If you are a dog lover, you would know that only a few dog breeds are as smart and easy to train as German Shepherds. In fact, because of their versatility, and trainability, they are considered all-purpose utility dogs. But what is the reason behind their intelligence?
German Shepherds are considered to be intelligent dogs for several reasons. Firstly, they were selectively bred for their intelligence, trainability, and work ethic, making them highly skilled and obedient working dogs. They were originally developed in Germany in the late 19th century to be used as herding dogs. Their intelligence was essential for performing tasks such as tracking, herding, and protecting livestock.
German Shepherds are also very curious and eager to learn something new. They also love to please their owners and are willing to go the extra mile to understand what their owners expect of them. Your German Shepherds also know how to quickly assess a situation and work quickly to solve the problem.
Though German Shepherds are so intelligent, there are some things you can do to make your German Shepherd a lot smarter, and there are many other things you could do that could harm your German Shepherd’s intelligence. This post will look at both scenarios, so don’t go anywhere.
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FIVE THINGS TO AVOID WHEN BUILDING SMART GERMAN SHEPHERDS.
It would help to avoid many things when building intelligence in your German Shepherd. But in this, we will be looking at only five.
1. Neglecting Mental Stimulation.
Lack of mental stimulation can lead to boredom, frustration, and destructive behavior. Avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods without providing them with activities to keep their minds active. Also, avoid locking them in a crate or cage for long hours with nothing to do. This will make them very destructive and uncoordinated when released.
2. Using Punishments or Physical Force.
Punishing your dog for not following commands or misbehaving can negatively impact their intelligence and damage the bond between you and your dog. It could also make your dog super aggressive and socially anxious. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour.
3. Inadequate Training.
Inadequate or inconsistent training can confuse your dog and reduce their intelligence. Training could also be difficult because they find ways to pass your training system. Ensure you provide regular, consistent training to teach your dog new commands and tricks.
4. Poor Diet.
A poor diet can lead to various health issues affecting your dog’s cognitive abilities. Ensure your dog’s diet is nutritious and balanced to promote good health and mental sharpness.
5. Lack of Exercise.
A lack of exercise can lead to lethargy, obesity, and reduced mental acuity. A lack of exercise could also make your dog lazy and lack the desire to be mentally stimulated. Ensure your German Shepherd gets enough exercise daily to keep their mind and body healthy and active. Now that we have looked at five things you should avoid let’s look at ten things you could do to enhance your dogs smartness.
10 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR DOGS SMARTNESS AND OVERALL INTELLIGENCE.
Here are ten steps that you can take to improve your German Shepherd’s intelligence:
Provide regular mental stimulation: Give your German Shepherd challenging puzzles, toys, and activities that require them to think and problem-solve.
Train them regularly: Practice obedience training and teach them new tricks. This will improve their intelligence, behaviour, and social skills.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise for good behaviour and correct responses during training. This will encourage them to learn and retain information.
Expose them to new experiences: Introduce your German Shepherd to new environments, people, and animals. This will help them develop their senses and adaptability.
Play games with them: Play fetch, hide-and-seek, and other games that require them to use their senses and cognitive skills.
Exercise regularly: Physical exercise can help improve mental acuity, so ensure your dog gets enough daily exercise.
Provide a balanced diet: A nutritious and balanced diet can help improve your dog’s overall health, which can positively impact its intelligence.
Allow them to socialise: Allow your German Shepherd to interact with other dogs and people. This will help them develop their social skills and learn from others.
Take them on walks: Walking can help stimulate your dog’s senses and expose them to new experiences and smells.
Be patient: Improving your German Shepherd’s intelligence will take time and patience. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to making progress.
