r/GermanShepherd

I’ve had a female GS for 4.5 years. Shes a very sweet dramatic soul. My question is. Do German shepherd ears get quite dirty commonly? Throughout the years. Her ears are always dirty. They bug her, she shakes her head scratches. I clean them all the time. She usually good for a few days to a week before they bug her again. Sometimes they take a while to get dirty again. She absolutely hates when I squirt straight dog safe ear cleaner in her ear. So I use a soft make up remover pad thingy soaked in the solution and use my finger to clean and soak the cleaner in.

I guess my question is

1. This is my first GS just wondering if this is normal. Or just my dog

2. Any better solutions? Or just keep doing what I’m doing! Thank you

We adopted two (75%) GSD, told they were born in August. We’ve never had long haired dogs. I’ve been reading about vacuums, but would like to hear from the GSD community about a good vacuum. I vacuum the floors and furniture every weekend, but I need a better vacuum. Suggestions for dog & cat hair stated I need to buy one with a bag.
We have 1 room with carpet, the rest are vinyl.
Thanks if anyone can help.

For shepard owners in the hotter cities like Phoenix,
How do you control the high energy while keeping your dog cool or inside because of how hot it can get?

What crate are people using for their vehicles to keep their dogs safe on car rides? I may need to be taking a 10 hour car ride this summer and would be bringing my dog along with me. I would absolutely be stopping every couple of hours to let him out to stretch his legs and move around. I work in veterinary medicine (in an ER) and have seen too many dogs come in with significant injuries after their owners were in an accident with the dog in the car and not secured, so I would like him to be in a crate that keeps him safe but am struggling to figure out what the best option is. I have considered RuffLand but it seems that it will take months for it to be shipped to me (which I may still do for the future but would likely need something sooner).

I’ve wanted a German shepherd since I was a kid, and ~1 year out of college living in NYC, I think I’m finally ready to get one. I’m moving out of a 2-bed with a friend to a studio apartment in August, so targeting September to get a puppy. I know a studio apartment is small for a GSD, but I work from home 3-4 days a week and am more than willing to put in the work required and pay for walkers when I’m not home.

I’m from North Carolina, so I could go down there and drive the puppy up to NYC in a rental car (that’d certainly be hectic with a rental car + new puppy, but I’d make it work) or I could get one in NYC or could even get one delivered. I’ve tried to do some research online on who the best breeders are but have struggled finding anything meaningful. Beyond health checks and breeders with experience, anyone know what I should specifically look for? Anyone know any specific breeders that are as affordable as possible and will have a strong temperament + hips/elbows? I definitely don’t want a working line breed, and some of these dogs are $$$$.

Anything is helpful, thanks, y’all!

Saw a video on and it seems promising. My German shepherd is very picky so wanting to try a new brand. Wondering if anyone has any experience on it?

I have a senior GSD who REFUSES to use portable stairs or a ramp to get in the truck or on the bed. It's not the size or medium of assistance, he is waits for the right moment and humps over it or side jumps it. WTF?

His hind legs aren't the issue, it's his front leg when he comes down too hard. He limps but isn't whining in pain. He would go for a hike and limp through it.

He's the most intelligent dog I've ever had; which is part of the problem. He's outsmarting me; every time he sees the assistance equipment, his stubborn brain says FU and makes it a point to override the assistance.

All advice appreciated.

My big guy turned one back in March and I swear… totally different beast now 🫣 curious what others experience has been with their GSD as this is my first go around from puppy

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My 4 year old girl has always had ear infections as long as I I’ve had her. She previously had ear hematomas and reoccurring ear infections with the previous owner. She was surrendered to me Dec 2025. Since then, she has had 3 sedated ear cleanings with antibiotics, oral antibiotics, 2 culture tests, a spay, 2 vets, 2 months on prescription diet because it might have been food allergies and I finally got the allergy test result back after 3 weeks… ITS DUST MITES AND STORAGE MITES. Test came back negative for any food allergies (I know this is not 100% accurate) but it is very clear the dust mites cause the allergic reaction which in turn leads to bacterial ear infections.. NON STOP.

Anyone had a similar experience? Allergy shots? I read dry kibble tends to have storage mites. Any recommendations for fresh food options? I’ve been on a cleaning binge and I ordered allergen neutralizing sprays over night.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? One of vets even suggested the TECA procedure. Any feedback, input, or thoughts is greatly appreciated.