How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing often with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they do have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat and food sensitivities, or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hind quarters and develop into weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgery.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. These conditions require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that promotes heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart and lungs using a stethoscope in his yearly physical examination.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on numerous walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in an enclosed, safe space. It is best to avoid running close to bicycle or jogger as this could damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Based on their level of energy adult German Shepherds need a few hours of exercise every day to stay fit. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the health of your German Shepherd as it will help to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries. Pet insurance gives both you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart quick learners and highly capable of being trained. They take their jobs seriously - as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and many more - and thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence and dedication to work. These pups, like all breeds, require ongoing and intense training to keep an affable, obedient manner and increased alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should include the entire family. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form bonds with their main handler. It is essential to start training your puppy as early as you can so that he can grow up to be a well and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and pick them up quickly. However, their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly directed. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and reduce any destructive behavior that could arise due to their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are often cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require to be socialized at a young age to reduce their chances of exhibiting aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also have a tendency to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled by regular positive socialization.
GSDs may be agitated or bark in response to a car or other people walking along the path or in a park. While this may be a cause for concern to some, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will learn that interacting with other animals and people is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window, during which they learn about the world around them and make connections that shape how they perceive new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new environments and people as early as is possible.
After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to continue the process and building your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.
It is essential to present these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment where they feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel threatened they might associate the experience with being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as a way to reward their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.
You can start by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and concentrate on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This will aid them in becoming an empathetic and calm family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you've been doing and introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can aid them in adjusting to the world outside once they're fully grown.
Car driving - German Shepherds are not known for their ease in cars and so getting them familiar with a car early on can make your road trips much easier!
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or the garden centre. This will help them become at ease in these environments as they grow older and is a an excellent occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing for a long time, for example, can stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues as they grow older.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. They were born to manage animals. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and will be eager to finish the job.
Since they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and extremely capable of training. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen sense of danger and will respond quickly to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation and the chance to socialize with other dogs. This is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy as well as teach him basic commands that will prove useful later on.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat may vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches long. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with white belly and chest.