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Digital Nomad life with a German Shepherd

5/14/2024

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Digital Nomad Life with a German Shepherd: Tips and Tricks
Embarking on a nomadic lifestyle as a digital nomad with your German Shepherd requires careful planning and consideration. Ensuring your pet is suited to a life on the move, investigating international pet travel requirements, and building a supportive community are the first steps toward your new, flexible lifestyle. This Wolves Den Rancharticle will guide you through the essential aspects of becoming a digital nomad with your loyal companion by your side.
Evaluating Your German Shepherd's Readiness for Travel
Assess whether your German Shepherd is ready for a nomadic life. This involves understanding their temperament and adaptability to new environments. A German Shepherd with high energy and good social skills is likely a good candidate for frequent travel.
However, comfort in varying modes of transport and adaptability to new surroundings are crucial. Health also plays a significant role—ensuring your dog is physically prepared for travel is a must. Regular check-ups and a clean bill of health from your veterinarian will ensure that your adventures start on the right paw.
Selecting Pet-Friendly Locations
Choosing the right destination is critical to a successful nomadic lifestyle with a pet. Seek out countries and cities with welcoming pet policies, including accommodations, restaurants, and public transportation that allow dogs. Researching pet-friendly activities and spots beforehandwill help you make the most of your stay and ensure you and your German Shepherd have enjoyable experiences.
Enhancing Your Professional Skills
As a digital nomad, continual learning and skill enhancement are vital for staying competitive. Going back to school to earn an online degree, with a number of information technology courses to choose from, can significantly sharpen your skills and enhance your career prospects.
Pursuing education in cybersecurity and web development broadens your expertise and offers the flexibility to study from anywhere. This approach aligns perfectly with your nomadic lifestyle, making learning easier while you work and travel.
Adapting to Different Climates
When traveling with your pet, understanding and preparing for various climatic conditions is essential. Some regions might be extremely hot or cold, which can be challenging for a German Shepherd. Investing in appropriate pet apparel, such as cooling vests or insulated coats, and planning outdoor activities during milder parts of the day can help mitigate the impact of extreme weather.
Securing International Pet Insurance
Securing pet insurance that provides international coverage is crucial to safeguarding your German Shepherd's health abroad. Such policies should cover potential accidents, illnesses, and emergency veterinary costs. Researching and choosing a plan that best suits your travel needs will provide peace of mind, knowing that your pet's health is protected across borders.
Understanding International Pet Travel Laws
Navigating the complexities of international pet travel is critical. Each country has its regulations regarding pet importation, including necessary vaccinations, health certificates, and sometimes quarantine requirements. Familiarizing yourself with these laws and preparing the required documents well before your travel dates ensures a smoother journey for you and your German Shepherd.
Building Your Nomadic Support Network
Connecting with fellow nomads and finding reliable pet sitters are invaluable travel resources. Platforms like social media groups and digital nomad communities can offer support and advice. These networks can be crucial for sharing experiences, tips on pet care, and even pet-sitting exchanges during travels.
Preparing for Emergencies
A well-thought-out contingency plan for emergencies ensures you’re prepared for any situation. This includes knowing the location of the nearest veterinary clinic, having a list of emergency contacts, and understanding the process for emergency repatriation if needed. Preparation minimizes panic and provides clear steps to follow, ensuring the safety and well-being of your German Shepherd in any crisis.
Transforming into a digital nomad with your German Shepherd is a thrilling yet demanding endeavor that requires extensive preparation and adaptability. By carefully considering each step of the process and preparing for the unexpected, you can ensure a rewarding experience for you and your furry companion. Whether through community support, ongoing education, or proper health precautions, the path to successful nomadic living with your pet is within reach.

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our German Shepherd breeding services? Visit WolvesDenRanch.com today!

