Archive for the ‘Useful Tips’ Category

Is Saudi Arabia too hot for German Shepherds?

Big Dog | April 27th, 2011

This is a question that seems to interest a lot of people these days. It looks like more and more English speaking expats settle down in the middle east, including Saudi Arabia and many of them want to own dogs. The German Shepherd would be an obvious choice for most people since whatever a dog can do, the German Shepherd can do it. Guiding the blind, searching for survivors, investigating a  crime scene, guarding people or property, being an affectionate family member and paying special attention to children in the family – your German Shepherd can pull it off. But what if you want all this in Saudi Arabia, where the weather gets extremely hot at times. Can your German Shepherd survive such a climate?

The short answer is, yes it can! The German Shepherd is not becoming one of the most popular dog breeds in Saudi Arabia by accident. Even though the breed does have a double coat, they still do just fine in Saudi Arabia, as if their double coat actually helps them tolerate the heat. So if you are looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale in Saudi Arabia, don’t worry, just get a good hoover, as your German Shepherd will be shedding all year around.

Must read ebook for free

D Dog Fan | November 10th, 2010

my-first-best-friend-ebookIf you had a dog when you were a child, you will want your own children to experience the same positive feelings and you will get your children a dog. If you did not, you just have to read My First Best Friend to find out what an amazing thing a dog can be in a child’s life. Not only does a dog teach children responsibility, but it also helps them develop a healthy personality and a balanced emotional life.

However, bringing a dog into the family is not always a smart thing to do. You need to make sure that both the children and the adult members of the family are ready for a furry friend, otherwise someone is likely to get disappointed over time. You also need to make sure that you are selecting the right breed and you are treating your dog in a way that guarantees your children’s safety.

Now is your chance to get the contents of this $19.97 value ebook delivered to your inbox for free. Don’t miss out!

Is a German Shepherd a good choice for me?

Big Dog | October 28th, 2010

I would say yes, if you would like to have a highly intelligent, hard working and devoted, furry companion by your side. German Shepherds are courageous and energetic dogs that excel in herding, police work and rescue and they can also be a guide for blind people. If they are raised together with other pets and dogs, they can get on well in the future; otherwise they will only try to herd other animals and will never regard them as equal family members.

The coat of German Shepherds is a harsh, straight, thick double coat that causes continuous shedding with some heavier seasonal shedding. Therefore – mainly during seasonal shedding – they require daily brushing. This breed is prone to some health issues like hip dysplasia, allergies, epilepsy and digestive problems.

The training of this dog is relatively easy, as they are very clever and are able to learn quick, but they require a consistent and firm trainer. They will never respond to heavy-handed and harsh training methods. Early socialization and obedience training is a must for them.

All in all, the German Shepherd is a kind, playful and clever dog who needs an experienced dog owner who will be able to provide them with long, daily walks and family play sessions, as well as a large, securely fenced yard for activities.

I hope this article will help you decide whether German Shepherd is the best breed for you and for your family.

Factors To Consider When Picking Your Perfect Puppy

Big Dog | September 29th, 2010

If you are a dog owner, you probably remember the time you bought your first puppy. It is not easy to forget all the thinking, research, weighing pros and cons and the inevitable fear of not making the right decision when you buy a puppy.

If you are about to buy a puppy you are probably in the middle of this process and are reading an article that may save you a lot of hassle.

When it comes to making decisions that will effect our lives for more than a decade, we sometimes find that we just simply don’t have the intellectual capacity to consider every single factor that will influence the outcome. It is the same when buying a puppy.

Factors To Consider When Picking Your Perfect Puppy” does a great job at pointing out the most important aspects of making such a long term commitment. It is brief, easy to understand, gives you all the essentials in a nutshell and it is free to download and share.

How to avoid my German Shepherd being jealous of my new born baby?

Big Dog | June 18th, 2010

Is it normal, anyway?!

Yes, it is. Just imagine the situation from the point of view of your German Shepherd. He is part of the family, often treated as “the kid”, and then, suddenly, a new creature arrives and takes all the attention of his beloved family. It is quite similar to what older children feel, when a little brother/sister arrives. One of the differences is just that the dog can’t speak English :)

Actually, if we are aware of this ‘problem’ in advance, the situation can be handled, but it needs consciousness and to be started in time, long before the baby’s arrival. Let’s see how we can prepare our German Shepherd for the new family member.

If your dog’s daily routine has to be changed with the baby’s arrival (it probably will), you should start changing the rules much earlier, giving him plenty of time to get used to the new set up. This way it isn’t going to be so sudden and shocking. If your German Shepherd hasn’t really been trained before, it’s high time to start. He should learn at least a few commands, like sit, stay, etc. This way, he’ll be easier to handle.

Many families worry about their dog endangering the health of the child, so the best thing to do is to take your pet to the vet, get him checked and get some advice. Get your German Shepherd used to the new smells, sounds in advance (blankets, lotions, toys). It’s also a good idea, that just after your baby was born, send home a blanket that the baby had been in, so your dog can experience the child’s smell in advance. It is very important to know that your  German Shepherd will get a lot less attention from the mother, so when taking the baby home for the first time, the mother should greet the dog, so it is better if someone else is carrying the baby.

It is also a good idea not to leave them alone together at the first times, until your German Shepherd feels comfortable with the baby, because, for example, it is very possible that the dog won’t tolerate the child’s crying very well in the beginning. You have to teach him that this is a normal sound, and you should motivate him not to bark (with treats, for example).

And the most important rule for last, maybe it seems too obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning: try to give as much attention to your German Shepherd as you can. The point is that he has to feel that you do care about him. If you keep this in mind, most probably there will be no problem. You could also try Preparing Fido, which is an amazing collection of Baby sounds designed especially to get your dog ready for the arrival of the new Baby!

How to buy a European German Shepherd?

Big Dog | December 21st, 2009

german shepherd dogGerman Shepherds are considered to be one of the most popular dogs in the world. With their popularity boosted by Rin Tin Tin in his television series, people have fallen in love with this breed. A breed that is used by police and military for guarding, protecting and search and rescue assignments, they were also reliable seeing-eye dogs that efficiently assisted the disabled as well as become very loving companions. If you are interested in getting a German Shepherd for your family, then the first step is to research on what makes this canine genuine. The breed standard will say it all: These dogs have a noble look with a sturdy and lean body that is slightly longer than taller. They have long muzzles, pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes. Necks, shoulders and legs are strong and muscular with a bushy tail. The accepted coat color is black and tan, sable or just black in three hair versions: shorthaired (sometimes called rough-coated), medium-haired and longhaired. Once you think you have what is needed to go on your search, then start surveying the area. As a German Shepherd is watchful, do the same and be aware of what makes a good breeder. You must remember that quality is a top priority when it comes to getting a purebred. Read the rest of this entry »