How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They make great pets for families and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily in the spring and summer. Brushing often with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat shiny and healthy.
entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to prevent passing hereditary illnesses to their puppies like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs start with hindquarters instabilities and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises, and even surgery.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can cause blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other illnesses. They require a balanced diet that supports heart health by providing a mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the heart of your puppy using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, including multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure space. It is best to avoid running in close proximity to bicycle or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones that are growing. Adult German Shepherds need to be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best possible treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and highly trainable. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are given a outlet. They, like all breeds, require continuous and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and heightened alertness.
The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed that will develop a strong bond with the main handler. It is essential to begin training as soon as you can to ensure that your puppy will be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn them quickly. Their intelligence is high and can cause stubbornness, however, if it is not properly controlled. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand, and reduce any destructive behavior that could result from their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs may be wary of people who are not members of their immediate family. They need to socialized at a young age to limit the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting, which can be exaggerated if not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
For example, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on the vehicle that is passing by, or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this might be a problem to some, it is an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will learn that interaction with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization that allows them to learn about the world and make connections that affect how they see new experiences - often throughout their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations as early as is possible.
Your breeder should have initiated this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process, building your pup's confidence to meet new things and people.
It is important to present these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel threatened, they may associate the experience with being scared and become fearful for life. You also need to protect from the common blunders of trying to soothe, encourage or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior which is an easy way to cause the habit of having phobias for life.
Start by taking note of the items from your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
This isn't just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to relax and focus on you when another dog is in the vicinity. This helps them to be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you've been doing and introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that can aid them in adjusting to the world outside when they are fully grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in vehicles and so getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much easier!
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will allow your puppy to get comfortable in these settings as an adult, and could be a great way to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be managed with care as over exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. Jumping, running and playing for a long time for instance, could cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. This could cause problems later in life.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are prone to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to help herd livestock. They will have a strong instinct to herd and are determined to finish the task.
Since they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and are highly capable of being trained. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they will act quickly to protect their loved ones. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
An effective way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. This is a great method to encourage good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat will differ from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with a white chest and belly.