Bathing a German Shepherd puppy. How and when to bathe a German Shepherd puppy. German Shepherd care

German Shepherd is a very popular breed of dog in our country, which was originally used only for herding purposes and in search and guard service. The breed was developed by crossing several types of herd dogs, and currently the German Shepherd is represented by smooth-haired and long-haired varieties.

When a decision is made to keep a dog of this breed in the yard of a private house, it is recommended to purchase a puppy that was born and spent its first months of life in conditions outdoor aviary. Such a pet has a more stable immune system and very quickly adapts to living in the open air. A German Shepherd kept outside will not require special attention and care:

• it is necessary to systematically check the pet’s paws, which can be injured by dry grass in the summer or reagents in the winter;
• if crusts, cracks or discharge appear on the dog’s nose or lips, you should consult a veterinary specialist;
• German shepherds are characterized by a problem associated with ingrown hair in the ears, as a result of which the outflow of wax is disrupted, so it is important to promptly remove all excess hair and perform hygienic cleaning of the ears;
• Keeping an enclosure sometimes significantly limits the animal’s motor activity, so the dog’s claws not only grow back quickly, but also do not have time to wear down well. In this case, pruning should be done as often as possible;
• When a German Shepherd is kept outdoors, shedding occurs a couple of times a year – in spring and autumn, so to maintain the four-legged pet’s home in good hygienic condition, you need to regularly comb out all the dying hair.

It is not recommended to bathe your four-legged pet too often, because in this case the natural skin protection is quickly washed away and the immune system is sharply reduced. In winter, the dog actively rolls around in the snow, and thus independently cleans its fur of dirt.

This is interesting! Keeping a German Shepherd in an enclosure in the local area is a very good option. The natural secretion of a special oily substance by the animal’s skin serves as an excellent protection against high humidity and extreme cold, so temperature changes are tolerated very easily by the dog.

Optimal conditions of detention

Professional dog handlers are unanimous in their opinion that it is ideal to keep a shepherd dog in outdoor, enclosure conditions, which is due to the specific use of such a dog, as well as the rather impressive size of adult representatives of the breed.

However, with strict adherence to the regime of walking and feeding, training and hygiene measures, it is quite possible to keep a shepherd dog in apartment conditions.

Walking a German Shepherd

Walking a German Shepherd is required at least twice a day, which will almost completely cover the pet's need for physical activity, and also allows it to relieve its natural needs. It is recommended to walk a young dog at least three or four times a day. The pet is taken for a walk before feeding.

The duration of each walk has no limit, but cannot be less than half an hour. The basic rule for daily walking of a German Shepherd involves the mandatory use of a leash and muzzle. Among other things, any large breeds of dogs must be walked in specially designated areas.

Dog diet and nutrition

Both natural feeding and the use of ready-made dry or wet food are suitable for the German Shepherd. The breed feature of the Shepherd is high mobility and physical activity Therefore, nutrition must fully correspond to the body’s energy expenditure. It is important to remember that German Shepherds by nature have a very weak ability to digest quickly, so the “premium” and “super-premium” classes are the best option.

If the choice fell on natural nutrition, then you need to calculate as correctly as possible the amount of all components and the total nutritional value diet.

You also need to remember that it is strictly forbidden to use fatty meats and pork, dumplings and sausage, any high-calorie flour products or baked goods and sweets, potatoes, pearl barley and legumes. You cannot feed your pet smoked and pickled foods, herbs or spices.

Education and training

If education is a broad term that includes activities such as teaching basic norms of behavior and general socialization, then training is the teaching and practice of basic and additional commands.

Initial training for a German Shepherd should be done before the pet receives basic vaccinations, approximately 4.5 months of age. The general training course, as a rule, does not exceed two months, and the skills acquired during this period must be consolidated at the age of one year.

Special skills that can be imparted to a German Shepherd include security, protective and search services. This breed is also last years Very actively used as a guide dog. If you do not have special training skills, it is advisable to invite a professional dog handler to work with your pet.

Important! Remember that if you plan to practice freestyle, agility or any other sports with your four-legged friend, then basic skills are taught to the dog between the ages of one and three years.

Care and hygiene

IN special attention and the coat of the German Shepherd requires careful care. An adult pet of this breed should be bathed no more than four times a year, using special shampoos. Too frequent water procedures become the main cause of dulling of the coat. To prevent tangles from forming and maintain healthy appearance, after walks you need to carefully comb the coat.

The pet's ears are examined weekly and treated if necessary. auricle cotton or fabric pads soaked in special liquid lotions. Detection of discharge, redness or an unpleasant odor during the examination is a reason to contact a veterinarian.

In order to keep the German Shepherd's teeth healthy, they are regularly cleaned with special toothbrushes and hypoallergenic toothpastes. Special bones or chewable tablets also give very good results, which effectively fight the formation of tartar and easily remove plaque.

Important! Mandatory hygiene measures include trimming the nails, the growth of which can vary at different rates and depends on the conditions of detention, as well as the frequency of walks with the animal on hard street surfaces.

German Shepherd's attitude towards children

Despite their rather impressive size and menacing appearance, German Shepherds are considered one of the best nannies for children of almost any age category. With proper upbringing and training, such pets have a stable psyche, are friendly and have a good disposition towards all household members.

The German Shepherd loves children very much of different ages, and due to his well-developed natural intelligence, he understands perfectly well that you need to treat them not only kindly, but also with extreme caution. An adult German Shepherd is capable of caring for and protecting the owner's children, and also enjoys playing with them, so this breed is perfect for keeping at home.

Video on how to keep a German Shepherd

German Shepherds have beautiful thick hair, which requires regular and conscientious grooming. First of all, this concerns the correct selection of a complete diet and various hygiene procedures. The owner of such a dog needs to know exactly what and when to do to provide the pet’s coat with proper care.

At what age and how often should you bathe your dog?

German Shepherds often tolerate water procedures calmly and love to swim if they early age were accustomed to this.

Bathing a German Shepherd puppy should not begin until it reaches the age of three months. During this time, the pet’s body will become strong enough to endure water treatments without health consequences. Up to 3 months, wiping the baby’s fur with a damp cloth or cloth is sufficient.

In the future, an adult kept in an apartment must be bathed using special products two to four times a year: in autumn, spring and summer. In winter, wool is sometimes cleaned outdoors with snow. Water procedures carried out in winter can provoke illness in a dog. If there is an urgent need to bathe your pet during this period, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare and heat the room allocated for bathing.

