How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They make great pets for the family and are great as a working dog.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing often with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake will reduce the amount of shed, and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with a few health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with a good reputation screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause a sluggish, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. This occurs when the cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching the nerves which send signals to the dog's hind legs. The signs start with hindquarters instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence, and loss of mobility. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can be found to ensure that your dog lives longer and live a more comfortable life.
German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that promotes the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the heart of your puppy using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within an area that is safe and secure. It is best to avoid running especially near bikes or joggers as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds must exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd as it will help provide veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also provides peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the highest quality care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and extremely trainable. They take their work seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and work ethic is given a outlet. They, like all breeds, require ongoing and intense training to keep a friendly, compliant demeanor and heightened alertness.
The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This breed is very family-oriented and will develop a strong bond with its primary handler. It is crucial to begin training as early as possible to ensure that your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands quickly. However, their intelligence can also result in stubbornness if they are not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that can assist your GSD remain focused on their task and reduce any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and dispositions.
GSDs are often cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized from an early age to limit their chances of exhibiting aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting that can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled by regular positive socialization.
For instance some GSDs bark or lunge at vehicles passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for certain individuals, it's a normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to get along with. As a result they will discover that being around other humans and animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization that allows them to learn about the world and make connections that influence how they see new experiences, often throughout their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new environments and people as soon as possible.
Your breeder should have started this process for you, but when you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process, building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and experiences.
It is essential to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment where they will feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel afraid they might associate the experience with fear and become fearful for life. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as a way to reward their fearful behavior and a sure way to create a lifetime of phobias.
You can start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to calm down and pay attention to you while another dog is in the vicinity. This will aid them in becoming an empathetic and calm pet as they get older.
Seek out pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a coffee and cake date! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sights and sounds as well as smells and textures. This will assist them to be more comfortable with the outside world after they have grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in vehicles and so getting them used to being in the car early can make your road trips much easier!
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or the garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy become comfortable in these environments as an adult and could be a great time to play retrieval games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play, for example, can put strain on the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues when they become adults.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than other breeds. They were designed to help herd animals. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and will be determined to finish the task.
They are highly trainable and fast learners since they were bred for work. They are also guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and they are quick to act to protect their loved ones. This is why they make excellent service dogs, aiding the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search & rescue as well as providing security in banks and other prominent locations.
One method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and allow him to socialize with dogs. This is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will be useful later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in other. german shepherd kaufen of the coat may differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have a dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.