This reference for German Shepherd care and training includes information on their history, their special temperament and where to find a breeder or other adoption options. Find out how these dogs can be used in therapy as well as search and rescue operations.

Everybody thinks they know the German Shepherd. Many of us grew up with Rin Tin Tin, or we saw German Shepherds in nightly news reports breaking up riots, or we saw them in neighbors' backyards protecting children. But that only scratches the surface of one of the most fascinating and confusing breeds on earth. Whether it's selection, nutrition, routine health care, training, competition, or just having fun, there's more to it with a German Shepherd than with other breeds. And if you're thinking about adding one to your family, or you already have one, you need to know all you can about this breed. Which is where German Shepherds For Dummies comes in. Is this noble and intelligent breed the right dog for you and your family? German Shepherds For Dummies provides the answer to this and all your questions about getting, caring for, and living with this loveable breed. Lifelong German Shepherd owner and longtime German Shepherd breeder, trainer, and exhibitor, Carline Coile, PhD ,gets you up and running with what you need to know to: * Find and communicate with reputable breeders * Choose the right German Shepherd for you * Housebreak and socialize your new puppy * Educate yourself and your dog * Handle behavioral problems * Participate in competitions Dr. Coile provides insights into the German Shepherd temperament and loads of sensible, easy-to-follow advice, along with fun facts and Shepherd trivia, amusing and informative anecdotes, and tips on how to have a great time with your dog. Discover how to: * Understand how to communicate with your German Shepherd * Train your German Shepherd * Find a good trainer and attend classes * Deal with hereditary health problems * Feed and exercise your German Shepherd * Recognize, prevent and treat common health problems * Have loyal friend for life The indispensable guide for you and your German Shepherd, German Shepherds For Dummies is the only book you'll need to help you have the best possible experience with this handsome and sensitive breed of dog.

• Introduction
• PART I
• Getting to Know German Shepherds
• Chapter
• Making the Decision of a Lifetime
• Chapter
• Setting the Standard for the Breed
• PART II
• Finding the German Shepherd for You
• Chapter
• Looking for Love in All the Right Places
• Breeders and Shelters
• Chapter
• Picking the Perfect Puppy
• PART III
• Bringing Up Baby
• Chapter
• Shopping for Dog Stuff
• Chapter
• Welcoming Your Dog Home
• Chapter
• Feeding Your German Shepherd
• Chapter
• Training Your Dog
• Chapter
• Dealing with a "Bad Dog"
• Chapter
• Grooming Your Dog
• PART IV
• Keeping Your Dog Healthy
• Chapter
• Working with Your Dog's Other Best Friend
• His Veterinarian
• Chapter
• Dealing with GSD Hereditary Health Problems
• Chapter
• Taking Care of a Sick Shepherd
• Chapter
• Caring for an Aging Shepherd
• PART V
• Having Fun with Your German Shepherd
• Chapter
• Exercising Your Dog
• Chapter
• Showing Off Your Dog
• Chapter
• Putting Your Shepherd to Work
• PART VI
• The Part of Tens
• Chapter
• Ten Tips for Traveling with Your Dog
• Chapter
• Ten Fun Games You Can Play with Your Shepherd
• Appendix A
• Glossary
• Appendix B
• Resources
• Appendix C
• The Official AKC Breed Standard for the German Shepherd Dog
• Appendix D
• GSD Abbreviations
• Index
• Book Registration Information