Important! If your dog gets dirty while walking, wash him in the shower or use a damp towel to dry his fur.

In the summer, if your pet is clearly inclined to water procedures, you can shower him after walks.

It is not advisable to wash small puppies a few days before vaccination and during quarantine after it, which lasts 14 days. The first vaccinations are given quite early, at the age of 6 weeks or 2 months. It is too early to bathe a puppy at 1 or 2 months. After vaccinations, the baby’s body is weakened, and bathing can cause complications.

Video: how often should you wash your German Shepherd?

How to bathe at home

Before bathing your puppy for the first time, it is necessary to prepare. After all, the dog’s attitude towards subsequent baths depends on how everything goes this time. Try to communicate with your baby calmly and affectionately, and do not frighten him with sudden movements. Let him get comfortable in his new space by sniffing and examining everything in the bathroom. After this, you can start washing your German Shepherd puppy.

What you need for swimming at home

Prepare in advance everything you may need for the procedure:

Important! Do not forget to take your pet for a good walk outside before bathing, otherwise after the procedure he will want to go for a walk again and may get dirty or catch a cold.

How to wash a German Shepherd puppy

Treat it first water procedure puppy, like bathing a newborn baby. Prepare thoroughly and plan ahead.

Stages of bathing a baby for the first time:

1. Fill the bath with water so that it covers the animal's paws or reaches a maximum of the dog's chest. Make sure that the water temperature does not exceed 35-36 degrees.
2. Drop under 1 drop vegetable oil into the pet's eyes, insert cotton swabs into the ears.
3. Place the dog in the bathtub and use the shower to wet the animal's fur everywhere except the head.
4. Using special shampoo and a sponge, thoroughly soap your puppy's entire body, including his paws, belly and neck.
5. Rinse off the foam with a shower, sparing no water. Repeat the procedure if necessary. Leave detergent You can’t use it on your pet’s skin: the fur sticks together in these places, and dogs’ skin is sometimes irritated by chemicals.
6. Turn off the water, remove the swabs from the dog’s ears and treat the ears with oil.
7. Wrap your baby in a towel and remove him from the bath. Try to dry the animal's fur as best you can. If the fur remains partially damp, allow the puppy to shake itself and dry off on its own by running around the house. If the puppy is not afraid of loud noises, try drying the fur with a hairdryer.

Try to bathe the animal within 10 minutes. Eliminate the possibility of drafts in the room so as not to provoke a cold in your pet.

Important! After washing, walks are allowed only after 3 hours.

Video: how to wash a German Shepherd

How to wash a shepherd outside

In the heat of summer, you can bathe your German Shepherd puppy in an open pond every day, starting at the age of 4 months. Such procedures will help strengthen the dog’s muscles and perfectly stimulate its physical development.

If you took your pet to a river or lake, before swimming, pay attention to the condition of the reservoir and the shore. Are sharp objects, glass shards or other foodborne debris visible? This precaution will help avoid unwanted injuries and poisoning of the animal.

After inspection, let your dog off the leash and let him get used to the new place. German Shepherds are not shy, but each animal has its own individual character traits.

How to act near a pond:

1. If you see that the puppy is scared and is in no hurry to go into the water, do not try to force him or throw him there. First, go into the water and call your dog. Thanks to high degree trust in the owner, the shepherd dogs then willingly follow him.
2. If the puppy does not respond to your call, try luring him into the pond with a toy or stick. Don't forget to use the "Aport!" command.
3. If the weather is good, there is no need to dry your dog's coat with a towel after swimming. Let it dry naturally, play and run with it.

Important! After an illness, it is better to wait about 10 days for bathing from the moment your pet recovers.

German Shepherd Grooming Procedures

The coat of German Shepherds is one of the main indicators of the pet's health. If the fur falls out or is dull and brittle, this indicates a disease or lack of vitamins in the animal.

Based on their coat, German Shepherds are divided into long-haired and short-haired.

Their coat needs daily brushing. During the cleaning process, dirt, dust and dandruff are removed from fur and skin, while simultaneously effective prevention skin diseases and stimulation of blood supply and metabolism in the pet’s body.

To care for the coat, the following tools are needed:

1. A frequent comb for a massage effect (for long-haired dogs - with long teeth, for short-haired dogs - with short teeth).
2. Metal comb: used for combing hair.
3. Slicker comb: used during the pet’s seasonal shedding, as well as for untangling tangles.

Cleaning is done with a brush specially designed for this purpose after thoroughly combing the dog's fur. During the cleaning process, the brush must be periodically freed from hair and dirt clogged in it. If your pet has a calm character, you can clean it with a vacuum cleaner with a small brush attachment.

After dry brushing, wet clean the wool using a special washcloth. Then dry the fur with a dry towel and don’t forget to wipe your pet’s eyes and ears with a damp cloth.

There are special complex procedures designed to care for the hair and skin of animals, the so-called grooming. It includes:

• combing your pet's fur;
• bathing and drying;
• a haircut;
• nail care;
• cleaning the ears;
• cleaning the dog's teeth.

Important! The German Shepherd is not a breed whose coat needs to be shaped frequently. Correct form The coat is inherent in her by nature. But for hygienic purposes, experts recommend grooming German shepherds by trimming the hair around the anus and between the pet’s toes.

First bath for a 3 month old puppy - important procedure, leaving an imprint on all subsequent bathing. Therefore, you should prepare in advance and behave kindly and calmly with your baby. It is recommended to bathe apartment dogs with special products no more than 4 times a year, and kennel dogs no more than 3 times.

Very beautiful dogs, with excellent working qualities. Dogs are distrustful of strangers, but friendly with family members. Germans are indeed very smart by nature, but they also need to be raised and trained from puppyhood, which is why you need information on Maintaining and caring for a German Shepherd.

How to properly organize a place for your dog?

Depending on where you live: in a city apartment or in a private house, you will need to arrange a place for your German Shepherd puppy. Then, teach him the “place” command.

The main thing is that the dog, in a place equipped for him, feels protected and feels comfortable and pleasant to be there. It’s great when from such a corner of the room he can see what the household members are doing?

In a private house for a German Shepherd, it is best to arrange a spacious enclosure with a booth or just a large and warm booth.

In winter, throw some hay or straw in it, so the dog will sleep warmer in it. The kennel needs to be cleaned periodically, for example, the straw must be completely changed, removing the remains of bones that the dog can drag into the kennel. Place the house so that the dog can go out and bask in the sun, but it is better to let it be in the shade.

