GSDHQ Forum Rules​

Welcome to GSDHQ — A Place for German Shepherd Lovers​

1. Be Respectful and Kind​

• Treat everyone with courteous, constructive language—even when opinions differ.
• Personal attacks, snark, shaming, or harassment are not allowed.
• If someone upsets you, step away or report the behavior rather than engage negatively.

2. Use Resources, Not Guesswork​

• Posts about medical, behavioral, or health concerns are welcome—but always include a disclaimer: “I’m not a vet. Please consult a qualified professional.”
• When in doubt, encourage members to speak to their veterinarian or a certified trainer.

3. Stay On Topic​

• Stick to German Shepherd-related content and avoid unrelated or off-topic discussions.
• Posts about personal disputes, legal issues, or human matters should be directed elsewhere.

4. No Spam or Self-Promotion​

• Irrelevant links, commercial promotions, affiliate content, or repetitive posts are disallowed.
• If you're a breeder, trainer, or vendor, apply for the Breeder / Vendor user group to gain posting privileges in designated areas.

5. No Irresponsible Advice or Misinformation​

• Speculative claims about breeds, training techniques, or health ("dominance theory," unbalanced diets, etc.) are not permitted without reliable sources.
• Focus on evidence-based, humane training practices.

6. Mind Your Pet Respect​

• German Shepherds are strong and sensitive — always emphasize safety, consent, and ethical care in your discussions.
• Avoid methods that can cause physical or emotional harm.

7. Image & Content Guidelines​

• Avoid low-effort posts (“just a pic with no context”); these go in the Photo Gallery section.
• Use images to support discussion, not just for likes.
• Copyrighted content must be properly credited or avoided.

8. Enforcement and Appeals​

• Mods may edit or remove rule-violating posts. Repeated violations may warrant warnings or temporary bans.
• If you'd like to appeal a moderation decision, respond privately to the mod’s notice or tag a mod respectfully in the Moderator Discussion thread (where open).

9. Have Fun and Build Community​

• We’re here to celebrate, support, and learn together. Share your GSD stories, training wins, silly quirks, and photos.
• Use the forum to connect and engage with others who love their dogs just as much as you.