D. Caroline Coile, PhD, is an enthusiastic dog breeder and exhibitor. She is the author of 34 dog books and many dog-related magazine articles, and she's the winner of 20 national dog-writing awards.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting to Know German Shepherds 5

Chapter 1: Making the Decision of a Lifetime 7

Chapter 2: Setting the Standard for the Breed 15

Part 2: Finding the German Shepherd for You 25

Chapter 3: Looking for Love in All the Right Places: Breeders and Shelters 27

Chapter 4: Picking the Perfect Puppy 39

Part 3: Bringing Up Baby 51

Chapter 5: Shopping for Dog Stuff 53

Chapter 6: Welcoming Your Dog Home 65

Chapter 7: Feeding Your German Shepherd 77

Chapter 8: Training Your Dog 87

Chapter 9: Dealing with a "Bad Dog" 103

Chapter 10: Grooming Your Dog 119

Part 4: Keeping Your Dog Healthy 131

Chapter 11: Working with Your Dog's Other Best Friend: His Veterinarian 133

Chapter 12: Dealing with GSD Hereditary Health Problems 147

Chapter 13: Taking Care of a Sick Shepherd 163

Chapter 14: Caring for an Aging Shepherd 179

Part 5: Having Fun with Your German Shepherd 187

Chapter 15: Exercising Your Dog 189

Chapter 16: Showing Off Your Dog 201

Chapter 17: Putting Your Shepherd to Work 217

Part 6: The Part of Tens 225

Chapter 18: Ten (or So) Tips for Traveling with Your Dog 227

Chapter 19: Ten Fun Games You Can Play with Your Shepherd 237

Appendix A: Glossary 243

Appendix B: Resources 249

Appendix C: The Official AKC Breed Standard for the German Shepherd Dog 255

Appendix D: GSD Abbreviations 261

Index 275