Taking care of the dog

The German Shepherd is a breed that is suitable for people who are ready to pay a lot of attention to their pets. Caring for a pet is not difficult, just familiarize yourself with the basics and care for your dog every day.

If you notice that there is discharge in the corners of your shepherd's eyes, take a cotton swab, moisten it with a special solution and wipe it off. Sometimes you can use chamomile infusion.

Examine your pet's teeth at least once a week. If you find plaque on them, you need to use a special brush with meat-flavored toothpaste to clean your tooth. Teach the puppy to this procedure and then the adult pet will allow you to perform the procedure as needed.

Don't you have a special toothbrush with toothpaste? Take a cotton swab, dip it in clean water, then into the powder, and you can gently clean your dog’s teeth. At the pet store, buy special bones containing fluoride and give them to your dog.

If you live in a city and your dog walks a lot on asphalt paths, then he will sharpen his claws on his own. If not, you need to periodically trim them with a nail clipper, being careful not to touch the vessel. Move at least 3 mm away from it so as not to split the claw.

The dog's ears need to be cleaned at least once a week with a cotton swab dipped in herbal infusion and water. The hair that grows in the ear must be removed so that earwax can flow freely.

When the dog sheds heavily, which happens in spring and autumn, brush him thoroughly every day. If your shepherd lives in an apartment, then bathe it once every 2 months. Do you keep it in an enclosure? Then you can bathe more often. Lather your dog with baby or special shampoo.

As a preventative measure, the dog needs to get rid of worms every six months. A good remedy Drontal is considered. In what dose should the drug be given? Read the instructions.

About dog walks

When you walk with a German, he will want to run around a lot, explore new and mark familiar territory and communicate with his own kind. If you are not a very sociable person, you will have to meet and make friends with owners of large dogs. Even if your dog runs around the house in a private sector, do not think that he does not need walks in the village or urban area outside the gate.

It’s good when you walk for at least 1 hour a day, and preferably 2 or more. Puppies are walked less often. There is no need to overtire your baby. Try to walk at approximately the same time and keep your dog on a leash. Germans are large and many people are instinctively afraid of large dogs. When your dog is on a leash, they feel more comfortable walking past you.

About nutrition

It is best to feed your dog meat. It should be at least 30% in the diet, but 75% is better. All types come here, except fatty lamb, with pork. A lot of useful substances in offal: liver with heart and tripe. Sometimes your pet can be given beef bones with meat to chew on, but it is better to take the bare bones and cook porridge with meat and vegetables (carrots, cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin, etc.) on them.

A German can be fed raw fish, scalded with boiling water, 3 or 4 times a week. Give your dog kefir with cottage cheese, boil chicken eggs, or give just the yolks. You can have raw and boiled vegetables with fruits, various greens.

You cannot categorically feed the Germans sweets: pastries and cakes or give them pure sugar. Dogs are also not allowed to eat spices. Potatoes can be a little at a time. Do not add salt to boiled food.

Have you decided to feed dry food and canned food? Then buy the best super-premium dry food you can afford and the same brand of canned food or another good one. Place a 3-4 liter container of fresh water nearby. Change it at least once every 3 days.

How many times a day should you feed your dog? If he is in excellent shape, then it is enough to give the right amount of food 2 times a day. For a thin person, you can do 3-4 or more feedings.

Hygiene

After eating boiled or canned food, wash bowls immediately after the dog has eaten its portion. The container with water also needs to be washed thoroughly, because the animal’s saliva drips into the water. Sometimes the dog simply rinses his mouth in it, which means that bacteria get into the water and breed.

Should you feed your dog bones?

We have already mentioned that dogs can be given beef bones with meat. Boiled and especially tubular chicken or duck, etc. should not be given. An animal can break a tooth because of them, and it is expensive to pull it out so that the nerve does not disturb. In addition, a boiled bone can get stuck in the mouth and injure the esophagus and stomach with its sharp ends.

Boiled bones cause constipation in pets. The stomach may become so clogged that surgery is required or the animal dies. The benefits of bones are small. By gnawing on them, the pet partially removes plaque and tartar. If you often give your pet bones, even in middle age, his teeth can become very worn down and they will be affected by caries.

Have you noticed that pet stores sell a variety of bones made from artificial and most of them edible materials? For example, buy your dog a bone made from pressed veins, with different fillers. Pets chew them and enjoy them, but there are no problems with their teeth, stomach, or intestines. You can also buy rubber bones that you can throw to your pet like balls on a walk.

If you are getting a German Shepherd, remember that this is a serious dog that needs training.

If you train him poorly and he fights with another dog or bites a person, you will be in big trouble. From childhood, take your puppy to classes with an instructor. At least once a week or more often.

Choose a brave, strong puppy from the litter. It is best to buy a German from parents with pedigrees.

Try to walk with the German more, feed him quality food and, best of all, straight food. When you get sick, treat immediately. Nurture him as soon as he appears in your home and continue to correct and stop unwanted reactions throughout his life. A trained dog that loves you and everyone at home will bring you a lot of joy and a minimum of hassle during communication.

Update: October 2017

Highest intelligence, excellent intuition, sincerity, reliability, courage, fighting instinct, strong nervous system, keen sense of smell, excellent training abilities - these are the main qualities of a hardy and good-natured German Shepherd, the characteristics of the breed are mainly in the following features:

• Constant need for service. Which one it is doesn't matter. She can fetch the ball, guard the apartment, keep an eye on the child, guard property, the main thing for her is to be involved in helping the owner.
• Requires extremely high physical activity. Hiking in the mountains, playing in nature, running, swimming, long walks - all this is necessary for harmonious development.
• Predisposed to diseases such as dysplasia hip joints, paralysis of the hind limbs, leukemia, diabetes mellitus, distemper, eosinophilic panostitis, atopic allergy, otitis media, growth hormone deficiency, bloating and volvulus, cardiovascular diseases.
• Differs in such negative qualities, as excessive distrust and vigilance towards strangers. Can be independent and cunning, which requires an approach to the training process.
• Due to its character traits, it requires an active, rich lifestyle with direct participation in the life of the pack - the owner’s family.

