How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They are great family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have a few health issues. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters and can develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise, and even surgery.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart with a stethoscope as part of his annual physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed area. It is best to avoid running especially near a jogger or bicycle, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level, adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise every day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in your German Shepherd's well-being, since it can help pay for veterinary care for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Pet insurance gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind, allowing you to focus solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners 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 drive are allowed to shine. Like all breeds, require continuous and extensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and increased alertness.
The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a tight connection with its handler. It is important to begin training your puppy as soon as possible so that he can grow to be a good behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands with ease. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if not properly channeled. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, like 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 may result from their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs may be wary of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They must be socialized at a young age to limit the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting that can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled with regular positive socialization.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a car or people walking on a path or through parks. While this can be a problem for some individuals, it's a normal behavior that should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to get along with. They will learn that interacting with other people and animals isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. In this period they get to know their world and develop connections that influence the way they see new experiences. This can last for the duration of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this process for you, but when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your pup's confidence to meet new people and things.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel scared, they may associate the experience as being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. You must also prevent them from making the mistake of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're afraid. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and create a lifetime phobia.
Start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
This isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to relax and focus on you even when another dog is around. This will help them become a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you've been practicing and also introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will help them accept the world around them once they're fully grown.
Use in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally comfortable in vehicles, so if you can make them comfortable driving early on it can make your road trips more enjoyable.
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help them become comfortable in these places as adults and could be an excellent occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. Running, jumping and playing a lot for instance, could stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as they grow older.
The puppy's natural drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they 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 livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and will be eager to finish the job.
Because they were bred for work quickly, they are quick to learn and extremely capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and are able to respond quickly to protect their family members. This is why they make great service dogs, assisting police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other prominent locations.
One method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to interact with other dogs. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich is a great method to keep your dog in good behavior dog and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be rough in certain areas but soft in other. The length of the coat may vary from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with a white chest and belly.