I-Guard Puppy Training

Obedience is an important part of dog training, and it’s ingrained into our I-Guard puppies from an early age. They begin with name association and following basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, follow, and others. They learn to be around other people and children as well as other pets, including cats. We make sure they are acclimated to different environments as well to make sure when they come home with you there isn’t anything they haven’t already been accustomed to. As your puppy grows with your family, he’ll maintain those obedience commands throughout his life.

Private Dog Training

While it’s always best to start early, we understand that many times dogs purchased from other breeders don’t have basic obedience training. Our private dog training takes your dog and starts from scratch. It’s a 2-3 week course that teaches your dog basic commands such as sit-stay on leash, down, come, and many more. Without this simple training, the dog can be troublesome and unruly trying the patience of the most calm individual.

We guarantee that by the end of the course, your dog will perform the commands for the handler and the owner. If the dog has any bad habits such as chewing or jumping on people, then we have methods of unlearning that behavior as well. Your dog will be the loving companion you always wanted.

Protection Dog Training

There are few breeds more loyal and steadfast than the German Shepherd which is why so many law enforcement agencies choose the dogs for protection. It doesn’t matter if you’re a private citizen looking for the perfect watch dog and protector or a police officer looking for someone to always have his back,  I-Guard has trained some of the world’s best protection dogs.

Personal protection dogs will be ever vigilant and protect you and your family if harassed. Estate and article protection means your dog will keep your home and valuables safe from harm. Before I-Guard can provide or train a protection dog, all potential owners must pass a background check and evaluation by I-Guard personnel. Your personal protection and that of your family is important, so trust I-Guard’s reputation and experience to provide you with the perfect protection dog.

For more information about training German Shepherds, contact I-Guard International or continue to read our blog.

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Does Size Matter?

The fun thing about puppies is they start out small. You can hold a St. Bernard puppy in one had just like a Chihuahua. After a few months, some dogs aren’t so small anymore. A German Shepherd grows up to be a big dog, so you must ask yourself –  can your home handle it? German Shepherds need the ability to run and burn off their abundant energy. They aren’t meant to be kept inside for long periods of time. Even the most docile German Shepherd can get a little stir crazy, so if you don’t have the space or the time to give them exercise, then maybe a smaller dog is the one for you.

If you do need to leave your dog alone during the day, look into I-Guard’s extensive crate training guide to walk you through the steps to teach your dog to love their crate.

A Loving Companion and Protector

One of the most endearing qualities of a German Shepherd puppy is that they quickly imprint on to their masters and become fiercely loyal. They are naturally pack animals so when they come into your home, they consider you and your family his or her pack. A German Shepherd is affectionate and will be your constant companion. There are few breeds that will be as loving and loyal and is one of the quintessential qualities of a German Shepherd, but they will want that love, affection, and companionship to be reciprocated to some degree.

Easily Trained

There is a reason why this breed is often chosen as the breed of choice for protection dogs – they are very smart and take training well. I-Guard is one of the most respected training facilities in the world and our dogs are trained from the moment they enter our facility. As soon as possible, they are taught to learn basic commands and are acclimated to everything from children to other dogs and even cats.

A trained German Shepherd is more than just a pet; it’s a stalwart companion and protector that you can count on. It doesn’t matter if you have a new puppy from another breeder, we are more than happy to take him in and help teach him what he needs to know to be a reliable companion and eliminate any nasty habits.

For more information about German Shepherd puppies, contact I-Guard International today or fill our our preliminary owner application.

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They are majestic creatures and the German Shepherd ears are one of the breeds most recognizable features. As professional breeders, one of the most common questions we get when someone wants to buy a puppy is, “When will his ears stand up?” The truth is that your German Shepherd’s ears will mostly stand up on their own and you have nothing to worry about.

German Shepherd Puppy Ears

Floppy ears are not uncommon among German Shepherd puppies because the cartilage that holds them up isn’t strong enough yet. The larger the ears, the more likely weight and gravity will pull them down. They won’t be able to stand up permanently on their own until after the teething phase is over, which is around 20 weeks. By then, the cartilage has hardened and is strong enough to keep the ears up permanently. You may have seen the pup perk his ears up occasionally when excited or startled, but may have gone back down again. Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal and should correct itself by the fifth month.

Fifth Month and Still not Perky

If your dog has reached the fifth month and his ears still don’t stand up, then you may need to contact your breeder. However, you should keep in mind that cartilage in the ears are still somewhat malleable until the eighth month and they can still be encouraged to stand up. By the eighth month, the cartilage has hardened completely and they ears will remain in their adult form.