Breed characteristics

Character and temperament

The worst nightmare for the breed is separation from its owner or being unwanted by the pack. The Germans call it a “family dog,” and that’s what it’s all about. A dog abandoned by its owner will be extremely stressed and will not soon be able to trust people. Protecting and defending his flock is the purpose and meaning of his life. Loyalty, even to the point of recklessness, attentiveness, courage, desire to serve and please - this is all about him. He is also cheerful, sociable, balanced and grasps everything literally on the fly. At the genetic level, dogs of this breed have an acute need to obey the leader. Therefore, it is important for the owner to become a standard of power and moral fortitude for his pet.

There is a monument to the German Shepherd. It is located in Tolyatti and depicts a dog who has waited for its owners for seven years.

Representatives of the breed are quite obedient and unpretentious in everyday life. The main thing is to load them with work to the maximum, otherwise they will get bored and their irrepressible energy will result in far from funny pranks - digging a deep hole, chewing expensive shoes, ruining furniture. Physical activity, not just the “running and jumping” format, is very important for a shepherd dog. The shepherd's character requires training, tasks, participation and victories in exhibitions and competitions, and overcoming obstacles. That is why she was a shepherd at the dawn of her youth, copes with the work of a guide and nanny, and is a favorite in such difficult tasks as protecting the territory, rescuing and searching for people, searching for drugs and explosives, detaining and neutralizing dangerous criminals.

REFERENCE! According to information from the dog training community in Germany, the German Shepherd is the absolute leader in popularity among other breeds.

Photo of a German Shepherd

• The absence of slippery floor coverings (linoleum, laminate, tiles), which can cause injury during games and negatively affects the formation of the posture of the limbs.
• Sufficient amount of light. Puppies especially need the sun.
• The absence of objects that cannot be chewed - from items from the wardrobe and interior items to dangerous electrical wiring.
• The place for the pet should be organized in the form of a thick mattress. Not on the passage, but where he can monitor the entire apartment.
• The best option content is still a private house, since in an apartment, especially a small one, there is a risk of developing physical inactivity - a violation of the harmonious development of the musculoskeletal system.

Coat care comes down to regular combing with a regular slicker brush or rake brush no more than twice a week. But during the molting period you will have to tinker. Shepherds shed quite heavily and their hair will fly everywhere.

Ears should also be treated once a week with a dry sponge or cloth. A little light wax on the skin inside the ear is considered normal. ABOUT inflammatory processes say dark discharge or when the dog constantly rubs his ear with his paw and shakes his head.

Trimming the tips of the nails with pruning shears is only necessary for puppies. Eyes special care They are not required, but it is important to control that they do not water or turn red. Healthy eyes look clear and clean and have no discharge. Teeth cleaning is carried out by dispensing special bones with chlorophyll or fluoride. It is important to take timely measures to combat ticks and fleas. During the spring and autumn seasons, the dog is treated monthly with special preparations or a flea and tick collar is used. An ultrasonic repeller works effectively.

Deworming of adults is carried out once every three months at the rate of one tablet per kilogram of weight with drugs such as Cestal Plus, Drontal Plus, Kanikvantel, Azinox. 10 days before vaccination you also need to carry out deworming.

Vaccination is carried out according to a standard scheme, which is repeated annually:

• At 4 – 6 weeks.
• At 8 or 9 weeks
• At 3 months.

A German Shepherd living outside the city should also be vaccinated against ringworm.

Feeding

There are three types of feeding:

• Dry balanced food.
• Natural products.
• Mixed feeding.

What you feed your German Shepherd is up to you. Each type of feeding has its own advantages and disadvantages. But it is important to follow some general rules:

• When selecting dry food, you need to focus on the dog’s age, its physiology and use only professional super premium dry food.
• There must be constant access to fresh, cool water.
• You can eat any vegetables without restrictions.
• Once a week you can treat your dog with a bone - exclusively sugar and without any leftover meat.
• The feeding procedure is carried out only at the same time.
• Products must be fresh and of high quality.
• When feeding “natural”, the daily diet should include vegetables, dairy products, mineral supplements, cereals, meat, offal or sea ​​fish(boneless, raw).
• You can't feed from the table!

Remember that feeding your German Shepherd from a table may result in him being fed from an IV.

All types of meat can be given, except fatty pork. Or when using it, you need to cook it first. Meat should not be given in large pieces or minced meat; it must be cut into pieces. It should be approximately 30% daily ration. Offal should also be lightly boiled.

Raw river fish is prohibited. Sea fish should be thoroughly cleaned of bones; it is not recommended to frequently feed capelin and pollock. Twice a week you need to give an egg - preferably only a raw yolk. Milk is only good for puppies; adult dogs need fermented milk products.

All cereals can be consumed uncrushed. The healthiest ones are buckwheat and rice. They need to be prepared correctly - first soak for several hours, for example, overnight, then boil for ten minutes. Sometimes they can be partially replaced with bread or crackers.

Vegetables are added to the dog’s food, chopped raw or lightly boiled along with cereal.

Prohibited products:

• Pasta.
• Semi-finished products.
• Legumes.
• Semolina.
• Bakery.
• White wheat bread.
• Canned food.
• Marinades, pickles, smoked meats.
• Sugar, sweeteners.
• Bones, except sugar.
• Sausages.
• Potato.

A puppy up to two months should be fed up to 6 times a day, up to four months - 5 times, up to six months - four times, up to a year - three times a day, and from the age of one year switch to two meals a day.

IMPORTANT! You need to feed your dog 15-20 minutes after a walk.

A balanced, regular diet using high-quality feed or products is the key to an animal’s health. In this case, he will not need vitamins, mineral supplements, dietary supplements or fertilizing.

German Shepherd Diseases

The breed is distinguished by excellent health and extreme endurance, but may suffer from some genetically transmitted diseases, eye diseases, of cardio-vascular system, gastrointestinal tract and musculoskeletal system. Representatives of the breed are susceptible to distemper. Possible occurrence of leukemia, skin allergies, diabetes mellitus, ear infections and cancer.

Genetic diagnoses include hip and elbow dysplasia, paralysis of the limbs, and spinal diseases, which are often found in shepherd dogs. To avoid such complex diseases, it is recommended that when choosing a puppy, you study its pedigree and heredity.

The eyes are the weakest point. They are susceptible to a number of diseases, so they require constant monitoring, regular inspection by the breeder if you keep in touch, or veterinarian. The most common protrusion of the lacrimal gland, melanoma choroid, lens luxation, cataract, corneal dystrophy, dermoid.

At the age of about two months, growth hormone deficiency may occur and, consequently, development may stop. Such individuals retain their puppy-like appearance until death and do not live long.

