Be a Responsible Pet Owner

by The American Kennel Club

Among companion animals, dogs are unmatched in their devotion, loyalty and friendship to humankind. Anyone who has ever loved a dog can attest to its hundred-fold return. The excitement your dog shows when you come home, the wagging tail at the sound of the leash being taken from its hook, the delight in the tossing of a tennis ball, and the head nestled in your lap-those are only some of the rewards of being a dog owner.

Owning a dog is not just a privilege-it's a responsibility. These animals depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. If you are considering taking a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership entails. If you already have a dog, you need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as its owner.

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http://www.sugarcreekfarms.org/articles/responsible_dog_owner.html

Puppy Manners Matter

Decide what your dog values most; food, toys, attention, life rewards, etc. and use those things as to reward the behaviors you want/like while ignoring the behaviors you would rather not see again.

A great way to do this is by using a clicker or any other type of marker. By using a clicker, your dog will know the exact thing you are rewarding and therefore will offer that behavior more in the future. Try to always have a clicker handy and/or always use the same word, such as "yes" to mark a behavior you like. Also, try to make your pup work for everything, I always suggest a "no free lunch" type program.

read more at Sugar Creek Farms>> 

http://www.sugarcreekfarms.org/articles/puppy_manners.html

Raising a Confident Puppy

Different people have different needs and may look for different characteristics in a dog. However, everyone will agree that they want a confident German Shepherd Dog, a dog that will not hide behind the owner each time it comes across something new. A big portion of a dog's confidence is genetic. 

There are dogs that are born to hide under the bed at the first sound of a thunderstorm. The only thing you can do to prevent this is to do your homework and get a dog from proven bloodlines. But even when you get a puppy from sound parents and bloodlines, it is your responsibility to raise your puppy in such a way that his confidence is developed to its full potential. Just assume it is a 50/50 situation - 50% of your puppy's confidence comes from his genes, and 50% comes from the way you raise him.

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http://www.sugarcreekfarms.org/articles/tips_raising_confident_puppy.html

German Shepherd Puppies

Sugar Creek Farms Kennels takes great pride in producing some of the top Registered German Shepherd companionship & family dogs available today!

Call Sugar Creek Farms and reserve your puppy today: 319-470-0381
email susifisher@sugarcreekfarms.org
http://www.sugarcreekfarms.org