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Lengthen Your Dog's Lifespan With These Healthy Strategies

5/11/2023

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Having a furry companion can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of duties. As pet owners, we must adhere to the responsibility of ensuring their well-being by keeping them in optimal health. In order to provide your pup with an enjoyable long life, it's crucial to make sure he has access to the best food and treats and that he gets enough physical and mental stimulation. With the right amount of activity, your dog can stay fit and lengthen his lifespan. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your dog healthy for years to come:
Feed Him a Balanced, Nutritious Diet
One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to feed him a balanced diet tailored to his age and breed. Different breeds have different dietary needs, so be sure to research what type of food is best for your particular breed. It’s also important to make sure that the food you buy is high-quality. Allow your dog to try this air-dried beef dog food, which undergoes a slow cooking and air-drying process specifically made to retain nutrients. It also contains more protein than most wet food options, ensuring that your dog eats the healthiest possible meals without ingesting excess carbs that could lead to weight gain.
Provide Plenty of Exercise Opportunities
No matter what type of diet you provide, exercise is important for all dogs, regardless of age or breed. Not only does it help keep them physically fit, but it also helps with mental stimulation as well. Take your dog out for walks at least twice a day. If you’re not in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, look for an area with a high Walk Score (above 70 is best).

Invest in a pet harness if you plan on exercising outside with him, as this will help keep him safe from potential dangers such as cars or other animals. It will also prevent injury to his neck if he tends to pull on the leash. Make sure it's made of a durable material that will prevent escape. Taking your pet's measurements can help you choose the right size harness to ensure it's comfortable.
Give Your Dog Lots of Playtime
Dogs need plenty of mental stimulation to stay mentally healthy and active. This can include playing games such as fetch or hide-and-seek, giving them toys to play with, teaching them new tricks, or even taking them on trips to explore new places. Providing plenty of mental stimulation will help keep your dog's mind sharp while also preventing boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or barking excessively.
Give Him Your Attention
Spending quality time with your dog is essential for creating a strong bond, and you can put some of those toys to good use while doing it. Make sure you take time each day (even if it’s just 10 minutes) to play with your pup, give him belly rubs, or just sit together in silence enjoying each other’s company. This will not only create an emotional connection between the two of you but it will also help reinforce good behavior in your pup as well. Talking to your dog is another great way to stimulate his mind and help him learn commands, even if he's older. You can even invest in "talking" pet buttons that will allow your dog to communicate with you once he's trained on how to use them.
Groom Your Pet Often
Brushing and grooming are essential for keeping your pup’s coat healthy and free from mats or tangles, which can cause discomfort when left unaddressed over time. This is especially important for dogs that have lots of hair, such as Pomeranians. Invest in a good brush that works best for your pup’s fur type (long-haired dogs may require more frequent brushing than short-haired breeds) and be sure to brush their coat at least once per week. Additionally, trimming nails regularly is important for keeping paws healthy and avoiding painful ingrown nails down the line. If you're not comfortable using clippers yourself, set up an appointment at the vet. Most veterinarian offices can perform a nail trim quickly for a small fee.
Prevent Loneliness
Sometimes our furry friends have no choice but to be alone while we run errands or head to work, and no matter how much quality time you spend with your dog, he may begin to feel lonely. Make sure he has plenty of toys available so he doesn't get bored while home alone, or set up an interactive toy like an automatic treat dispenser that dispenses treats when he completes certain tasks. You can also provide access to window sills so he can see outside. These small steps will ensure that your pup stays entertained even when you're not around. Just make sure your dog won't tear up your curtains or blinds if you give him access to the window.
Provide Him With the Right Medication
Heartworms are parasites that live inside the heart chambers of dogs and can lead to potentially fatal health complications if left untreated over time, so make sure you invest in preventative heartworm medication from your vet. These are usually sold in monthly doses, so it's important to keep track of them in order to prevent missing one. You can also ask about preventative flea and tick medication, which will keep your dog safe from bites and potential illness.

Keeping your dog safe and healthy is the key to ensuring his happiness, and that can go a long way toward lengthening his life. Whether you want to try a healthy, high-quality new dog food, start a new exercise and walking routine with him, invest in new toys to stimulate his mind, or take a few trips with your dog to improve his quality of life, there are several things you can do to boost his wellness. Talk to your vet before starting any new regimen, especially if your pet needs to lose weight.

Visit Wolves Den Ranch for beautiful and socialized German shepherd puppies. Start an application today.

