One of the most common concerns new German Shepherd owners share is: “My dog barks at strangers, hesitates with new people, and doesn’t want everyone to pet them. Is something wrong?” The short answer: No. In fact, this behavior is exactly what the German Shepherd Dog was bred to do. The German Shepherd Temperament According […]
Why German Shepherds Don’t Always Love Strangers — And Why That’s Normal Read More »
For as long as I can remember, the German Shepherd community has been divided: working-line versus show-line, each side convinced the other has lost its way. The argument is old, predictable, and rarely productive: two camps, two ideals, two different dogs. Max von Stephanitz, the breed’s founder, warned us plainly: “The breeding of shepherd dogs
Bridging the Divide: Crossbreeding Working & Show Lines Read More »
Recently, Ajay shared a few videos of Hemi, our young German Shepherd, trotting effortlessly across the field. His movement was fluid, his topline level, his angulation moderate. In short — a dog built to work. In response, a seasoned breeder named Ed, with 38 years in the breed, wrote: “A correct dog absolutely NO extreme.
Form Follows Function: Why Balance Matters in the German Shepherd Dog Read More »
Dogs don’t guard because they’re trying to “dominate” you — that’s an outdated myth. They guard because they see a person or place as a valuable resource. In the canine world, controlling access to important resources (like food, a prime resting spot, or a beloved human) is a natural instinct, especially if they feel insecure
Why Dogs Guard People or Spaces Read More »
Ethical Consequences of misapplying the the findings from DM Genetic Testing. Individual Categories Overlapping Categories All Three Categories: (Overlap of Genetic Testing, Bayes’ Theorem, and Ethics) What This Means 1. The biggest concern (18) is ethical, indicating that how we use test results matters as much as the science behind them. 2. Genetic testing (10)
While DNA testing for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a diagnostic tool in partially identifying genetic predisposition, it does not provide a definitive diagnosis. A dog testing “At Risk” (homozygous for the SOD1 mutation) means it carries two copies of the gene associated with DM, but it does not guarantee the dog will ever develop the
Understanding DM Test Results Through Bayes’ Theorem: Addendum – Abhai Kaul. Read More »
1. Personal Background and Experience – Can you tell me a bit about your journey into shepherding? Was this something you grew up around, or did you discover it later in life? What has kept you passionate about it all these years? I am a 3th Generation shepherd (in Germany, Shepherding is an apprenticeship with
The German Shepherd Dog: According to a Shepherd. Read More »
Understanding the Limitations of DNA Testing in Detecting Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) – Abhai Kaul. Introduction Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a neurodegenerative disease with implications for many dog breeds. While DNA tests targeting the SOD1 mutation identify genetic predisposition, studies show these tests fall short as standalone diagnostic tools. The following article delves
DNA Testing for Degenerative Mylopathy (DM) in GSDs Read More »
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment gaining popularity in veterinary medicine. This regenerative therapy uses a concentrated solution of the dog’s own platelets to promote healing in injured tissues, making it a compelling alternative to invasive surgical procedures. By leveraging the body’s natural healing processes, PRP therapy offers a safer and
Introduction to PRP Therapy for Dogs to aid with injury recovery and rehabilitation Read More »
