Well one thing that I have found out with owning german shepherds is that the American Line German Shepherds are much, much better with chickens, horses and other livestock. And the German Line are not as good with them. I don't know if thats the same thing with other german shepherds but it is with my'n. German Lines are bred to be police dogs, search and rescue dogs, narcotic search dogs and guard dogs. While American Line german shepherd are bred to herd sheep, guard livestock but they are good family guard dogs to. My American Line will walk around the chicken coop with the chickens and not even notice them barely......she could care less. The other one tried to eat one of my chickens but I grabbed her before she could. lol I don't know what you have.....but training and age can affect the personalities and behavior around livestock too. Other then that German Shepherds are very, very loyal dogs and great companions. They do need some space and a medium size-big backyard they don't do very good in apartments usually unless they get a lot of exercise. But they are usually very calm dogs.....their just big. lol They are also (either line) very, very good guard dogs. So make sure you socialize your puppy A LOT both out in public and at home.
Socialization with other dogs and other people for GS puppies is the best thing for them....and lots of exercise and activities. But you do have to socialize them a lot in your house instead of always out in public.....because they need to get used to people that come to your house....and they need to know that not everyone is a robber. lol Also German Shepherds are usually pullers on the leash unless they are already trained....like a lot of big dogs. I recommend using the Halti or the Gentle Leader i you are having trouble teaching your GSD how to walk on the leash....the only problem with the collar is thatit slips off their face pretty easily sometimes so you might have to have another collar an lease on your dog just in case. Another thing with German Shepherds is that they can get allergies pretty easily....both stomach, feed and skin allergies so you need to make sure that you buy good quality feed. It might me a little more exspensive but its worth it. Don't get anything like Purina or Iams.....a really good brand is Bil Jac. I feed my German Shepherds raw feed....which is a lot cheaper and very, very healthy for them. It's basically raw meat....chicken backs usually. But I buy them from a butcher I don't feed them my own chickens. And we also feed them vegtables, fruit and baked potatoes. If you have any other questions you can pm me......I've owned and raised German Shepherds for 15 years. Enjoy your new dog.....you'll have A LOT of fun with her!!!!!
