The German Shepherd Handbook: The Essential Guide For New & Prospective German Shepherd Owners (Canine Handbooks)

When I started to read “The German Shepherd Handbook” it reinforced what I was taught by a breeder I’ve gotten to know her name is Bobbi King. My mom found her after her rescue GSD had passed away. Low and behold the original owner was Bobbi King who owned him with another breeder. Whopper located on p. 225 he was a gentle giant and my kids and I loved him. The handbook speaks on any topic possible to owning a GSD, health problems that may arise, the importance of health testing, socializing, traits, anxiety, and skin allergies, etc. What stuck out to me was finding a good mentor if you are looking to breed your GSD. I had talked to Bobbi on occasion about this and she took me under her wing. First thing first we had the dam that I bought from her health tested. We went to a dog show where there were mobile vets to do the testing we needed. She stated it is more expensive when you go to a vet's office but mobile vets at a dog show tend to be cheaper. She hand walked me along with her dogs to be tested as well. We had hips and elbow, eyes, detention, thyroid, cardiac, degenerative myelopathy, and temperament testing. Then she stated when you have all that you will get a certificate from OFA showing everything you’ve tested for on one certificate. You want to make sure that both dam and sire are health tested it doesn’t mean they will not develop it but are less likely to. She then had me register with AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program to show my GSDs are health tested even had me arrange their binder a certain way so when the potential buyers see the GSDs info it is appealing to them. Shows your knowledge and love of the breed itself. We talked about the positives and negatives of breeding: 1) costs, 2) vet visits, 3) training, 4) puppies/older GSD being returned at any time, and 5) full-time care of Dam and puppies, etc the list goes on and on. This book described what I went through as a GSD owner and breeder. This pretty much covers everything you need to know and then some. The fact it covered finding a mentor had me thinking about all the things I went through and why I do it. I breed to carry on the trait that I want in my future litters. Sadly I retired my dam but will pick up again when I am ready to start again with a future female I may buy. I will do it with the knowledge I gained from this book and from my mentor Bobbi who is also a great friend of mine! If you looking into getting a GSD whether it is a puppy, an adult, or a rescue GSD this is a great book to have in your arsenal of knowledge of GSDs. The first 3 pics are of my Redwood Run's "Echo" Vom Haus Drage and the last picture is of Whopper who is laying by my mom's bedside when he was first rescued by her.

Great quality, price, and informative.

My older parents recently purchased a German Shepherd several months after they lost their 13 year old German Shepherd. They have owned other German shepherds, but puppy is different. First of all he is huge and still growing. He's easy to train and super boisterous. Smart and stubborn. They needed something to refresh them on what to do with this cannily watchful inquisitive male.This book is just what they needed. This is giving them a fresh perspective on what to do with this new guy under different & unique circumstances - the COVID pandemic. He was not able to be socialized through puppy kindergarten or other safe ways to introduce him to many different people & circumstances. My parents acquired him right before our state was locked down. They would not have gotten him if had they had any idea what was going to happen. They would have waited. Of course they love him to pieces now and he is a gorgeous most black striking Shepherd. Yet they needed something to help with some bad habits he has picked up because they were not able to do the things they normally do with their pups.This book is able to provide some solutions to problems, suggestions of what can be done, and how to prevent some other bad habits from forming. He's strong and tall. The kitchen counters and the sink are his playground. This book is helping them and they are so grateful. They only wish there were color pictures.

Ithaca answered all my questions about my dog and is an excellent reference.

I just adopted a beautiful German Shepherd puppy. I have years of dog training experience and have raised many different breeds, however I always try to learn as much as I can about the breed i am raising and working with. This book is very well written (not a boring read) and I learned a lot. Worth every penny

The GSD book is one of the most informative books about the GSD I have ever read.The comments from breeders also adds information that is often left out.If you are thinking about getting a GSD pup, buyer beware in the US of A.Read carefully about the different bloodlines; German, Czech and US.I highly recommend this book.

I highly recommend this book! I own many GSD books but this book includes the most recent Information from understanding the GSD breed to training and caring for your GSD once you bring your pup home. The author clearly defines the characteristics and temperament of this breed as well as guides you through the stages of puppyhood. This book is packed full of useful information for every German Shepherd owner. It guides you through the stages of puppyhood (feeding, potty training, crate training, socializing, etc.) to caring for the older adult dog. There is so much useful information including information on canine competitions you and your GSD can get involved in! If you don’t already own one of these loyal pups, this author even gives you tips how and where to find a reputable breeder! Don’t hesitate to buy this well written book.

I was hoping for info on training rather than opinions from multiple breeders. Interesting, but not helpful for what I need. Also, more for a recent puppy owner as much of the book focuses on vaccinations, house training, etc...