German Shepherd Harness: Where to find the ideal harness

german shepherd harness by perfectfit

 

History of the German Shepherd


The German Shepherd is a breed of dog that has gained immense popularity and recognition worldwide. Known for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, this breed has a fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th century.


The German Shepherd's story begins in Germany, where a cavalry officer named Captain Max von Stephanitz played a crucial role in the breed's development. In the late 1800s, von Stephanitz envisioned creating a superior working dog capable of herding sheep, guarding livestock, and assisting the military and police forces. Von Stephanitz was captivated by a working dog named Hektor Linksrhein, who possessed exceptional intelligence, strength, and agility. Recognizing Hektor's potential, von Stephanitz purchased him and changed his name to Horand von Grafrath. Horand became the foundation dog of the German Shepherd breed. In 1899, von Stephanitz founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog) and established a breed standard. He aimed to maintain the breed's working abilities while emphasising its physical appearance. The German Shepherd quickly gained popularity, not only in Germany but also across Europe.


During World War I, the German Shepherd's exceptional skills were recognized, and they were employed as messenger dogs, search and rescue dogs, and sentries. Their loyalty, intelligence, and ability to perform various tasks under challenging conditions earned them a reputation as an outstanding working dogs. The breed's popularity continued to grow in the early 20th century, and German Shepherds made their way to the United States. German Shepherds continued to excel in various roles, including police and military work, search and rescue operations, and as guide dogs for the visually impaired. Their versatility and adaptability made them highly sought after for both working and companion purposes.


Over the years, breed standards have evolved, and different lines of German Shepherds have emerged, each with its own traits and characteristics. Show lines tend to have a more angulated rear end and a calmer temperament while working lines maintain the breed's original working abilities and drive. In recent times, the German Shepherd has faced some challenges related to health issues and overbreeding. Responsible breeding practices and efforts to address these concerns are ongoing to ensure the breed's well-being.


Today, the German Shepherd remains one of the most popular and beloved breeds worldwide. Its remarkable history, from its humble beginnings as a herding dog to its versatile roles in various fields, is a testament to its exceptional capabilities and the dedication of those who have worked to preserve and enhance the breed.

 

Benefits of the German Shepherd


The German Shepherd is a highly versatile and intelligent breed, known for its many benefits. Here, we will explore the various advantages of owning a German Shepherd.


1. Loyalty and Protection:

German Shepherds are renowned for their unwavering loyalty towards their owners and families. They form strong bonds and are extremely protective, making them excellent guard dogs. Their natural instincts to protect their loved ones make them a reliable choice for home security.


2. Intelligence and Trainability:

German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are quick learners and have a high level of trainability. This makes them ideal for various tasks such as search and rescue, police work, and service dog roles. Their ability to grasp commands and perform complex tasks is truly remarkable.


3. Versatility:

One of the biggest benefits of owning a German Shepherd is its versatility. They excel in various activities and roles, making them suitable for different lifestyles. Whether it's participating in dog sports like agility or obedience trials, working as therapy dogs, or simply being a loving family pet, German Shepherds can adapt to different environments and fulfil diverse needs.


4. Excellent Working Dogs:

German Shepherds have a long history as working dogs, and their exceptional work ethic is still highly valued today. They are often utilised in tasks such as search and rescue operations, police and military work, as well as herding livestock. Their strong drive and determination enable them to excel in these demanding roles.


5. Active and Energetic Companions:

If you lead an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities, a German Shepherd can be the perfect companion. They thrive on exercise and mental stimulation, making them great partners for hiking, running, or participating in agility courses. Their energy and enthusiasm will keep you motivated and ensure a healthy and active lifestyle.


6. Family-Friendly:

Despite their protective nature, German Shepherds can be excellent family pets. They are known to be gentle and patient with children, making them a suitable choice for families. With proper socialisation and training, they can be loving and loyal companions to all family members, including kids and other pets.


The German Shepherd offers a wide range of benefits that make it a popular choice among dog owners. Their loyalty, intelligence, versatility, and protective instincts make them not only great working dogs but also beloved family pets. If you are looking for a breed that combines strength, intelligence, and a loving nature, the German Shepherd might be the perfect fit for you!

 

Why a Harness is Good for German Shepherd


If you own a German Shepherd, you know how important it is to have the right equipment to safely manage their strength and energy. One essential piece of equipment that every German Shepherd owner should consider is a harness. A harness can provide numerous benefits for both you and your dog. 


Here are some of the reasons why a harness is good for German Shepherds.


1. Improved Control and Safety: 

German Shepherds are powerful dogs, and walking them on a leash can sometimes be challenging. Using a harness instead of a collar can give you better control over your dog's movements, whilst maintaining comfort at all times. The harness distributes the pressure evenly across your dog's chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury to their neck and throat. This is especially important for German Shepherds, as they are prone to certain neck and spinal issues.


2. Reduced Pulling: 

German Shepherds are known for their tendency to pull on the lead. This behaviour can be frustrating and potentially harmful to both you and your dog. A harness can help in minimising pulling by providing you with a safer tool to use alongside positive reinforcement training.


3. Comfort and Freedom of Movement: 

One of the major advantages of using a harness is the comfort it offers to your German Shepherd. Unlike collars, which can put pressure on the neck and restrict movement, harnesses are designed to fit comfortably around the chest and shoulders. This allows your dog to move more naturally and freely, making their walks more enjoyable and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.


4. Training Aid: 

Harnesses can also serve as a useful training aid for German Shepherds, especially when it comes to lead walking. With a well designed harness, you can attach a lead to the back and front, which can be beneficial for strong dogs. The front clip attachment can discourage pulling and jumping, making it easier to teach your German Shepherd how to walk calmly on the lead. Additionally, harnesses provide a better platform for positive reinforcement training, as they allow your dog to feel safe, comfortable and more secure, setting the tone for successful training.


5. Versatility: 

German Shepherds are highly active and versatile dogs. They excel in activities such as agility, obedience, and tracking. A harness can be a great tool for engaging in these activities with your canine companion. Many harnesses are specifically designed to withstand the demands of various dog sports, providing extra support and stability during training or competitions.


Using a harness for your German Shepherd can offer a multitude of benefits. From improved control and safety to reduced pulling and increased comfort, a harness is a valuable tool for both daily walks and specialised activities. 


Remember to choose a well-fitting harness that suits your dog's needs and always prioritise their comfort and well-being. Make sure to consider their size and weight to ensure the perfect fit. Measure your German Shepherd’s girth (around the widest part of their chest) and refer to the sizing calculator on our website, https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/PFSizing/, to find the most suitable size. 


Equip your pet with a suitable harness so you can embark on many exciting adventures together!

Why a PerfectFit Harness is the best choice


The PerfectFit Harness has a modular design to fit any dog type including a German Shepherd. Our harness has a large selection of sizes and fits to choose from, a massive positive of our harness is that it is comfy and calming for your dog ensuring that both you and your dog are content on your walks. You can purchase our harness in 3 sections, so you can purchase the exact size for each part of the chest, providing your dog with the perfect fit! We know how worrying it can be when your dog is pulling on their lead and their harness or collar is tugging on their neck, however, our harness is designed with a Y-shaped front to avoid the soft tissues of the throat and neck. This will reduce the risk of any damage caused by the pulling. Our harness isn't just safer, it is also stylish. We offer a wide range of colours and as you can remove and replace each piece you can have multiple different harness colours! We are the perfect fit for you!