Gallant Edge German Shepherds

To show your commitment to the quality care of your new puppy or adult dog from Gallant Edge German Shepherds, new pet owners are asked to read, sign and honor this pledge..

My New Pup/Adult Dog Always Treated Like a Member of My Family

• I pledge to make a reasonable commitment of time and effort, and to affect scheduling and lifestyle changes in order to make my relationship with my new pup work
  
• I pledge to make sure my dog is not exposed to the elements of weather without proper shelter, shade cover, dry ground, access to fresh water and at least 1 hour of loving companionship and play a day (I understand this is a minimum and will strive to keep the dog with me as much as possible and treat him/her as an important member of my family)
• I pledge to keep this dog indoors at night, and to include him/her in the activities of the household while we are home, as much as possible
• I pledge to provide a home in which my dog clearly knows there are certain rules to which I will insist on and he can count on
• I pledge to educate myself about positive training techniques and I will learn to be consistent with my dog and an owner my dog can depend on.
• I pledge never to abuse my dog by yelling at, hitting or injuring my dog or by not providing necessities of life.
  

Health & Nutrition

• I pledge to provide appropriate and timely veterinary care for the life of my dog, including obtaining all follow-up vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, annual check ups and vet visits when ill.
• I pledge to provide my dog with the proper nutrition for optimum health, and to keep my dog the proper weight, neither obese nor emaciated. 
  
• I Pledge to use a premium large breed puppy food for my puppy, and a premium large breed dog food for my adult german shepherd which helps to prevent ailments to my dog.
• I pledge to keep my dog groomed and free of external parasites and matting (particularly behind my dog's ears, under his elbows, his tail and thighs especially for long hair shepherds)
• I pledge to give my dog proper and regular care of his/her ears, eyes, teeth and coat
  
• I pledge to spay or neuter my dog, if he/she is not already

Exercise & Mental Stimulation

• I pledge to give my dog ample aerobic exercise daily, and make sure that at least three times a week he gets to run and play and get tired out
• I pledge to provide my dog with mental stimulation in the form of either play, interactive toys, training, or off territory leash walks, DAILY
• I pledge to provide my dog ample outlets for his instincts (such as off territory leash walks/running, opportunities to sniff and explore the natural world, agility training, trick training, fun and rewarding obedience training, play with other dogs, etc.), so that he does not feel constantly frustrated, or develop behavioral problems because he is neglected or under stimulated
• I pledge to provide my dog with enough toys to satisfy his urge to chew

Respected Member of My Community

• I pledge to do everything I can to keep my dog from becoming a nuisance in my community
•  I pledge to get professional help if my dog has or develops behavior or temperament problems, and, to manage my dog carefully so as not to endanger the people and other pets in my community
• I pledge to provide my dog with enough training and/or behavioral management so as to enable him to be a welcome part of my community, or managed safely
  
• I will not allow him to run free/out of my control, chase cars, bicycles, children, etc.
• I pledge to seek professional help to get my dog to be quiet, or keep him quiet both when I am home and away, so as not to disturb my neighbors
  
• I pledge to "scoop poop" from my dog when off my property, so that my dog and other dogs will always be welcome in public
• I pledge to obtain the appropriate pet licensing for my dog, appropriate for the area I live, and that I will keep a collar with ID on my dog at all times, so that if lost there is a visible secondary form identification on the dog so he/she can be returned to me.
• I pledge that if I have to move residences for any reason, I am aware that finding housing that accepts pets can take longer than average, but that I will commit to moving with my dog, as I would move with any other valued member of my family.
• I pledge that should I move or change my telephone number I will also advise the pet licensing agency, my vet and breeder of my new information, so that if lost my dog can be returned to me, rather than being left to fend for his/her self on the streets, abandoned, or placed in a dog pound where he/she could be euthanized if a suitable home is not found.

Contact With Breeder

• I pledge to contact my breeder, Gallant Edge German Shepherds to obtain further information, advice, help, assistance and referrals when not sure what to do.

• I pledge that if, for any reason, I can no longer keep this dog, I will not abandon my dog, and I will return the him/her to Gallant Edge German Shepherds to care for and find him/her a new suitable home.

Further Reading

We also recommend the following to assist with learning more about the German Shepherd Dog

• Our German Shepherd Dog Help Page

• Our German Shepherd Dog Info Page

• German Shepherd Books Gallant Edge German Shepherds K9  Bookstore

• What You Must Know Before Buying a Pup

• Questions Reputable Breeders Ask Potential Puppy Buyers

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