How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most loved breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily in the spring and summer. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have a few health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders check their dogs for hereditary ailments, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause a sluggish drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, pinching the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters, and then progress to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery can help your dog live longer and more comfortably.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. Your dog will need regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds can 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 a blend that supports heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian will be able to 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 multiple walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within a safe, enclosed space. It is best to avoid running, especially next to a jogger, or a bicycle as this could damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Depending on their energy level Adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise every day to stay fit. Insurance for pets can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance provides you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, fast learners, and highly adept at training. They take their job seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and work ethic is provided with a means to express it. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protectiveness.
The whole family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a close bond with its primary handler. It is important to start training as soon as you can, so your puppy will be a sociable and well-behaved companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can learn quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if they are not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that can help your GSD remain focused on their task and reduce any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs may be apprehensive of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They require socialization at a young age so that they can reduce the possibility of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive that can become exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
GSDs may engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a vehicle passing by or other people walking along the road or in the park. While this may be a cause for concern to some, it's in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and humans is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. During this time they are exposed to their world and form connections that affect the way they see new experiences. This can last the rest of their life. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new people and situations as early on as possible.
When you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process and developing your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and things.
It is important to present these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment where they will feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel scared or scared, they'll be able to connect the experience with fear and will eventually be fearful of that specific thing for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect them from the common mistake of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they are frightened as this can be seen as rewarding their fearful behaviour which is which is a sure way to trigger a lifetime of phobias.
Start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
This isn't just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sights and sounds scents, textures, and smells. This will help them adjust to the world outside once they are grown.
Car driving - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in vehicles, so getting them familiar with the car early can make your road trips easier!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will help them get comfortable in these places as adults and can be an ideal chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can harm the bones of puppies. For instance running, jumping and a lot of play can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as an adult.
The puppy's natural drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were bred to herd livestock. was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund will possess a strong urge to herd and will be determined to finish the task.
Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and are highly trainable. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and can act quickly to defend their family members. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he needs. This will give him mental stimulation and the chance to interact with other dogs. This is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands that will come in handy later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the hair will differ from dog to dog, but will be usually between 4 to 6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.