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Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs: Tips for Managing the Condition

4/26/2023

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Photo credit Wolves Den Ranch: Ebony
Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs: Tips for Managing the Condition

The pancreas plays a critical role in digestion, producing enzymes that help to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in the small intestine. In cases of pancreatic insufficiency, the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient pancreatic enzymes, leading to incomplete digestion and poor nutrient absorption. This can cause dogs to lose weight despite an increased appetite. The good news is that with early diagnosis and proper treatment, most dogs with pancreatic insufficiency can lead a normal and healthy life. Wolves Den Ranch is here to share some tips to help you manage pancreatic insufficiency in your pup!

Limit Stress

Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency by interfering with the digestive system. Do what you can to keep your dog’s stress levels low. Provide a calm and comfortable environment for your dog at home, ensuring they have a quiet place to rest and interactive toys to dispel boredom and anxiety. You’ll also need to keep your own stress levels in check, as dogs are highly sensitive to the mental state of their owners. Consider how your demanding job might be affecting your pet. If you work long hours, your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety while you’re away. See if you can work from home part of the time or hire a pet sitter to drop in during the day.

Enzyme Replacement Therapy

Enzyme replacement therapy is a key component of managing pancreatic insufficiency in dogs. It involves giving your dog enzyme supplements containing lipase, protease, and amylase with each meal to help break down food and improve nutrient absorption. WagWalking.com explains that these enzymes typically come in powdered form, derived from cow or pig pancreatic tissue. It is important to use the correct amount of enzyme supplement, as too little will not provide adequate digestion, and too much may cause digestive upset. Your vet will work with you to find the right dosage for your dog. You may choose to feed your dog raw cow pancreas instead of powdered enzyme replacement.

Diet Modifications

Feeding your pet a highly digestible, low-fat diet can help reduce the workload on the pancreas and improve nutrient absorption. This typically involves feeding a diet that is formulated specifically for dogs with pancreatic insufficiency. It is generally recommended that dogs with pancreatic insufficiency consume diets that are low in fiber (less than 4%) because fiber can interfere with the function of replacement enzymes.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Your veterinarian may also recommend supplementing your pet’s diet with vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiencies associated with poor nutrient absorption. For example, dogs with this condition may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia, weight loss, and other health problems. Zinc deficiency is also a concern, as it can affect skin and coat health as well as immune function. Consider supplementing with these and other vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Probiotics

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common compilation of pancreatic insufficiency, affecting over 80% of dogs with the condition. SIBO occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to digestive issues, malabsorption, and other health problems. While some dogs may require antibiotics to treat SIBO, Four Leaf Rover explains that probiotics can also be beneficial. Choosing the right probiotic is key. Soil-based probiotics (SBO) are recommended for dogs with SIBO as these are able to move through the small intestine to the colon, where they can effectively colonize and promote healthy gut function.

Pancreatic insufficiency is a serious condition that can impact your dog’s health and well-being. Fortunately, with proper management, your dog can go on to live a long and healthy life with the condition. Keeping your dog’s stress levels low, providing enzyme replacement therapy, and making dietary modifications will help your dog thrive!

Are you looking for a new puppy? Wolves Den Ranch is a licensed German Shepherd Breeder in Marion County, Florida. Check out our website to learn more!

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Weak Pasturns or Knuckling over originally written May 5th 2017 Sandra

5/31/2020

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I've seen quite a few pet pups in my feed with low or weak pasterns lately.
Look at your pup's feet, does it look like they are wearing socks?
Well they shouldn't!
Weak Pasterns, also referred to as "Low in Pasterns", is when muscles/ligaments etc are growing faster than the bones and they have nothing to attach to for support.
Nutrition is the leading cause of weak pasterns, buckling over and splayed feet. For most it is a mild case being easily remedied, if caught early, thru diet and exercise.
Typically it presents in puppyhood- usually in the teething stage of many large, rapid growing breeds, but can happen until dog is sexually mature.


