Argued that to start a large dog in a city apartment is not worth it. Partly the way it is. Pets of impressive size need space. However, there are universal breeds that will feel equally comfortable both in the private sector and in a city apartment. These include the German Shepherd.
Breed features
The German Shepherd is a proud and devoted animal. This breed is characterized as a service. These dogs are truly versatile. German Shepherd Dogs are used to work in the police and army. Dogs are known for their sporting achievements. Beautiful and stately dogs are excellent companions and guards.
The ancestors of the "Germans" lived in the territory of Western Europe several thousand years ago. They were shepherd dogs and helped protect livestock from the attack of wild animals.
As for the name, according to historical information in the XVI century Germany became the breeding center for this breed. In Russia, the German shepherds appeared in 1904 and were immediately sent to the service. In wartime, they acted as health dogs, and also served as “sleuths”, helping the police.
Today, the representatives of this breed are beautiful and hardy dogs that perfectly protect the home and faithfully serve the owner. The characteristic features of the German Shepherd include:
- strong, muscular body;
- sphenoid head (elongated muzzle);
- expressive, almond-shaped eyes;
- triangular ears;
- long, powerful limbs;
- tight tight fur with thick undercoat.
Boys are larger than females. The growth of the German Shepherd varies from 55 to 60 cm at the withers. The colors of the “Germans” are diverse: black, black-haired, zonar or black and tan. There are individuals with fur of red, golden and gray color. Large pets have a universal character and are suitable for living in a city apartment.
Advantages and disadvantages
Naturally, the German Shepherd needs space. Living in a narrow home will bring her discomfort. If the breeder has a spacious apartment, then the problems will be much less. The advantages of the German shepherd, located in the "urban setting", include the following nuances.
- The “Germans” are excellent guards. The property and values of the owners will be under reliable protection.
- Shepherd gets along well with small households and performs the role of "nurse".
- Pet quite unpretentious in the care and easy to train.
- The animal loves outdoor games and can frolic for hours with the owner.
However, cons also exist. For example, during the period of molting the animal's fur will be everywhere. Also German shepherds require long walks, where they throw out energy. Walking with animals is necessary 2-3 times a day. "Germans" can not be left alone for long.
The psyche of a dog that remains without a breeder for a long time may falter. In addition, the education of dogs must be engaged in the "tender" age. Otherwise, the pet's aggression will be directed against the household. The training of "Germans" should be given 4-5 hours a day. Not all breeders have that much free time.
Adaptation
Keeping a large, playful dog in an apartment is not an easy task. Nevertheless, many problems can be avoided with a competent approach to raising a puppy. From the first days of the appearance in the baby's house, the breeder needs to choose a convenient and comfortable place for him.The pet must remember his corner and rest there as needed. It should be bright and secluded. Sometimes a dog needs to be alone and gain strength after outdoor games. An excellent solution would be the construction of an enclosure for a puppy. As the pet grows, the “walls” can be removed.
The bed for the German Shepherd should be made of natural materials. A mattress will fit, pillowcases that can be easily removed and sent to the wash. "Germans" love to study different subjects and try "to the tooth". Therefore, the pet will need a whole arsenal of toys and special bones. Shoes from the puppy is better to remove away. He will undoubtedly take a lively interest in her.
At first, the baby will miss his mother and whine. The owner needs to be patient and gentle. Puppy you can caress and offer him a new toy. However, excessively "squeeze" the future defender is not worth it. Spoiled pet will take a lot of trouble to its breeder.
Males have an independent character and are prone to dominance. With proper training, many problems can be avoided. Another weakness of the "Germans" is sexual desire. Males, sensing an individual female, can fall into an inadequate state and show aggression towards others. Girls have a soft and flexible temper. They are easier to train and train teams.
Content
Caring for a German Shepherd puppy in an apartment should be thorough and regular. They feed babies 5–6 times a day, it is enough for an adult dog to eat twice a day. “Germans” are perfectly suited for industrial feed premium and “naturalka”. In order for the animal's coat to be shiny and thick, and its teeth strong, vitamin complexes are included in the pet's diet.
Scrub the dog with a special comb once every two weeks. During the molting procedure is carried out more often. It is best to remove residual wool outdoors, for example, while walking. After the street, the animal's paws are rubbed with a damp cloth. Wash the dog as it gets dirty (3-4 times a year). For German Shepherd dogs, special shampoos are excellent, including dry shampoos. Puppies are taught to take bathing procedures from 3-4 months.
Do not forget about the hygiene of the teeth and ears. The ears are cleaned with cotton swabs dipped in a special solution. For the teeth of the German Shepherd care for 2-3 times a month. For these purposes, suitable pasta or powders that can be bought at any pet store. To remove tartar and plaque perfectly fit the bones with fluoride.
Another indicator of the health of the shepherd are its claws. They should be shiny and strong. In the case of their fragility and stratification of the pet must be shown to a specialist.
In the case of their fragility and stratification of the pet must be shown to a specialist.
Shorn claws at home kogterezkoy.
Walking
German Shepherds are rather temperamental animals, so they want to constantly move. A puppy is taken for walks after he has been vaccinated. The first walking lasts about 10 minutes, then its duration increases. The time spent by the “Germans” in the open air is from two to four hours a day. An adult pet is taken out for a walk on a leash and in a muzzle.
German shepherds are not inclined to show aggression towards other animals, although in relation to unfamiliar cats their behavior is unpredictable. As guards, pets do not favor strangers on their own territory, so guests should be careful. Excessive attention of strangers to the "Germans" is undesirable.
To defend the needs of the inhabitants of city apartments should be on the street. Puppy desirable to display immediately after bedtime and food. German Shepherds are intelligent and intelligent animals, so they quickly get used to the toilet outside.
For more information about the content of German shepherds in the apartment, see the following video.
