How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most loved breeds in America. They are great family pets and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Brushing often with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will screen their dogs to ensure that they do not pass on hereditary diseases to their pups such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat and food sensitivities, or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hind quarters and progress to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can aid your dog to live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if it is not properly managed. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds can be afflicted with heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids, balanced vitamins and a mix that promotes the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can assess the lungs and heart of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical examination.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on numerous walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in a safe, enclosed space. It is best to avoid running especially near a jogger or bicycle, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise every day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the health of your German Shepherd, since it can help pay for veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and highly adept at training. They take their job seriously, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. But, like any breed dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to keep their friendly, calm demeanor as well as their enhanced sense of security and alertness.
The whole family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very familial breed that forms a strong bond with the main handler. It is crucial to begin training as early as you can so that your puppy can be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and grasp new commands with ease. Their intelligence is high and can lead to a stubbornness however, if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that can assist your GSD remain focused on the task and reduce destructive behavior because of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are prone to be cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to socialized early in order to reduce the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
GSDs may be agitated or bark in response to a passing vehicle or people walking on a path or through parks. While this may be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to get along with. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and people isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization in which they are exposed to about the world and make connections that shape how they perceive new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new situations and people as soon as possible.
When you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to continue the process and building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things.
The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe, controlled environment where they can build confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund feel threatened or scared, they'll think of the experience as fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for the rest of their lives. It is important to keep them from making the error of encouraging or calming them when they're afraid. This could be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
Start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you going:
It's not just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to be calm and focus on you when another dog is nearby. This helps them to be a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights scents, textures, and smells. This will allow them adjust to the world outside after they have grown.
Take a car. German Shepherds aren't known for being comfortable in vehicles and, therefore, if you make them comfortable driving early on it can make your road trips more enjoyable.
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will help them become comfortable in these settings as adults and could be an excellent occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet Alongside a healthy 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 puppies. For example running, jumping and playing for a long time can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues as an adult.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than other breeds. They were designed to manage animals. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and will be eager to finish the job.
Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and are highly capable of training. They are also natural guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and will act quickly to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs that aid police in drug-sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
One way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and the chance to interact with other dogs. This is a great method to reinforce good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that is rough in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.