Treatment:


Daily Vitamin C Supplement- Dosage: 18mg/lb Daily
Vitamin C helps support joints and connective tissue. I use Ester-C starting at 5 weeks of age and can be found at most grocery stores. I recommend feeding it their entire life as it also supports the immune system, helping your dog heal from any stress. Stress is the best-known cause of vitamin C depletion in dogs. Stress comes in many forms ranging from going to new homes to vaccinations, ear cropping and illness.
*Please do NOT confuse Vitamin C with Calcium. They are 2 entirely different things, and calcium will make this condition worse.
*Note: Ester C is the only form of Vitamin C available at the grocery store that a dog can easily metabolize. If you are wanting one with less Calcium in it I suggest looking for a dog specific vitamins available on most pet food sites.


Keep Puppy Lean
Yes I know...everyone wants the biggest and baddest mother on the block. But this mindset couldn't be more wrong and actually is quite damaging causing more problems and WILL take years off joint life. Adolescents should be ribby- do NOT over feed!
Make sure you are feeding a large breed formula kibble for fast growing pups. If you are already using that kibble to no improvement, then transition to an adult formula with less protein. The idea is to slow down their growth so that their bones can catch up to their ligaments.
Feeding a well-balanced diet with the correct ratio of protein:fat:calcium is ideal. Everyone's opinion on this varies so I'll let you research and decide which ratio is correct for your pup. I hate that debate and won't do it! Lol.
*Avoid high protein, calcium and additional supplements.


Proper Exercise
Muscle is heavy and can also be the culprit of soft pasterns. Your puppy is not an athlete yet, avoid slippery surfaces, excessive exercises, jumping and running on hard surfaces, as this strains ligaments and joints.
The best exercises for this problem is:
-Walking in sand, mud and or gravel targets the correct muscles to strengthen.
-Raise feed bowl. Making puppy "stand tall to eat" is a great stretching exercise to strengthen those weak pasterns. You may want to alter their feeding schedule from 1 up to 3 small meals a day to get the most out of this exercise.


Keep Nails Trimmed- Trim Every 2 Weeks
Dogs nails are an important part of their anatomy. Long nails alter the way a dog walks, affecting the natural alignment of the leg which causes twisting of joints. It can make them prone to injury and cause arthritis overtime.


#weakpasterns #splayedfeet #knucklingover #harefoot #lowpasterns #flatfoot
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Starting Socialization correctly -Robyn Myers

5/3/2020

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This morning....#behindthescenes after breakfast & potty time. I have placed Jericho in the boarding room. To help speed up the process.

Jericho went from Standing to laying down. Then he placed himself in his craite. I do not ask for these behaviors he just does them. Once she's comfortable with him. Socialization will begin. ♥️🙌. No rush.

Right now I have to build her up ,because her being & Showing fearful responses to Jericho yesterday through gate interactions. Jericho is.Just existing, it can absolutely be detrimental. if it was any other dog. Luckily he's well trained and knows what responses I expect from him.

Dogs not having confidence and fear barking & diffrent normal fearful behaviors in fearful Pups can & will lead to other dogs singling her out and attacking her. It's just matter of When.

That's why it's so important as owners we don't coddle are dogs to much. Really think about what we are communicating to the dog when and how we pet & interact with our dogs.

Remember You pet, what you get. Other wise you're setting them up for failure. No one wants to be the reason, they're dog is attacked. 😭. Stop the all the unnecessary Chit chat and baby talk, Stop the constant stroking, even if it does make you feel better. What you do,.you're dog observes and mimics it. You're human behavior will effect the k9's . You are required to change as well. People who can ,.really do love there dogs. So kudos to you..

Behavior Modification is not only a process the dog goes through . The owners do as well. 🙌. They are always much happier, with the change. The proof is in the behavior itself not others opinions on training techniques or styles. The dogs behavior is all the proof you need!!!

