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About Labman
Expertise
housebreaking, feeding, training, grooming PLEASE DON'T SEND ME MEDICAL OR BREEDING QUESTIONS. An internet forum is not the appropriate place for them. Even if I could tell what was wrong from a handful of symptoms, you would still need to get the medications from your local vet. Breeding should be left to those not needing to ask simple, basic questions. Books have been written about it. Rather than ask me a question, start reading. Those unwilling to do the work it takes to produce quality puppies should spay/neuter their pets at 6 months. I will not answer questions that sound like a poorly prepared breeder.

Experience

Past/Present clients
I have been around the net a long time answering questions including the general dog area of All Experts. I recently discovered a lack of good experts under many specific breeds. I don't have as extensive experience with the GSD as Labs, but still can give good answers to most questions. I try to base my answers on carefully proven methods confirmed by my own experience. Much of what I know about dogs, I have learned raising a puppy every year since 1991 for a large dog guide school. I am familiar with several similar programs. Nobody is in a better position to know dogs, need ones with long, active life, and share what they know, than the service dog schools. In addition I have done extensive reading. My answers have much more to back them than the limited experience any one dog owner can have.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Dog Breeds > German Shepherds > ears

German Shepherds - ears

Expert: Labman - 10/30/2009

Question
My 5 month old GSD has one ear that is not standing. It did stand before teething and does stand at times. I was wondering on your opinion on using glue or tape to help them stand.

Answer
I have never seen any information on how much good it does from a source that I would trust. My take is that nearly all the dogs have their ears up by a year old taped or not.

Do not add calcium to its diet. Most puppy chows have close to excessive. If it is still on puppy chow, I would switch to adult. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds early, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.

Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx

Note, Shepherds are more likely to be too thin than overweight. If so, leave well enough alone.

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