How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They are excellent working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Brushing often using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can reduce shedding and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs for genetic ailments, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues and food sensitivities, or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. 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 signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hind quarters and advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises and even surgery.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if it is not properly managed. These conditions will require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that supports heart health with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the heart of your puppy using an stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies in a safe, enclosed space. They should avoid running especially near the bicycle or jogger as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should be active for a few hours each day, depending on their energy levels. Pet insurance is a good investment in the health of your German Shepherd as it will help to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected injuries and illnesses. It also provides peace of mind to both you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent they are quick to learn and extremely adept at training. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs police officers, service animals and many more - and thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence and work ethic. However, just like all breeds, these pups require extensive and continuous training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor as well as their heightened sense of security and alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should include the entire family. This breed is very sociable and will develop a strong bond with its primary handler. It is important to start training as soon as you can so that your puppy can be a sociable and well-behaved companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and master new commands with ease. Their intelligence is high and can lead to stubbornness, however, if not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program that will assist your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and minimize any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are typically cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized from an early age to limit their potential for aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized if they are not appropriately socialized.
For instance there are many GSDs who be aggressive or bark at the vehicle that is passing by, or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for some, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will learn that interacting with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. During this time, they learn about their world and form connections that affect how they view new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as possible.
Your breeder should have initiated this for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process, gaining your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.
It is important to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel scared or frightened, they will think of the experience as being scared and could be fearful of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect from the common blunders of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior - an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.
Start by taking note of a few items on your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
It's not just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This will aid them in becoming a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Seek out places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for an afternoon tea and cake! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sights and sounds scents, textures, and smells. This will allow them adjust to the world around them when they reach the age of.
Take a car. German Shepherds aren't known for being at ease in vehicles, so if you can get them comfortable with driving at an early age it will simplify your road trips.
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or the garden centre. This will allow them to become at ease in these environments as they grow older and is a an ideal occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. However, this must be managed with care as over exercise can damage the skeletal structure of young puppies. Running, jumping and playing a lot for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This could cause problems as they grow older.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than some other breeds. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt were designed to help herd animals. They will possess a strong urge to herd and are eager to finish the job.
Since they were bred to work quickly, they are quick to learn and highly capable of being trained. They are also natural guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they are quick to act to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs who can aid police in drug-sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
An effective method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and the chance to socialize with other dogs. This is a great way to keep your dog in good behavior dog and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in other. The length of the hair will differ from dog to dog, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with white belly and chest.