weight is 75-95 pounds. Colors
are black and tan, black and red, black and cream, black and silver,
solid black, sable, and white. White is considered to be a fault in the
US and white shepherds cannot enter breed classes at shows.
The German Shepherd Dog needs require regular combing and occasional
baths. The life expectancy is around 13 years. (http://www.k9pups.com/site/657261/page/356580)
So what happens if you have a G.Shep that was isolated until the age of 1 and is very nervous and shy? I guess she's not really shy as much as cautious and unsure about most everything. She is very timid. I've read that they are really good with kids, that's another issue we have, although she doesn't get aggressive with them she is often bothered by their very presence. She has had a rather unconsistent life but I'm hoping that we can overcome that and get her back on track. She is 6 years old now and never had a lic of training. She is stubborn and lazy. She has proven to be a great protector of our home, doesn't dig much or bark much.
Labrador Retriever
They
are devoted family members as well as excellent hunting companions. They are
good with children, tend to enjoy the company of other dogs, they are even
used as guide dogs, police dogs for sniffing out drugs and search and rescue
dogs. The hunting season tends to be rather short, and so the Labrador's most
popular job nowadays seems to be sitting on a family couch or in front of the
television. (http://www.lorkenfarms.com/labrador%20Retriever%20history.htm)
Labs are well balanced, strongly built, athletic dogs who have a short dense weather resistant coat (they do shed!).
A male Lab will grow to a height of 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall at the
withers, while a female will be an inch or two shorter. Fully grown Labs
weigh in at a muscular and energetic 55 to 80 pounds.
At its best and when given proper puppy socialization and training
the Labrador Retriever is: Highly intelligent, gentle, affectionate,
loyal, utterly dependable, good natured, lively and eager to please.
They are superb with children, good with other dogs and animals.
Labs become very attached to their human family. They love nothing more than spending time with their family - exploring, swimming, hiking or retrieving a ball. For this reason some Labs can experience separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone and bored for long periods.
Health - One of the biggest threats to the health of your Labrador Retriever Puppy is actually controlled by you. Labradors that are overfed or allowed to become overweight are opened up to a wide range of potential health problems. It's crucial to keep your Lab active, healthy and fit through a proper diet and daily exercise - they love to chase a ball!
Labradors were bred in a cool climate. They really do feel the
heat, so if you live in a hot climate try to do everything you can to
make your dog comfortable. Provide plenty of cold drinking water, shade and cool airflow.
Training - Training a labrador puppy is an essential and rewarding experience for both you and your puppy. The intelligence and eager to please nature of the Labrador make them a highly trainable breed - they are gifted and willing students. From puppy house training right through to advanced obedience training the Labrador is at the head of the class.
Labrador Retrievers respond best to positive, non violent, reward based training methods. All they require are some guidelines and boundaries to be set in order to become well respected and trusted members of society.
Your Lab will do his/her best for you when training, there's no need
for harsh "yank n crank" type training methods. They thrive on the physical and mental stimulation which obedience training provides - plus it is time spent with you which is a bonus. (http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-labrador-puppy.html )
Ok so my Lab is about 6 months old. Yes he is very easy to train. I have learned that it is essential to get them young if you plan on being able to train them by yourself or having a busy life (other children to tend to). He easily walks with you, is learning sit and stay, is fairly good at not begging ( but has troubles remembering when toddlers offering him food from the table). He does enjoy playing ball but our older dog often attacks him when he gets the ball (she will refuse to get the ball). He digs when he's board or smells something, as we have had to bolder up the bottom of the compost bin. Feeding is something we keep strictly to a scheduled but he also always acts hungry. I have found as long as he always has a bone around he won't cause much trouble when left alone.
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