There may be other reasons why the ears aren’t standing up such as being bitten by some of the other dogs or if the dog is a mixed breed. There are ways to help your dogs ears stand up on their own, but it’s best to discuss these options with your breeder. It’s not a good idea to simply try and do it on your own, so get the advice of a professional before you try to get the ears to stand up on their own.

Not the End of the World

There are many reason that could contribute to your German Shepherd’s ears not standing and many of them are out of your control. At I-Guard International, we do our best to make sure all of our dogs are examples of the pinnacle of the breed. GS ears that stand up are a standard of the breed, but if you dog’s ears become limp, there is still nothing physically wrong with the dog; he’s still the same loveable companion that you have grown to love through the last several months. He may not win the Westminster Dog Show, but he will win over your heart – standing ears or not. If you have any problems with your German Shepherd puppy, then feel free to contact I-Guard. We are one of the leading breeders in the world.

For more information about German Shepherd ears, contact I-Guard International or continue to read our blog.

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The Untrained Dog

If you purchased a dog from someone other than I-Guard, then there is a possibility that the dog has never had any obedience training at all. For an animal like a German Shepherd, which is naturally energetic and large, that could spell disaster. German Shepherds are also naturally loyal and protective, so the last thing you want is an incident where someone was jumped on or possibly bitten because your dog hasn’t been trained. You can try do it by yourself, but why leave it up to chance when there is place like I-Guard ready to cover for you and do the training right the first time?

I-Guard Training

For I-Guard puppies, basic obedience training begins as soon after birth as possible. They learn basic commands such as sit, stay, come, etc. as well as name recognition. By the time you take an I-Guard dog home, he’s been introduced to everything from various pets to children. We’ve also had the time to work on any negative behaviors such as aggression or jumping. For dogs that didn’t come from I-Guard, we offer a 2-3 week training course that will teach your puppy everything he needs to know to become a productive member of the canine society. We have such a  proven approach to dog training that we guarantee that your puppy will perform to commands given to him.

Crate Training

We understand that owners can’t always be with their pet 24-hours a day, seven days a week, so we developed a crate training guide. Crate training lets you put your dog into a crate and not worry about him going to the bathroom in the crate or fearing it. Dogs don’t like to go to the bathroom where they sleep, so by teaching him to live and sleep in the crate, you’re effectively potty training him. The dog will learn to love and look forward to being crated, so you can go to work confident that your dog is happy and content. Our step-by-step guide has been a proven success again and again, so why not try it out and watch your puppy go from a weekday wetter to a wonder dog.

For more information about dog training Spokane, contact I-Guard International or schedule an appointment with your dog and one of our trainers today!

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How Crate Training Works

People have a bathroom and when the need arises, they use it. The thought never occurs to them to go to the bathroom in their bedroom or the living room. Yet, people assume dogs don’t think this way. A dog’s crate quickly becomes his home and like many other creatures, they don’t want to go to the bathroom where they sleep and eat.

The crate should always be a place of peace and comfort for the puppy. It should never be used as a place for punishment. You want the puppy to want to go into the crate and not fear or hate it.

Create a Fixed Schedule

Animals are creatures of habit and everything a puppy learns, for the most part, comes from its owners. By creating and using a consistent crate and bathroom schedule, the puppy begins to expect this routine. The puppy should sleep in the crate and when you wake up, take him outside to go to the bathroom.

When you come back, place the food and water in the crate and leave it for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take it away and then take him outside again. When you leave for work, the dog needs to be in the crate with no food or water. If the dog eats and drinks while you are at work, then it’s harder for him to hold it in while you’re gone. This makes it harder to housetrain.

Take him outside as soon as you get back from work and follow a similar schedule as the morning. After 6:30 p.m., no food or water. As the night goes on, take the dog outside several times. Put the puppy back into the crate when you go to bed.

Don’t Make These Crating Mistakes

Anytime you do not have direct visual contact with your puppy, then it should be in the crate. You need to be able to see his behavior and make sure he doesn’t got to the bathroom in the home. This keeps the dog out of trouble and gets him used to the crate.

Also, the crate shouldn’t be isolated from you. The dog needs to know you are nearby and being able to see and hear you makes him more comfortable. If you see your dog sniffing or circling, then take him out right away.

There is no reason why a dog should go to the bathroom in the home if the owner is vigilant and willing to work on a routine.