A rather dangerously common bone disease among the “Germans” is eosinophilic panostitis, which occurs for reasons unknown to medicine and is characterized by irregular manifestations of lameness.

Education and training

Despite the fact that the breed is famous for its incredible intelligence, it is not easy to train. This naturally sharp mind manifests itself primarily in resourcefulness and cunning, so as not to follow commands, but to idle around. Therefore, before starting training, you need to stock up on such qualities as constancy, perseverance and patience. Education must begin from the moment the puppy appears in the house.

It is very important to be an undisputed leader for a dog, the leader of the pack. All skills must be practiced exclusively in a playful manner, without the manifestation of negative emotions in case of disobedience and with pronounced encouragement for obedience. The use of violence or raising the tone is excluded. The best training option is to take special courses from a professional trainer (not a dog trainer!). If you decide to do this yourself, it is important to follow the basic rules:

• Clear pronunciation of commands. If you “sit”, then it is “sit”, and not “sit down” or “sit down”.
• Intonation: for encouragement - one, for punishment - completely different. A dog, no matter how smart it is, does not understand words, but only intonation.
• Gestures (exclude sudden movements, swinging at the dog).
• The younger the pet, the more important encouragement is - a word, intonation, a treat.
• Training is indicated only for healthy individuals.
• At first, only one person conducts the class.
• Classes should be carried out before feeding, in the morning or evening, in dry, warm and windless weather.

REFERENCE! In order not to spoil your pet with your ignorance in matters of education, you can use the advice from the book “What is your dog thinking about” by animal psychologist J. Fisher.

Choosing a puppy and caring for it

How to choose the right puppy?

If you are purchasing a dog to participate in sports competitions, breeding, or to serve in the army, on the border, or in the police, then this is not an easy task, and right choice Only a highly qualified expert who himself breeds German Shepherds can help you do this.

To choose a companion, colleague, friend and family member, it is enough to visit several well-established nurseries or breeders, study forums and websites on the topic. You can also invite a specialist. Remember that professionals will not sell German Shepherd puppies before they are two months old.

First days in a new place

Changing living conditions is a huge stress for such a baby. It can provoke apathy and stomach upset, so stock up on enterodesis and rehydron in advance. You may have to give your new household member a water diet for the first 5 to 10 hours.

Do not jerk the puppy with your attention, do not try to involve him in play, caress him, much less pick him up, cuddle him and press him to your chest. When he gets used to it, he will make contact himself. It is important to continue feeding the baby the same food that the breeder had, usually dry food, and to maintain the usual daily routine. Never mix goodies like yoghurt, curds or sweets into dry food. This could end badly. The transition to natural food can be done no earlier than the dog turns one year old.

After some time, the “shepherd dog” may begin to miss his mother and his previous home - whining, demanding attention and asking to be held. At such moments, it is important not to succumb to provocations and simply not react, then he will understand that he will not be able to manipulate you and will calm down. The habituation process usually takes 2–3 days.

Make sure that your new pet has toys, constant access to water, and is away from objects that he can chew.

Breed standards

The latest changes to the breed standard were made in 2010. The very first standard was adopted in 1988 by Stefanitz and Mayer.

History of the breed

The earliest ancestor of the German Shepherd that has been identified was the Indian wolf. This was determined by the Austrian zoologist Jaitteles, who found in the vicinity of Opava the skeletal remains of dogs from the Bronze Age, the ancestors of the “German” who lived 4000 years ago BC. The oldest descriptions of the German Shepherd breed date back to the seventh century and are found in Alemannic laws.

The beginning of professional breeding of the German Shepherd was laid in 1899 by the official creator of the breed, Max von Stefanitz, who registered representative No. 1, named Horand von Grafrath, in the stud book. Then von Stefanitz and his like-minded people open what a little later became the largest single-breed community - the Union of German Shepherd Owners (Schaferhunde Verein).

When a puppy appears in the house, it is a huge challenge for those people who have never owned a dog. Moreover, ignorance often results in illness or death of the pet.
That is why I decided to write this article - to help at least a little to those who got a German Shepherd puppy for the first time. Despite a ton of literature on this topic, our family learned a lot not from books, but from random sources, and it was they who saved our dog’s life and health.

Please note that everything stated below is exclusively personal experience, which “worked” in our case. This does not give a 100% guarantee that it will work in yours. All dogs are different and approaches must be individual accordingly!

Before you seriously think about purchasing a dog, you need to answer two simple questions.

Having determined the goal of your aspiration, you will at least know who to look for and whose help to use for this.
Possible answers:
For home security
This is a great answer. Moreover, for this purpose you can buy a cheaper puppy without a pedigree or even documents. An important point is that the dog will always have available space for walking (although this does not exclude walking outside the fence).
To participate in exhibitions
I can’t give good advice on this issue, because I don’t participate in exhibitions, but if this is your option, get ready to seriously spend money on a dog, and this applies not only to finances, but also to time.
For the soul
It is very important for you to answer next question: “Can I keep a dog?”, but more on that later.
I want to buy a beautiful dog for my girlfriend/mother-in-law
Take your girlfriend/mother-in-law to Italy. It will cost you less (I tell you how to travel on a budget and independently in the community ua_freetravel , just contact us) and the effect will be much better!!!
The owner must make a decision about the dog, choose it independently, buy it independently, and maintain it independently. A dog is an absolutely dependent creature that will not grow up and leave for free living, but will remain with its owner for many years. You cannot make such decisions for someone else.

It’s clear that you’ll have to walk in any weather at least twice and for at least an hour. Let me point out things that are not so obvious:

It's not very humane to keep big dog in the apartment, so if you want to get a dog, then choose a dog of at least medium size, but it’s better to get a small one. The German Shepherd is a dog for a private home after all (IMHO).

You need to be aware that the puppy cannot be left alone for the first 5-6 months. A 2-month-old puppy needs to be fed 5 times a day (five!!!) If you are at work for 8-10 hours, you will not be able to support the dog. Or you need to take an older dog (six months or older), which with such large breed quite risky.

How much does it cost to own a German Shepherd?

A dog, especially large dog- the pleasure is not cheap. For the first six months, while the puppy is small, you may not feel it, but then...

It is very expensive to feed a dog “naturally” (natural diet), a little cheaper - with food, but you will still spend at least (or rather more) 90-150 euros per dog per month (this is if we talk about dry food, depending on the manufacturer stern). And there is no escape from these expenses. You won't be able to feed your big dog table scraps, rather you'll have to cook for him separately. Dogs are not allowed pork, sausage, minced meat... but only lean meat such as beef and veal, chicken, but homemade and without skin, etc. (I will write about food separately).

