Thanks for that viewpoint. It is such a contentious issue in our community. We appreciate your comment.

That’s a great story. Her protective instinct is strong at such a young age. Thank you for sharing that with us.

Yes, it’s common for German Shepherd puppies to have one ear up and the other down at around two months old. Their ears often fluctuate as they grow and teethe, due to the development of cartilage and the strength of their ear muscles. By around 4 to 6 months, both ears typically stand upright. However, every puppy develops differently, so give it some time! If the ears don’t stand by 7-8 months, you might want to consult a vet.

Thank you very much for that insight. We appreciate it.

You are very welcome.

Very welcome

Dime a dozen -correction

Thank you for sharing that point of view. I’m sure that many would agree with you.

Thank you for sharing that perspective!

@@AnythingGermanShepherd Whadda good dog! Lying next to me now. My charge is to train this animal. My friend has never had a large dog, I've had several. He's got small kids which haven't met him yet. He's an adult 5 year old, quite mouthy. I'm bit bruised but I'm fixing it! Very good dog! Likes belly rubs! Super easy to bathe compared to a Samoyed, and FAR easier to comb out. I don't mind this dog a bit. He will be a good companion to my friend and his family. I still prefer Samoyeds, however, I have nothing to complain about with this dog.

If your dog’s back legs are giving out, it could be due to a variety of issues like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or spinal problems. It’s essential to consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. However, here are some common anti-inflammatory options often recommended for dogs: Prescription Options 1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): • Carprofen (Rimadyl) • Meloxicam (Metacam) • Deracoxib (Deramaxx) • Firocoxib (Previcox) These are commonly prescribed by vets to reduce pain and inflammation safely for dogs. Never use human NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin without veterinary guidance, as they can be toxic to dogs. 2. Steroids: If the condition is severe, your vet might prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone to reduce inflammation. Natural or Supplementary Options 1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil supplements, these have natural anti-inflammatory properties. 2. Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Supplements like Cosequin or Dasuquin can help support joint health. 3. CBD Oil: Some pet-specific CBD products can help with inflammation and pain. Supportive Care In addition to medication, consider: • Weight Management: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces stress on their joints. • Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises, swimming, or hydrotherapy can strengthen the muscles. • Orthopedic Support: Dog braces, orthotic devices, or special bedding can provide comfort and support. Let me know if you’d like tips on how to prepare for a vet visit or other ways to support your dog! Otherwise please visit our website for more info.

Love the unconditional love. 🥰.

Thanks for that comment. Always great to receive other points of view.

Apologies for the slow response. I completely understand how overwhelming it can be when you're navigating a new diagnosis like EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), especially when it comes to diet. It’s great that you’re asking questions and doing your research-your dog is lucky to have you advocating for her! Regarding the whole grains vs. grain-free debate, it's important to note that with EPI, the focus is usually on providing a diet that's easy to digest, balanced, and supportive of their nutritional needs. While many grain-free diets are marketed for dogs with sensitive stomachs, not all dogs with EPI will do well on them. For some German Shepherds, whole grains (like brown rice, oats, or barley) can be a good source of easily digestible carbohydrates that can help with overall digestion and regular bowel movements. However, this can vary based on your dog's individual needs, so it's always worth working with your vet to see what works best for her. As for the dehydrated chicken livers, hearts, and gizzards-those can be a great source of high-quality protein and nutrients like vitamins A, B, and iron. Adding these as an occasional treat or as part of her meal plan can be beneficial, but they should be fed in moderation. It’s important to balance them with other proteins (like chicken, turkey, or beef) and keep an eye on the fat content, as too much fat can sometimes exacerbate EPI symptoms. Again, your vet can provide more personalized advice here. It's totally okay to feel a bit confused right now, and you're definitely not alone in feeling that way. I recommend continuing to ask questions, work closely with your vet, and, if possible, consult with a veterinary nutritionist who specializes in EPI-they can help create the best diet plan for your German Shepherd. You’re doing great by being proactive, and I’m sure your girl will thrive with the right support!

Hi there, I’m sorry to hear about your dog’s difficulty with his back legs-it can be so tough seeing them age. At nearly 16 years old, it’s common for dogs to experience some weakness or mobility issues, and it sounds like he's having a hard time staying steady while eating. To make mealtime easier for him, here are a few ideas you might try: Elevated Bowls: Using raised or elevated food and water bowls can help reduce strain on his neck and back, especially if he has trouble bending down. This might make it easier for him to eat without needing to lower his body so much. Soft or Wet Food: If he’s having trouble with the physical effort of chewing, you might want to switch to softer food or add some warm water or broth to his kibble to make it easier for him to eat. You can also try blending his food if he prefers to have it in a mushy consistency. Smaller Meals, More Often: Instead of one large meal, consider offering smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This way, he doesn’t have to eat all at once, which might make things less stressful for him. Supportive Flooring: If your dog is slipping on hard floors, a non-slip mat under his bowls or soft rugs where he eats can help him maintain better traction while standing. Joint Support: If his weakness is related to joint pain or arthritis, adding joint supplements (like glucosamine, chondroitin, or fish oil) to his food might help support his mobility. Check with your vet about what might be best for him. Assistive Devices: If his back legs are very weak, there are supportive harnesses and slings designed to help with mobility and support when walking or getting around, which might help him maintain some independence while eating. It’s wonderful that you’re paying attention to his comfort, and any little adjustments you make can have a big positive impact. As always, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet, especially if you’re concerned about his mobility or nutrition needs. I hope these tips help, and I’m wishing you and your senior dog many more happy meals together! 💙

❤️❤️❤️

That's hilarious! Thank you for sharing.

