How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They are great family pets and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the summer and spring. Brushing frequently with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health concerns. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hind quarters and progress to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medication, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgery.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. These conditions require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. They'll require a nutritious diet that supports heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart with an stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, including multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed area. They should not run, particularly beside bikes or joggers, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level Adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise every day to maintain fitness. Pet insurance can be an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Insurance for pets gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and highly capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals, and many more. They thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence and dedication to work. However, just like all breeds, these pups require extensive and continuous training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protection.
The whole family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very familial breed and will form an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is crucial 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 learn and pick up new commands quickly. Their high intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly channeled. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and reduce any destructive behavior that might result from their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs may be cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They must be socialized at an early age to limit the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also have a tendency to hunting and prey drive, which can be exaggerated if not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
For example some GSDs engage in a barking or snarling attack on vehicles passing by or other people on a path or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to get along with. In turn they will discover that being around humans and animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. Through this time, they learn about their world and develop connections that affect the way they perceive new experiences. This can last for the rest of their life. It is essential to expose them to new environments and people as soon as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process, building your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.
The key is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If deutsche schäferhunde kaufen feel threatened or scared, they'll associate the experience with being scared and could be fearful of that specific thing for the rest of their lives. It is important to keep from the pitfalls of encouraging or calming them when they're afraid. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
Start by checking off schäferhund beschützerinstinkt on 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 playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and pay attention to you when a dog is around. This helps them be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been doing and also introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells and textures that can aid them in adjusting to the world around them when they are fully grown.
Take in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't known for being at ease in vehicles So if you can get them used to driving at an early age, it can simplify your road trips.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or the garden centre. This will help them become comfortable in these settings as adults and could be an ideal opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be balanced as excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play for instance, could put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues as an adult.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. They were designed to herd animals. This means they have a strong herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job at hand.
Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and are highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen sense of danger and can respond quickly to protect their loved ones. This is why they make excellent service dogs, helping police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue as well as providing security in banks and other prominent locations.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with mental stimulation and the chance to meet other dogs. This is a great way to encourage good behavior in your pup and teach him some basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in others. The length of the hair will vary from one dog to another but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color will also vary from pup to pup but the majority of German Shepherds sport a black or dark brown coat with a white chest.