Training with a dog handler can cost differently: it depends on whether it is a group lesson or an individual one.
Average prices 75 UAH. (7.5 euros at that time) - one group lesson.
300 UAH (30 euros) - individual.
You need to work with a dog handler at least once a week (preferably two or three).

In addition, dogs are very expensive to get sick. Very expensive. Treatment costs much more than in humans.
About such “little things” as vaccinations, examinations, anti-helminthic drugs + protection against fleas and ticks will take at least another 50 euros per month from the family budget. Again, you won’t be able to save money on this.

If you want to take a puppy for a show, then you cannot do without the opinion of an expert in this field. First you look for an expert, then a puppy. Both will be expensive :).

If you are taking a puppy for home (protection) without any claims to titles and medals, then go to slando.ua (now it is olx) and do a search. Here you will see a complete picture of both prices and types. Don’t rush to buy, think, read, compare. Call the owner. It is important that the site contains photographs of both parents (but, of course, this does not guarantee that the mother “walked” the puppies somewhere). Regarding the pedigree for domestic dog– she will help you when choosing the “prince”/“lady of the heart” (mating) of your future pet, so you should not neglect this, but... a pedigree or documents for a dog are not at all necessary. The main thing in a dog is to be loved!

Should I take a veterinarian with me to the breeder?
It doesn't really make much sense. You can visually determine the condition of the puppy yourself, and for tests and an initial examination, it is better to take the puppy to the veterinary clinic (at the same time you will meet the doctor) after 5-7 days of adaptation of the puppy at your home.

When is the best time to pick up a puppy?
For exhibition purposes, consult an expert. I heard that it's around 3.5 months.
For home security - at 2 months - then character traits are already noticeable and you can determine whether you can cope with him.
Some breeders suggest (or even insist) that puppies be adopted at one month of age (I’ll tell you why later, if you finish reading, of course). Don't give in, especially if this is your first dog. You run a very high risk of simply killing the puppy with dietary mistakes or compromising his health! I went through this. The puppy survived, but we rushed to the veterinarian like it was work! If you have such a situation, negotiate for the breeder to “keep” your puppy for at least 2 weeks. At 1.5, or better yet, at 2 months, you can already “talk” to the puppy. If you adopt at 1.5 months, choose the most daring puppy in the litter. Yes, he will have a violent character, you will have to convince him that he is not the “head of the pack”, but you, but the puppy will be healthier.

Even before the puppy arrives home, you should clarify the following points at the family council:
- Where in the house will the dog belong?
- What will you feed the dog?
- Who will be with the puppy for the first months?
- Which veterinary clinic will you go to?
- What can a dog do and what can’t it?
In order to answer these questions more fully and consciously, you will have to read the material to the end (*sneaky laugh*). In my defense, I can say that all the experience that I share in this material was literally suffered by me, my family and, of course, our first dog.

So, none of the above frightened you and you have just confirmed your decision, then let’s consider the “three pillars” of keeping a dog:
- nutrition;
- health;
- upbringing.

Feeding a German Shepherd puppy

What to feed a German Shepherd

You will be doing the puppy a big favor if you feed him the same way as the parents fed him + as the breeders fed the puppies. If their feeding does not coincide with your plans, feed the puppy for 2-3 days as you would at home, and begin a smooth transition to a new type of feeding. That is, if you switch from natural food to food, then teach it literally grain by grain: today one, tomorrow – two, etc.

From day one, it is important to know that puppies do not know their norm, like kittens, for example. They will eat as long as there is food, but babies should absolutely not overeat! This should not be allowed under any circumstances! The dog needs to be fed so that it licks the bowl! A dog cannot eat enough, it can only overeat!!!
With any feeding, it is important that the dog has 24-hour and unlimited access to water!
Water - either from a well (if it is good, without nitrates and other rubbish), if tap water - filter.
If the puppy is very small, you can drink baby water for the first couple of weeks.

Hygiene during any feeding:
Food bowls should be washed after each feeding.
Bowls of water should be washed twice a day. This is important - mucus from the mouth accumulates at the bottom, and sometimes the dog simply rinses his mouth, so there can be a lot of interesting things in the bowl.

There is a lot of information on how to feed 2-3 month old puppies (and above), but there is very little information on how to feed a one month old German Shepherd puppy. It is this long-suffering category that is worth talking about in detail!
What to feed if you have been given a one-month old puppy.

Feeding a one month old German Shepherd puppy (1 month). Dry food for shepherds

And yes, one more thing that even seasoned people forget:
YOU FEED YOUR DOG EITHER FOOD OR NATURAL!
A sharp transition will knock the dog off his feet for days! Love your pets!
It is wrong to mix food with milk or kefir. It is wrong to give food in the morning and porridge in the evening. I don’t understand Kashi at all. Neither me nor the dogs. Dogs cannot digest grains. Carrots, apples – it goes without saying, it’s good for a dog in small doses.

How much food should I give my puppy?
The good thing about food is that there are special tables, based on which you will give as much as you need.
On the first day, it is better to underfeed than to overfeed. Yes, he will sleep restlessly, but you will not harm his health!

The most convenient way to buy food is in online stores. At first I didn’t know this - I drove myself, and then, when the dog grew older, I drove the car. After all, the puppy is still very small, you can get by with packages of 1-4 kg, carrying them on your own hump, but then you will have to buy packages of 13, 15, 18 kg... And in online stores there is usually delivery for an amount over 300-500 UAH . It all depends on the conditions of a particular store.
If we talk about Kyiv, I like zoo-life and zooapteka.kiev.ua. Delivery from 350 UAH. free in Kyiv. They're a couple of blocks from my work, but I've never been there - it's just not necessary. The store has a discount program - already for the first online purchase - a 3% discount. The program is cumulative, up to 10%. In order to understand the benefits for yourself, go shopping and compare prices.
Of course, every big city has its own good shops with free delivery, for example, a pet store in Dnepropetrovsk (one of the good ones I know), etc.

But it was all about dry food. If you suffer from “naturalism”, get ready, you will have to tinker!

Feeding a one month old German Shepherd puppy. Natural food for a 1 month old puppy

- homemade cottage cheese;
- chopped veal, in the absence of beef/goat/lamb.

