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Index
Title Page
Dedication
Breed Specifications
Acknowledgments
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: An International Hero
Historic Herder
War Dog
Police K-9 and Service Dog
Breed Clubs
The Pain of Popularity
The German Shepherd Today
Chapter 2: What You Need to Know
Breeding Differences
Breed Standard of the German Shepherd Dog
German Versus American
Size: From Massive to Miniature
Coat Types
Coat Colors
Wolf Hybrids
Puppy or Rescued Adult?
Male or Female?
Chapter 3: Are You Ready for a Shepherd?
Time and Money
Training for a Lifetime
Confronting Public Opinion
A Real Responsibility
The Rest of the Family
Making Lifestyle Changes
Can You Commit?
Chapter 4: The Puppy Pursuit
Breeders—Good and Bad
Where to Find Good Breeders
Required Health Screenings and Certificates
Reading a Pedigree
Titles That Count
A German Lesson
Health Guarantees
Other Puppy Sources
Picking Out a Puppy
More on Puppies
Chapter 5: The Adult Rescue
Good Homes for Good Dogs
Possibilities for Rescued Shepherds
Sources for Adult Dogs
Working with a Breed Rescue
How Shelters and Pounds Operate
Selecting an Adult Dog
Evaluating Temperament
Health
The Age Issue
Chapter 6: Preparing for Your New Dog
In the Home
Your Shepherd’s Own Space
Food Storage and Eating Areas
Bathrooms and Laundry Facilities
Other Living Spaces
Garage
Outside Areas
Fencing
Lawn and Garden
Chapter 7: Bringing Your Shepherd Home
Supplies to Have on Hand
Purchasing a Crate
A Head Start on Training
Important Appointments
The Ride Home
What You’ll Need the First Night
What’s in a Name?
Chapter 8: Life with a Rescued Adult
The First Twenty-four Hours
The First Month
Rescue Dogs and Kids
Typical Problems
Where to Get Help
Building a Lifetime Bond
Chapter 9: Nutrition
Commercial Foods
Natural and Homemade
Nutritional Supplementation
Feeding Puppies and Adolescents
Controlling Obesity
Special Senior Needs
Healthy Snacks and Treats
The Importance of Water
Chapter 10: Grooming
Brushing
How to Handle Shedding
Bathing
Shampoos
Trimming Toenails
Eye and Ear Care
Dental Hygiene
Chapter 11: Housetraining
An Easy Principle
The Reward System
Crate Training
Getting Creative
Food, Water, and Exercise
Simple Cleanup
Chapter 12: Socialization
Why Do It?
Socializing with People
Adjusting to Everyday Things
Introducing Friendly Dogs
Other Canine Pets
Where to Get Help
Chapter 13: Puppy Parenting
Needle Teeth
Barking
Digging
Chewing
Jumping Up
Separation Anxiety
Bolting
Chapter 14: Growing Up Is Hard to Do
Just Like Teenagers
Leadership in Question
Changes in Pack Order
Dog/Dog Aggression
Possessive Aggression
Territorial Aggression
Adult Rescue Challenges
Chapter 15: Training the Working Dog
The Importance of a Job
Training Collars
Outdated Training Practices
Operant Conditioning
Shaping Behaviors
Small Steps to Success
Finding a Good School and Trainer
Benefits of a Well-trained Dog
Chapter 16: Teaching the Basics
Choosing Your Reward System
Locations
Name
Sit
Down
Go to Your Place
Wait and Stay
Come
Walk Nicely
Take It and Give It
Chapter 17: Basic Dog Health Care
Holistic Versus Conventional Veterinary Medicine
Finding a Veterinarian
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
Vaccinations
Fleas and Ticks
Internal Parasites
Emerging Diseases and Concerns
Emergencies
Chapter 18: Advanced Care
German Shepherd Diseases
Other Areas of Concern
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Skin
Heart
Internal Problems
Cancers
Chapter 19: Competitive Sports for Your Shepherd
Agility
Conformation
Flyball
Freestyle Obedience
Herding
Obedience
Rally Obedience
Schutzhund
Working Dog Sport Program
Chapter 20: Other Activities for Your Shepherd
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Canine Good Citizen
Hiking
Public Education
Search and Rescue
Tracking
Active Shepherds Make Enjoyable Companions
Chapter 21: Traveling with Your Shepherd
The Importance of Identification
Hotel Stays
Car Travel
Air Travel
Finding the Right Boarding Kennel
Working with a Pet Sitter
Planning for the Unknown
Appendix A: Additional Resources
Appendix B: Breed Rescue Information
Index
Copyright
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