Apologies for the slow response. I totally understand your concern, and it's great that you're thinking about your pup's comfort and safety! At 59°F (about 15°C), a German Shepherd, especially one with shorter fur, might start to feel chilly, particularly if he's not used to being outside. Even though you’ve built him a cozy dog house with a blanket and a bed, insulation can only do so much in terms of keeping the warmth in, especially if there's no door to block drafts or wind. German Shepherds are tough dogs, but they’re also sensitive to cold, particularly when they’re used to being indoors. Since he’s not long-haired, he’s probably more vulnerable to the cold than a double-coated, long-haired Shepherd. Here are a few tips to help ensure he stays safe and comfortable outside: Dog House Door: Adding a door to the dog house would help keep the warmth in and provide him with a little more protection from the elements. You can even try a simple flappy door made of fabric or plastic that will still allow air circulation but block the wind. Check for Drafts: Make sure the dog house is free of drafts. If it's open on one side or not fully insulated, he might feel cold even in temperatures above freezing. Extra Bedding: Consider adding more bedding, such as straw or hay, which provides extra warmth by trapping heat. Blankets are good too, but straw is better at insulating and staying dry if he’s in and out of the house. Short Walks: Try to bring him inside more often, especially during the night when temperatures drop further. If you can, give him more exercise during the day to keep his body temperature up. You can also look into doggy sweaters or coats if he enjoys walks. Comfort & Reassurance: It's great that you're letting him come inside sometimes. If he's not used to being outside, it may take him a little while to adjust. The barking could be his way of communicating that he feels lonely or anxious, so spending time with him outside (or allowing him some inside time) could help ease that. Ultimately, a 3-year-old German Shepherd in moderate cold (like 59°F) can manage if he has the proper shelter, but you’ll need to keep an eye on how he’s adjusting. If you ever hear him shivering or acting uncomfortable, that's a sign he may need to come inside. It sounds like you’re doing everything you can to make him comfortable, and I’m sure he appreciates your care and love! Keep monitoring the weather and his behavior, and you'll find the right balance for him. 😊

Love that breed also. Thanks for commenting and sharing.

Got to love it.

Thanks for sharing.

so did my aunt & uncle. he was my favorite dog ever. they named him knute after knute rockne. i spent most of my time with him at their old house. sometimes i brought bones 4 him too. we have a lake house in kentucky right next door 2 them. one time when they went out on the water they asked me if i was going & i said no cuz i wanted 2 stay with him. when they left i went back 2 my cousins’ room & played their ps1. i wanted him 2 follow me but he didnt. i shouldve called him. i was devastated when they put him down in 2007 :( i really hoped she wasnt serious but she was :( one time later i had a dream where i was at the vet with them in the waiting room. they revived him & brought him out. i rushed 2 him & gave him a hug. then i woke up & realized it was just a dream. i still miss him & always will. i have a picture in my room of me & him in their backyard

@@popsingerstar Thank you for sharing that story. That's true dog love.

@@AnythingGermanShepherd sure. he always licked my hand but not my face. i shouldve put peanut butter on it. i know i’ll see him again someday in heaven but i wish he could come back :(

Love it. Thanks for sharing.

More than welcome

Thank you so much for that feedback. It's such a tough topic to talk about.

Hi there! It’s great to hear that your 8-month-old pup has been reunited with his mom-I'm sure it’s a special moment for both of them! Regarding the humping behavior, it’s actually pretty common for puppies, especially at that age, to exhibit humping or mounting behaviors. It’s important to remember that this doesn’t always have to do with sexual behavior. At 8 months old, your pup is in the middle of adolescence, which is a time when dogs can start testing boundaries and expressing themselves in ways that might seem unusual. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Hormonal Changes: At this age, your pup is likely going through a hormonal shift, which can cause some behaviors like humping. It’s not necessarily sexual, but rather a result of excitement, playfulness, or even stress. It’s also possible that he’s trying to assert dominance, especially with his mom. Redirect the Behavior: If the humping is becoming excessive or disruptive, you can redirect him to more appropriate behaviors. For example, when he starts to hump, calmly interrupt the behavior with a firm "no" or "off," and then distract him with a toy, a game, or some training. Consistently redirecting him will help him understand that humping isn't acceptable behavior. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Sometimes, puppies hump because they have excess energy or are bored. Make sure your pup is getting plenty of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and playtime throughout the day. A tired dog is less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors! Don't Punish the Behavior: It's important not to punish your dog for humping, as this could cause confusion or anxiety. Instead, focus on positive redirection and reinforcing calm, appropriate behavior. Consider Spaying/Neutering: If your dog hasn’t been neutered yet, this could help with some of the mounting behavior, although it’s not always a guaranteed fix. Speak with your vet about the timing and whether neutering could help with this behavior. Lastly, if the humping continues or becomes problematic, it’s always a good idea to talk to a trainer or behaviorist who can work with you and your dog to address the issue in a constructive way. You’re doing great by seeking advice and understanding why your pup is behaving this way-it’s all part of his growth! Wishing you both lots of fun as he grows into his adolescent years. 🐾