How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They are excellent working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed, and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs for genetic diseases, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. The vertebrae of the neck narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hind quarters and progress to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises and surgical procedures.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that could lead to blindness if not managed properly. These conditions will require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that supports the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical exam.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, such as frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed area. It is best to avoid running in close proximity to cyclist or jogger, as this can damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Based on their level of energy adult German Shepherds require a bit of exercise each day to maintain fitness. Pet insurance can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian so you can concentrate on providing the highest quality care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, fast learners, and extremely capable of being trained. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and much more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence and work ethic. But, like any breed they require a lot of and continuous training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor as well as their heightened sense of security and alertness.
The whole family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. This breed is very sociable and will form a tight bond with its primary handler. It is important to start training as soon as you can, so your puppy will be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can pick them up quickly. Their high intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if it is not properly channeled. Intensive 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 reduce any destructive behavior that might arise due to their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs can be wary of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They must be socialized at an early age so that they can reduce the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey-drive and can become over-emphasized when they aren't properly socialized.
For instance, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on the vehicle that is passing by, or other people on a path or walking through the park. Although this could be a cause for concern to some, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. As a result, they will learn that being around other people and animals is enjoyable and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window, during which they learn about the world around them and make connections that shape how they perceive new experiences - often throughout their lives. It is essential to expose them to new situations and people as soon as possible.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your pup's confidence to meet new things and people.
The most important thing is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel scared or scared, they'll be able to connect the experience with being afraid and may then be fearful of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent them from making the error of encouraging or calming them when they're afraid. This could be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and create a lifetime phobia.
Start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
It's not just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to be calm and focus on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm and peaceful family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, or shops to take your pup on a coffee date! deutsche schäferhunde kaufen is a great chance to reinforce the training in settle you've been practicing and also introduce them new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will aid them in adjusting to the world around them when they are fully grown.
Car driving - German Shepherds are not known for their ease in cars, so getting them used to being in a car early on can make your road trips much easier!
Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or the 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
In addition to a good diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It is important to do this in moderation, as excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping and a lot of play can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems when they become adults.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are prone to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were bred to manage livestock. This means they have a strong herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job in hand.
Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and extremely capable of training. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and will act quickly to defend their family members. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting police in drug-sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile places.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he needs. This will give him mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. This is a great method to keep your dog in good behavior pup and teach him some basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that is hard in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with white belly and chest.