For more information about our crate training guide, contact I-Guard International or read our complete create training guide for puppies.

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Training Starts At The Puppy Stage

We start our dogs’ obedience training as soon as possible. They begin learning basic commands such as sit, stay, down, and name association and begin socializing with other dogs in several different environments at only a few months old. We understand that a puppy has many different stimuli in a home, so we make sure they are comfortable around not only dogs, but also children and cats.

If you chose one of our puppies, they still require some training at home, but older young dogs are perfect for the person who wants a pet, but not the responsibility of a puppy. The young dogs receive the exact same training as the puppies, as well as ferreting out and correcting any behavioral issues. You don’t have to worry about our dogs chewing on your slippers every morning!

We also provide fully trained adult German shepherds that are the perfect companion for anyone that wants a great pet and friend without the hassles of a puppy or young dog.

Trained German Shepherds Mean No Worries

It may not be “hakuna matata,” but having trained German shepherds mean you don’t have to worry about all the little things that most dog owners have to contend with. Our puppies listen to your commands and immediately bond to you and your family. When you leave your dog at home, you can be confident that he or she won’t destroy it or leave a poop present on the floor.

We can even provide crate training for the dogs as well. This makes housebreaking easier because a dog will not go to the bathroom where they sleep; it’s part of their natural instincts and crate training just reinforces it. It also makes the teething process simpler and helps with the stress of being alone while you’re gone.

Dogs are wonderful pets and I-Guard makes sure our dogs are fit with the ideal owners. There is an application process that lets us understand your lifestyle so we can pair you with a dog that is perfect for you and your family. Our trained German shepherds are truly lifelong companions and many of our customers come back time and time again because they know that their getting some of the best trained dogs in the world.

For more information about dog training, contact I-Guard International today or continue to read out blog.

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Not Your Ordinary Puppies

I-Guard dogs are not simply bred for the sake of breeding. Our breeding pairs are hand picked from around the world to create the best examples of their breed. They’re parents are award-winning dogs that are shining examples of what their breed can produce. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a dog for friendship and companionship, protection or professional law enforcement, we have one of the leading training programs in the nation.

Proper training begins soon after they’re born. Our dogs begin to learn basic commands such as sit and stay as well as name recognition as soon as possible. They are also acclimated to various environments and stimuli such as cats and children so no matter type of household they go into, the dogs are prepared and well adjusted.

Imagine getting a dog that already follows your commands from the minute you take him home. If you ever have any problems with your puppy or dog, simply call us up and we’ll be happy to intervene. Our dogs are guaranteed and that is something we stand behind 100 percent.

The Ultimate in Protection

A puppy will bond with you and your family almost immediately. They’re naturally pack animals and will consider you part of their pack. I-Guard’s protection dog training can build upon the foundations provided as a puppy to create one of the most trusted protectors in your life. We’ll teach your dog the differences  between normal and aggressive behavior so he can differentiate between the two when you are out and about.

He can patrol and protect your home while you are our and asleep as well. There are several options of protection job training available – from personal protection to article protection where he watches a specific object and makes sure no one removes it, including your children.

A dog is more than just a pet; it’s part of the family and he or she can be a faithful companion for his entire life. Regardless if you’re simply looking for a well trained dog or an ever-watchful protector, I-Guard has the services and puppies that you’re looking for. The people of Spokane and the surrounding area have the luxury of being able to get their puppy from one of the most respected trainers and breeders in the world.

For more information about German shepherd puppies Spokane, contact I-Guard International today or fill our our German Shepherd puppy application form.

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Common Breeding Mistakes

When people are blinded by money, the look of the dog tends to mean more than its temperament and health. German shepherds are beautiful animals, but that should rarely be the most important aspect. When it comes to obedience training, protection, and being the family pet, looks are secondary to what a dog learns and its personality.

German shepherds are high energy dogs and many breeders don’t take the time to match their dogs to the needs and abilities of a potential owner. A family of five may want a dog with a little less energy or a very active couple may want a pet with a lot of energy. Every dog is not the same and to treat them as such is a disservice to the dog and the potential owner.

I-Guard Breeding

I-Guard searches the world for the best examples of the German shepherd breed. We are in constant contact with other breeders to match not only our dogs, but also to create shining examples of German shepherds. We care about our dogs and often spend months training them on basic obedience and getting them used to different environments.

