The Happy Shepherd

The essential quick guide to training, handling and living with a German Shepherd Dog.

This handy little manual is a must have for anyone who considers owning or working with a German Shepherd dog. This is a special breed that requires specific instructions and guidelines without which the human-animal experience could be disastrous.

This book was written with the intention to help future German Shepherd owners understand the breed better and how to properly handle their dog therefore ensuring happiness for the owner, the dog and the world around them.

The author, Jean-Jacques Myard, has spent the last four decades living with and training German Shepherds on several continents and in different languages. Over the course of these years, he was able to decipher the breed and understand them and their needs deeply; as he stated "The dogs taught me to understand them and communicate with them; my intention is to pass that knowledge onto their handlers." He currently shares his love of the outdoors with his two Shepherds, Frida and Rio, in the Rocky Mountains of Western Montana.

Introduction  1

Chapter 1 - Why choose a GSD (German Shepherd Dog)   3

Chapter 2 - Many uses of the GSD   6

Chapter 3 - Choosing a puppy         9

Chapter 4 - The early years   12

Chapter 5 - Communication 16

Chapter 6 - Playing and exercise      18

Chapter 7 - Training 26

Chapter 8 - The world and others    27

Chapter 9 - Health and care 30

Chapter 10 - Multiple dogs   32

Chapter 11 - Retirement       34