How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with a good reputation screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgical procedures.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not managed properly. Your dog should undergo regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other illnesses. They require a balanced diet that supports heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart with the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them for multiple walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within a safe, enclosed space. They should avoid running, especially next to a jogger, or a bicycle as this could damage their growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise each day to stay fit. Pet insurance can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance provides you and your veterinarian peace of mind which allows you to concentrate only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent quick learners and extremely capable of being trained. They take their job serious, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. Like all breeds, require continual and intense training to keep an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.
The entire family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form a strong bond with the main handler. It is crucial to start training your puppy as soon as possible so that he can grow to be a good and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands easily. However, their high level of ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly directed. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and help reduce any destructive behavior that might arise as a result of their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs are often cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require to be socialized from an early age to lessen their chances of exhibiting aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting, which can be overemphasized when they aren't properly socialized.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a passing vehicle or people walking on a path or through a park. While this might be a problem for certain people, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will learn that interaction with other animals and humans is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. In this period they get to know their world and develop connections that will influence the way they see new experiences. This can last the duration of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new situations and people as soon as you can.
Once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility for continuing the process and building your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and objects.
It is essential to share these experiences with them in a controlled, safe environment where they 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 afraid of the specific thing for the rest of their lives. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior - a sure way to create an entire life of phobias.
Begin by completing the items on your GSD puppy’s socialization list. 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 when a dog is around. This will aid them in becoming a calm and relaxed pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures. This will assist them adjust to the outside world once they are grown.
Take in a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly comfortable in vehicles and, therefore, if you make them comfortable driving at an early age it will make your road trips more enjoyable.
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help them get at ease in these environments as adults and can be an ideal occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. But, this should be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of young puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play, for example, can cause strain on the developing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as an adult.
The amount 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 a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were born to help herd livestock. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and are eager to finish the job.
They are highly trainable and quick learners since they were bred to work. deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and will react quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs that can assist police in drug-sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
Participating with 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 socialize with other 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, thick and straight coat that is rough in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches long. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup, however, most German Shepherds will have dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.