Each time one of our dogs leaves, it’s like one of our children going away to college. You want him or her to go off best prepared for the challenges of the future and know that they are going to a place that is safe and ideal for them. Every person that wants an I-Guard dog has to go through an application process. We want to make sure you’re getting the dog that’s best for you and the dogs are getting the owners that are best for them.

More Than Just Pets

While our dogs do make ideal family pets, we offer a wide variety of services beyond that. Our dogs are trained from an early age in basic obedience, but some are also trained in protection not only for their owners, but also property and even children. Protection dogs are constant companions that are willing to do whatever it takes to keep their owner and family safe.

I-Guard takes the time to work with dogs on any temperament and aggression issues. While we do our best to breed these types of issues out, it’s not always possible. But, with extensive, in-depth training we can help the dogs overcome those issues. I-Guard customers come back to us because they know that the animal they are taking home is not only an incredible example of its breed, but also a well trained and well mannered dog.

For more information about breeding German Shepherds, contact I-Guard International or fill out our quick form to start our German Shepherd adoption process.

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It Starts With the Application

Every person interested in purchasing a dog from I-Guard must fill out an application. We understand that a dog and owner must not only interact well, but must be a perfect fit if the relationship is going to be fulfilling for both. You can view the animals available online, but we don’t sell directly via our website. The process takes a little more time, but it makes sure that you get the perfect companion.

We match up the dog based on many criteria such as how active a lifestyle you lead, will the dog be around children and why do you want to be a German Shepherd owner. All dogs are different, with different styles and quirks, so we want to make sure their people are well matched.

Types of Dogs Available

I-Guard has three types of German Shepherds available for purchase: trained puppies, young trained dogs and adult trained dogs. Each of them has pros and cons that should be weighed before making a decision. Many people want a puppy, but don’t realize the time and instruction needed.

A trained puppy is learning basic obedience commands such as name association, sit, stay, etc. from as early as possible. They are crate trained and are used to kennels. We also let our puppies get used to dogs, cats and children to make their transfer from our facility to your home as easy as possible.

We understand that a puppy—even a trained one—can be a handful. Our trained young dogs are ideal for someone that doesn’t want to deal with the puppy phase and doesn’t have the time to finish their training. Our young dogs get the same training as the puppies, but also are checked out for any possible behavioral issues and we work to correct them.

Adult dogs are brought up at I-Guard and are fully trained by our staff and are some of the best in the world. An adult dog is over two years of age and is perfect for someone who needs a companion, but doesn’t have the time to train a dog to adulthood.

I-Guard is known internationally as one of the best dog training facilities in the world. Our dogs are trained by professionals for a variety or purposes from simple home companions to protection dogs. Our dogs are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a well-trained and friendly dog or puppy. A selection of available dogs, as well as application forms are available on our website.

For more information about German Shepherds, contact I-Guard International or continue to read our blog.

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Protection Dog Training

I-Guard International is one of the world’s most respected training facilities and our methods have proven results. A person can’t walk down a city street anymore without worrying that a mugger or worse will come out and attack them. An I-Guard trained protection dog will spring into action the second you or your family is in danger. Your dog is always alert for danger and will likely know before you do.

Personal protection is most commonly thought about for protection dog training. The dog will protect you and your family members when out in public. “Hold and protect” is training for when the owner must leave the area for a second, but a child or other dependent is still in the area. The dog will hold and protect the child and leap into action if needed. Estate protection means the dog will protect a specific area or even an item such as wallet until you return.

An I-Guard trained dog is an asset not only to your home and family, but also your peace of mind. We pride ourselves in creating some of the best protection dogs in the world. You can rest assured that your family and property will be protected from the dangers that are out there.

Protection Dog Training For Law Enforcement

For many, a dog is a companion and friend; but for members of law enforcement the dog is a partner and lifeline in case of emergencies. Both law enforcement officers and dogs put their lives on the line every day and need to know that their training will keep them safe during an emergency. I-Guard provides a host of training options, including tracking and trailing, explosives and narcotics detection, patrol and utility, green canines and imports.

We also offer training courses, consultations and regular maintenance training on the I-Guard site.

The I-Guard Difference

There are many companies that offer protection dog training, but few have the documented results and respected reputation of I-Guard. The protection of your family is important, so you need a dog that you can count on 24-7. You don’t want to worry about whether your dog will perform when the time comes. Our training methods are proven, our results verifiable and our dedication to our dogs and our customers is unwavering.

For more information about protection dog training, contact I-Guard International today or continue to read our blog.

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