Caring for My Best Friend - My German Shepherd Dog

My dog has become my best friend. Morgan is not a pure bred German Shepherd but that's not important to me. I rescued her at my local SPCA when she was about 13 months old. Her former family loved her but she had parvo as a pup which was very expensive to treat. Then new baby came into the family so they were forced to give her up. She came with notes and letters from the family's children so I know she was very much loved at that home.

Due to her physique I thought she was part lab or Doberman but it turned out she is part Burmese Mountain dog. The first time I took her for training, the trainer immediately recognized her mixed breed.

Here are some tips I've learned about keeping Morgan healthy and happy.

Keep your dog's weight down. Heavier dogs have more health problems including arthritis and heart trouble. A good diet and daily exercise works well to keep the weight down.

See the vet regularly. This will keep your pet current with shots and uncover any possible health problems when it's still early enough to treat. Some of the health problems with German Shepherds are glaucoma, retinal atrophy, epilepsy, hemophilia and a blood disorder called Von Willebrand's disease. A very serious problem requiring immediate emergency care is torsion, or, stomach bloating.

Take the time to brush your dog daily. German Shepherds shed constantly all year long and heavier when the undercoat comes out twice a year. I'm fortunate my pet is a mixed breed because she doesn't shed as much.

This breed only needs to be washed infrequently and it can be done at home. If you prefer, some of the fancier pet stores (like my PetSmart) have bathing areas you can rent for a small fee. I've found that is the easiest way to wash Morgan.

As you've probably found out, they are very intelligent and love to please us. Train him/her firmly and consistently. Morgan was the "example dog" every night during training - no, not for being good but for being the most rambunctious of the lot. You and your pet might also enjoy agility training and fly ball.

You can keep your pet inside and/or outside. Mine is outside during the day but comes in at night to sleep. They like to be with their pack (that's us, their family) so they might prefer being inside. Remember to watch the weather and bring your dog inside if it gets very hot and he/she has little shade. We had 10 days last summer with 110+ degree-days so I would bring her in for several hours at a time. I have a new back yard without much shade.

Try to spend at least an hour or so each day, playing with and walking your German Shepherd. They love the attention and it will help avoid other activities they do when they want attention (chewing, digging, etc.) I was gone for three days last week and came home to find a new plant (one that was thriving) dug out of the ground and dead. Two weeks ago she had dug out my strawberry plant. As a salesperson I'm on the road most days and because it's very hot in the spring, summer and fall, I cannot take her with me. So, she digs to get my attention. But, she's still my best friend and I love her dearly.

Enjoy precious time with your pet.