Bringing home a new puppy can be both an exciting and new situation, remember that a lot is going to change. It is important to make sure that everyone in your family is completely comfortable with the idea of bringing in a new puppy to your home. Create rules for yourself and your family on how to care for your German Shepherd puppy. Also you will need to prepare your house and yard so that they are set up as a safe environment. Gradually begin purchasing supplies that you will need for your puppy, such as food, and a crate prior to the day you plan on bringing it home. Be sure to find a crate that is suitable for your puppy’s growth as it will spend a lot of time in the crate during the crate training process. It is always good to have everything set up before the arrival of your puppy, to ensure that it has what it needs. Please remember that this puppy will be leaving its mother and everyday environment and entering into a strange one, which could make it very stressful for them. The more prepared you are and the more structured of a transition you create, will make it that much easier for your German Shepherd puppy to adapt to its new home.

The concept is very simple; one would take an elevated table or box with two sides on it, with the front and back open and exposed. The dog is placed in the box with an over-head beam and a harness that is fastened to the dog, so that it does not slip off. It is important to use a very slippery surface; we use sheet metal. The decoy then approaches the dog from the front end. When done correctly, the dog has no choice but to use only his jaw power to bite. This is only effective if your protection dog has already developed their bite. This is very advanced work and should only be done with experienced trainers.

A few years ago, a friend of mine called me in a panic. She told me that her German shepherd was whining, attempting to vomit, panting and had a bloated stomach on the left side. I told her to immediately take the dog to her vet. The symptoms were strongly indicative of a life threatening health concern called gastric torsion, or commonly referred to as stomach flipping.

Torsion is most prevalent among large breed dogs. The stomach of the dog will twist or rotate after eating and then engaging in rigorous activity. The problem is further compounded if the dog drinks large amounts of water before or after eating or exercising.

In order to reduce the chances of torsion, never exercise your dog after he or she eats (within 2-3 hours). In fact, after mealtime is the best time to crate your dog. Additionally, do not allow the dog to drink large amounts of water directly after or one hour before exercise or eating kibble. Feeding your dog two meals a day instead of one is helpful. If your dog should exhibit bloating and pain, take him or her to the vet immediately since this is a life threatening situation. Some studies have shown that only half of all dogs experiencing gastric torsion survive. The key to survival had to do with the timeliness at which the handler sought medical attention.

Genetics play a role. Do not a purchase a German shepherd or other large dog without inquiring if any relatives of the dog have experienced gastric torsion.

Fortunately, my friend’s dog made it. She has not had a repeat occurrence now that she knows what to do and what not to do. The chances that your dog will experience this health problem are slim. But on the off chance it does happen, your dog will have a higher rate of survival because you now know what to look for.

Knowledge is a powerful thing.