How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders test their dogs for genetic ailments, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large breeds of dog. 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 is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters and can advance to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises, and surgery.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. These conditions will require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that promotes heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart with the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, including multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected area. They should avoid running especially close to a jogger or bicycle as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance is a good investment in your German Shepherd's well-being, since it can help to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely capable of being trained. They take their work seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and work ethic is allowed to shine. They, like all breeds, require continuous and intense training to keep an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should include the entire family. This is a very family-oriented breed that will develop a strong bond with the primary handler. It is essential 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 quick to master new commands and can learn them quickly. However, their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that will aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and reduce destructive behavior because of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs may be apprehensive of people who aren't part of their immediate family. was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund need to socialized at a young age to limit the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also tend to hunting and prey-drive which can be overemphasized in the absence of being appropriately socialized.
For instance there are many GSDs who engage in a barking or snarling attack on vehicles passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this might be a problem for some, it is an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. As a result they will be taught that being around other people and animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. Through this time they get to know their world and develop connections that affect the way they perceive new experiences. This could last for the duration of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new environments and people as soon as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, however when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things.
The most important thing is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build trust and not feel threatened or overwhelmed. If they feel scared they might interpret the experience with fear and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent from the pitfalls of encouraging or calming those who are scared. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and can cause a lifetime fear.
You can begin by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and concentrate on you when a dog is close by. This will help them become a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Look for pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a coffee and cake date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been practicing and also introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will aid them in adjusting to the outside world when they are fully grown.
Drive in a car. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in cars So if you can get them used to driving from a young age, it can simplify your road trips.
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will help them become comfortable in these places as adults and can be an excellent opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For instance running, jumping and playing a lot can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This could cause problems as they grow older.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to help herd livestock. This means they have a strong herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job at hand.
They are highly trainable and quick learners because they were bred for work. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and can respond quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs who can aid police with drug sniffing security, 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 socialize with dogs. This is a great method to reinforce good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will differ from dog to dog, 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 the chest and belly being white.