Making cottage cheese for a 1 month old dog:
1 liter of low-fat milk (1.5%) – if you can’t buy it – skim off the first cream!
1 liter of low-fat kefir (1%)
Leave it overnight, and in the morning put the curd on cheesecloth.
Before serving, mix the curd with warm water (check the temperature with your finger) to warm + dilute. After a week of such feeding, you can add quail egg(not chicken! You will add chicken after 2.5 months).

Puppy meat: shredded veal, beef/goat or lamb.
DO NOT give: pork, store-bought minced meat, any kind, even “beef” - they add pork and God knows what else to it! And this is fat, and fat is diarrhea, and diarrhea is dehydration, and dehydration is a threat to the puppy’s death (most die precisely because of diarrhea).
When choosing “natural feeding”, forget about the “easy life”! All fatty foods are fraught with diarrhea and a trip to the veterinarian, especially at such an early age.

Meat for puppies is prepared as follows:
Any meat must be frozen in the freezer before serving to the dog - to prevent helminths.
Before feeding, defrost, cut (namely, cut, not mince) into small pieces, and for a one-month-old puppy (1 month), scrape the meat with a knife blade. Scald the mixture with boiling water, throw it on chintz, cool until room temperature(or a little warmer) and feed the puppy.
That is, raw meat can be given to puppies, but after freezing.

Feeding mode

Since a one-month-old puppy needs to be fed 6 times a day, the feeding regimen for a 1-month-old puppy is as follows:
- 3 feedings with cottage cheese
- 3 feedings of meat
It is better to feed meat before night - the puppy sleeps better.

How much meat and cottage cheese (natural food) should I give a one-month-old puppy?
On the first day, the volume is no more than 1/4 cup (two hundred and fifty ml) at a time! Then increase gradually, taking into account the volume of the stomach, do not overdo it! Better yet, consult your veterinarian.
What is bad about overeating a puppy - the tummy will lie down for days, it will begin to develop dryness (diarrhea/diarrhea), and with it dehydration, and dehydration for a puppy is the worst common reason of death.

What's wrong with being "straight"?
Let's just say that it has more minuses than pluses.
First of all, you will never know if your puppy is getting all the right elements. The super-premium food has a balanced formula, tested more than once, containing a full list of vitamins and minerals. You are conducting an experiment on your dog, and this results in diarrhea, rickets, and whatever! Be carefull.
Secondly, it’s hard to cook straight food; in the first months you will be like a driven horse, quite ready to be shot :). Like with a baby :))) Especially if you didn’t read this article in time%)!

Is it possible to give bones to a dog? .
The answer is more “not possible” than “possible”. Dogs can only be given one type of bone - beef "sugar" bones, but even these cause a lot of problems and no benefit other than the dog's pleasure and a dug up garden.
The dog should not be given boiled, tubular, chicken, etc. bones. They break, get stuck in the teeth, and injure the intestines.
There is an opinion that through the bones the dog receives minerals (which it does not need when feeding super-premium food, and vitamin supplements when natural feeding), and they also say that this is the prevention of tartar... this may be so, but a young dog is more likely to break or simply wear down its teeth on a bone, which will have to pay for the rest of its life.
Treating a broken tooth for a dog is very expensive and problematic.
If you want to please your pet, buy him an artificial bone. They are made from rough leather and also come with fillers. Dogs chew them with pleasure without getting any problems as “bonuses”.

Before you get a puppy, you need to find out which veterinary clinic you will be examined and vaccinated at. If you naively think that you won’t need a veterinarian, get a mestizo or “Russian sub-fence” dog, but not a purebred dog. Although they also need to be vaccinated and wormed, purebred dogs are sicker companions, so you need a smart veterinarian.

Be sure to find out if the clinic has ambulance, house calls, x-rays, laboratory, what operations they do.
Find out where in your city best clinic(not the most expensive, but where animals are actually treated) and who is the best veterinarian there. You will go there for serious reasons. In this case, the best source of information is the owners who have gotten their dogs back on their feet after serious illnesses.
If we talk about Kyiv, then when serious illnesses you need to contact Volynskaya, 12 - this is the city Vet clinic, all the doctors are very good, and the reviews from friends about the clinic are excellent.
The second option is to contact a veterinarian you know. Or to a friend of acquaintances. Don’t forget to remind us about mutual friends (!!!) 10 times. There is a big difference between “our own people” and those “who make money from them.” Remember this and use it.

Veterinarians have a peculiarity - there is little demand from them, because no one will hold them accountable for a ruined life, and pumping out money in veterinary medicine is worse than in medicine! This is why you need either your own doctor or the best one.

When to remove worms?
After you take the puppy home, give him 3-5 days to adapt to the new place, and then drive away the worms. It's done for the safety of the animal, your family, and also as a necessary measure before the first vaccination.

In a good way, the breeder should drive away the worms after the puppy is one month old, but this needs to be clarified separately. Only responsible owners do everything that needs to be done, and, unfortunately, there are not many of them. This is why “breeders” prefer to give puppies away quickly: there is no need to buy medicine, no need to vaccinate, no need to feed them. Knocked down and hello!

And, naturally, worms are driven away a week before vaccination.

First vaccination for a German Shepherd puppy .
Regarding vaccinations, you should only contact your veterinarian. An important point - the dog MUST be vaccinated))).
The first vaccination for a German Shepherd puppy is carried out at 2+ months.
Usually this is a combined vaccine of the Nobivak DHPPi type - a vaccine against canine distemper, antiviral enteritis, infectious hepatitis and parainfluenza + Nobivak Lepto. At the first vaccination, an international veterinary passport is created, where further notes on vaccination and surgical interventions will be made.
The next vaccination is carried out after 3 weeks - the same again. Two weeks after the second vaccination, you can (FINALLY) walk outside with the puppy.
After changing teeth, they are vaccinated against rabies.
Then - a year later (already an adult), and on the same day they inject against canine distemper, antiviral enteritis, infectious hepatitis and parainfluenza, and against rabies.

