How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They make great pets for families and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can reduce shedding and help keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for health issues to avoid passing on hereditary diseases to their puppies such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues 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 such disease that causes a drunken gait. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hind quarters and advance to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments that may include rehabilitation exercises, medication, or surgery can be found to help your dog live longer and live a more comfortable life.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not managed properly. Your dog will need regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fatty acids balanced vitamins and an array of foods that support heart health is required. Your veterinarian can assess the heart and lungs of your puppy with a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on multiple walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within an enclosed, safe space. They should not run especially near a jogger or bicycle as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds must be active for a few hours each day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the health of your German Shepherd because it will provide veterinary care for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely capable of being trained. They take their work serious, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and work ethic is allowed to shine. They, like all breeds, require continual and intensive training to maintain a friendly, compliant demeanor and to be alert.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve the entire family. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen is a very familial breed and will form an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is crucial to begin training as early as possible so that your puppy can be a sociable and well-behaved companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands easily. Their intelligence is high and can cause stubbornness, however, if not properly channeled. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and help reduce any destructive behavior that could arise due to their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs are typically cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family and need to be socialized from a young age to reduce their chances of exhibiting aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to prey-drive and hunting, which can be overemphasized when they aren't properly socialized.
For example there are many GSDs who engage in a barking or snarling attack on vehicles passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem to some, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will learn that interaction with other people and animals isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. During this time they get to know their world and develop connections that influence how they view new experiences. This can last for the remainder of their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new environments and people as early as is possible.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your puppy's confidence in meeting new things and people.
The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure, controlled environment where they can build confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll associate the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of that specific thing for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect from the common blunders of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they are frightened because this could be perceived as a reward for their fearful behavior which is an easy way to cause the habit of having phobias for life.
Begin by completing a few items from your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on the dog that is around. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.
Look for dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy for an afternoon tea and cake! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you have been doing and also introduce them new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the outside world when they reach the age of.
Car driving - German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in cars and so getting them familiar with a car in the beginning can make your road trips much easier!
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will allow your puppy to become comfortable in these environments as an adult and can be a great time to play retrieval games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, it is important to be managed with care as over exercise can harm the skeletal structure of young puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play, for example, can stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues later on in life.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to herd livestock. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and are eager to complete the task.
They are highly trainable and quick learners due to their breeding to be work-oriented. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and are quick to act to protect their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs who can aid police in drug-sniffing, security and search and rescue.
An effective method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. This is a great way to encourage good behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in others. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with white belly and chest.