With the relationship that is formed between them. When they relearn it themselves as well! Know the diffrence, be the difference.
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Ebony’s journey to health for EPI

1/2/2020

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Happy New Year everyone🐾🎉🎉🐾
Today mark's Ebonys third week on enzymes and diagnoses for EPI
I am very happy to report that she is up 9lbs and continues to have great 💩
Her coat is super soft and shiny
Here's to continued success this coming year and for a breakthrough in genetic testing for EPI
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Ebonys journey recovery from epi week 2 update

12/26/2019

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We are on week 2 since Diagnosis.
By the end of week one she had gained 6 lbs. Tonight was our 2nd weigh in and she has added another 1lb.
She has become very active again and looks like she has grown a bit more.
Poops have been great and we are still feeding 3 meals a day
Hoping all have a Merry and Bright New Year — with Bill Schmelzer.
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Ebonys journey and Recovery from EPI week 2

12/21/2019

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Ebony week 2 12/20/19


Today marks one week since our little girl was diagnosed with EPI
I am very happy to say she has responded well to the enzymes and B12
She is back to her happy and spunky self. Her coat is back to being shiny and soft and she is no longer losing hair.
We have increased her food from the normal 2 cups 2 times a day to 2 cups 3 times a day which she is happy to have.
The best news is that she has gained 6lbs!!!!
As of now she is still able to enjoy her favorite cookies right after she has her meals. I am still looking into ways to incorporate the enzymes into treats so she can have them throughout the day🤗
Thanks to everyone for you prayers and support


Once we know she is stable we will probably switch her to a different enzyme 🤔
She goes back in 3 weeks so I talk to the vet about it
I just don't want any set backs since she's doing so good.
Thank you all,
Lillian and Bill Schmelzer


Photos below show 5 pound gain.

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Ebonys journey recovery from EPI

12/21/2019

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Good morning I wanted to tell you that Ebony from your litter developed EPI


Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (also called EPI in the GSD) is a medical condition in which the pancreas stops producing enough digestive enzymes to digest food normally in the small intestine.


this doesn’t effect the litter so please do not panic. Epi is a Pancreatic enzyme decency what happens is they has mud pie like diarrhea which will not go away and sever fast weight loss.
The Pancrea won’t produce b12 and enzymes that absorb nutrients from food it’s litterly food in and directly out.
This isn’t something you can’t test for unless he develops these symptoms.


Lillian Told she had diarrhea and that they had treated it for parasites like hooks wip and round worms and giardia and thought she may have fabric stuffing in her stomach since she ate a hole quilted blanket so she could eat the stuffing inside. They were scare with a 20 pound weight loss organ failure was surely to fallow.Then it was only three weeks till they sent me a pic of th poop and a skinny her and I said ask the vet to test for EPI because I just had a gut feeling that’s what it was,and give her B12 . Lilian and Bill got a brand new vet and asked her anout possibilities of it being EPI and she agreed. she felt I was right and said let’s do a test for epi specific blood test 12 hour fasting and gave her a b12 injection. The vet felt before the test 98 percent sure it was epi the test confirmed it two days later but the vet had already started treatment for epi prescribed Pancrea plus a long with the b12.
Ebonys stool is brown again and back to normal so she is on road to recovery. The other vet threw dewormer and antibiotics at the issue this doctors was knowledgeable there is no genetic link or testing for a genetic link as of this time but we plan to contact Gsdca and UC Davis to try to help they get a government grant to try to find a genetic link to EPI so this like DM won’t happen again for us and other health testing breeders this isn’t a specific to just German Shepherd Dogs but sadly this is most common breed it hits due to their tendency’s for sensitive stomach anyway. Lillian is doing a blog to help others diagnose and treat this faster. This will be posted regularly on our website Facebook and Instagram and Twitter.
knowledge is power. Thank you
From the WDR Grandmas Dayla and Sandra
Here is a link below.


https://www.total-german-shepherd.com/EPIintheGSD.html
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Bronze GCH Wonderlands Mia Hamm CGC 

12/3/2017

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Bronze GCH Wonderland’s Mia Hamm, CGC
Sired by GCH, CH Caretti’s Blues Man
Dam, GCHB, CH Wonderland’s Force of Nature

Mia’s pedigree includes her grandsires
2016 GV GCH Galaxy Wolfcreek of Merivern “Fritz”
AM/CAN CH GV (CAN) Karizma’s Ike of Edale

Mia, beginning in August of 2017, has accomplished many back to back “Breed Wins” and multiple “Group Wins” from the classes as well as finishing her championship with a “Group One” placement at the Brandon Florida KC, 10-29-17.

​



#mia
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