Observation .
Unfortunately, the dog does not speak and cannot tell if something hurts. In addition, her pain threshold is much higher than that of a human. A dog can be cheerful and active, and a few hours later go into a dark corner of the garden to die.
So what to pay attention to:
- refusal to eat - yes, just eat harmful dogs. Or bulkheads. But if the dog basically eats this food, but doesn’t want it here, this should alert you.
- Vomiting is a bad sign for a dog. Again, it could be anything from a cold, intoxication to more serious things
- consistency of stool - calla lilies should be formed.
- urine color - very yellow urine indicates at least dehydration, red urine indicates piroplasmosis or another serious disease.
- condition of the coat – bad coat may indicate poor nutrition, receding hairlines can mean either ringworm or ridge. In addition, after walks it is necessary to inspect the dog for ticks.
Ticks are carriers of deadly diseases for dogs. and people. Don’t believe that ticks in your area are not scary, don’t relax if your dog was bitten by a tick and nothing happened... I also thought that there were no dangerous ticks in our area, and the dog had been bitten by ticks before and nothing happened, it was normal, but it was enough one tick for me to lose my dog, despite doctors, IVs, etc. and so on. For every 100 non-dangerous ticks, you will come across one infected one and that’s it... If you delay, don’t contact us or don’t diagnose it, you will lose your dog.
The peak activity of ticks is three months after the snow melts and three months before it falls. Ticks do not like mown grass, but they love swamps. Ticks do not drop out of trees, as is commonly believed. They sit in the grass or on bushes, so when checking, especially carefully examine the muzzle, head, chest, sides and bottom. Naturally, you need to use protection, but even the most expensive one will not provide you with 100% protection.
- dog walking – the dog should not limp.

If a dog licks its paw, it probably hurts.

If the dog's ears don't stand up, relax, they will fall and rise up to 7 months.

What to do if there are suspicious symptoms? For example, refusal to eat or vomiting. The first thing you need to do is take your temperature.

How to take a dog's temperature? .
As children, we were told that the temperature of dogs and cats should be measured by touching their nose. This is definitely not a foolproof method. A dog's nose is cold and wet only when walking, but a sleeping dog's nose is usually warm.

The surest way is to measure with an electronic thermometer through anus(it is best for the dog to have his own thermometer).
A dog's normal temperature is higher than that of people - 38-39 degrees.
In order to know what your dog’s normal temperature is, you need to take his temperature several times without symptoms.
If there is no temperature, you can observe for a while and call a doctor at home. If you have a fever, you need to contact a veterinarian.

Raising and training a puppy

Before the puppy enters the house for the first time, you need to determine its place. That is, the corner with its bedding where the dog will sleep (or rest). It is important that this place is inviolable from anyone. The dog's place should be permanent, always accessible to the pet and inviolable on your part.

You also need to determine what the dog can and cannot do. What you have banned once cannot be allowed again. Your decision to ban it must be final (and will require incredible self-discipline and rigor on your part).
It is strictly forbidden to allow dogs to sleep in their owner's bed - this will give the dog reason to believe that he is the head of your pack. In the same way, you cannot feed the dog first, and then eat it yourself.

But the most a big problem the fact is that puppies are very cute, but very biting creatures. What can I say - forbid the puppy from biting you and don’t interfere with affection, and it’s also a good idea to carry a bone or a toy on a string in your pocket.

It’s not worth mentioning that dogs love to chew shoes and more. Punishing them for this... makes it easier to put the shoes in the closet (or on the closet). Always. Puppies quickly clean up the house :).

Sore subject - toilet
There is no point in scolding a small puppy for a pile or a small lake - the baby does not control these processes, and with your scolding you will simply scare him, without further positive effect. There is also no point in scolding for anything if more than a minute has passed since the incident - the puppy simply will not understand what is to blame. But you can teach a puppy good manners - praise when the dog does something right, and don’t silently be touched, as is customary. If a dog pees on the grass in the yard (or a specially designated place at home - relevant before rabies vaccination), and not on his favorite carpet in the living room, praise him, show him with intonation and facial expressions how happy you are with this fact. Dogs are not cats, dogs want their owner's attention and approval, so you can be sure that the puppy did everything possible to be praised. When the baby shits in the wrong place, silently clean it up. Don’t pet him or encourage him, saying, “Oh, you’re my asshole,” but just silently remove him.

What commands can you teach a one-month-old puppy?
The “place” command needs to be taught from the first day, but without diligence, because the puppy is still too small. Let it be a game or an interesting ritual, when they also give you something tasty. To increase your dog's interest in a place, try to have the puppy's toys spent there most of the time.
A dog needs toys not only for fun, but also to prevent him from damaging the furniture.

Also, from the first day you can accustom the puppy to the nickname and the command “come to me”

From about 1.5 months you can try to teach the dog to give a paw.

The commands “Sit”, “Lie down”, “Stand” can be taught from 3 months.

Dog handler
Considering the breed and size of your pet, classes with dog handlers are mandatory for you (at least the primary “Obedience” course). Good news– German Shepherds are relatively easy to train.
You can group with other owners and order the services of a visiting dog handler or go to a training ground. Individual lessons are possible.
What is important when training with a dog trainer?
1) A dog trainer is not the dog’s teacher, but yours. It teaches you how to handle a dog and how to train it. How to correct her behavior. If you only train your dog in classes, don't waste your money. Working with a dog every day on your own is tedious (like repeating homework every day).
2) It is important not to allow the dog handler to control the dog himself. You and only you hold the leash and give commands. Even if you are a “weak woman” or, as everyone around you seems, unable to do something, don’t give in.
You must position yourself in front of the dog as a leader and in charge. Your family members should do the same, and from the very beginning. Your family is a pack, and he is the youngest, but a member of the pack. It is impossible for someone from outside, even a teacher (canine trainer), to control the dog, teach it something or punish it.

How to punish a puppy?
And you need to punish, because a puppy, even a very small one, will test the strength of the bastions of your authority. As soon as you, or someone in your family, feels that the game has escalated into an outright attack, shout at him - it is best to use a prohibiting command (for example, “fu”).
If it doesn’t work and the puppy continues to attack, stomp your foot, threateningly repeating the prohibition once again.
If this does not stop him, take the puppy by the scruff of the neck and press him to the floor. Repeat the ban. There's no need to hurt him. You need to immobilize him, showing that you are older, bigger, stronger and he is completely in your power. (and yes, the puppy will struggle... your task is to immobilize it :))).
Hitting a puppy... well, how can I say... From the point of view of humanism, of course, it is not advisable, but considering that a dog is a creature of increased danger and the fact that in the animal world a mother can bite a puppy if he does something wrong... then a light clap one sheet of newspaper that does not have a traumatic effect is allowed. You can complain to the Humane Society about me, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to use violence to make a point. This does not apply to very small puppies - for them, a formidable owner and being pressed to the floor are quite enough.

I wish you faithful and healthy pets!
And remember
The main thing in a dog is to be loved.