How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are great family pets and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. Brushing frequently using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keep the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs to ensure that they do not pass hereditary illnesses to their puppies such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes a weak gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs start with instabilities of the hindquarters and progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. Treatments, which could include rehabilitation exercises, medication, or surgery can be found to aid your dog to live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that could lead to blindness if it is not properly managed. These conditions require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids, balanced vitamins and a blend that supports heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian can assess the heart and lungs of your puppy with a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected area. It is best to avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones that are growing. Depending on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise each day to keep their fitness. Pet insurance is a good investment in the health of your German Shepherd as it will help provide veterinary care 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 possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent quick learners and highly capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs, police officers, service animals, and so much more - and thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence, and work ethic. They, like all breeds, require ongoing and extensive training to maintain a friendly, compliant demeanor and increased alertness.
The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very familial breed and will form bonds with their main handler. It is crucial to begin training as early 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 easily. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also result in stubbornness if not properly directed. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and diminish any destructive behaviors that could result from their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs can be wary of people who are not members of their immediate family. They require socialization early to limit the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting, which can be exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
GSDs can engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a passing vehicle or pedestrians walking on a path or through a park. While this may be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to interact with. They will learn that interacting with other animals and people is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. In this period, they learn about their environment and make connections that influence the way they see new experiences. This can last for the remainder of their lives. It is important to introduce 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 carry on the process of building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and experiences.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a secure, controlled environment where they can build their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened, they may associate the experience with fear and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent them from making the mistake of encouraging to encourage or comfort them when they're scared. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and can cause a lifetime fear.
Start by checking off a few items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and concentrate on the dog that is in the vicinity. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm pet when they get older.
Look for places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for a coffee and cake date! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sounds, sights scents, textures, and smells. This will allow them to be more comfortable with the outside world when they reach the age of.
Use in a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly comfortable in vehicles, so if you can get them comfortable with driving at an early age, it will simplify your road trips.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or the garden centre. This will allow your puppy to become comfortable in these environments as an adult, and could be a great time to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. However, it is important to be managed with care as over exercise can harm the bones of puppies. Running, jumping and playing for a long time for example, can cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. schäferhunde kaufen may lead to problems later in life.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to help herd livestock. They will have a strong instinct to herd and be eager to finish the job.
Because they were bred to work, they are quick learners and highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and can respond quickly to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue as well as providing security in banks and other prominent locations.
A good method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and also the chance to meet other dogs. This is also a great opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy later on.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that is rough in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to another however, it will usually be between 4-6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have a black or dark brown coat, with a chest of white.