How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds in America. They make great pets for families as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the summer and spring. Brushing often with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake will reduce the amount of shed and help keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Breeders with a good reputation test their dogs for genetic diseases, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, causing nerves to be pinched which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises, and even surgery.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an autoimmune corneal disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated appropriately. Your dog will need regular ocular examinations with your vet to assess these conditions.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet containing omega fats, balanced vitamins and a blend that supports the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can evaluate your puppy's heart and lungs with a stethoscope during his yearly physical exam.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within an area that is safe and secure. They should avoid running close to cyclist or jogger as this could damage their growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level adult German Shepherds require a bit of exercise every day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Insurance for pets gives both you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent they are quick to learn and extremely capable of being trained. They take their job serious, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and drive are provided with a means to express it. They, like all breeds, require continual and intensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should involve all members of the family. entzückendescäferhundwelpen is very family-oriented and will form a tight relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is crucial to begin training as soon as you can to ensure that your puppy will be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands with ease. Their intelligence is high and can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that will help your GSD stay focused on their task and reduce destructive behavior due to their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs can be cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require socialization at an early age so that they can reduce the possibility of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting which can be overemphasized when they aren't well-socialized.
For instance some GSDs engage in a barking or snarling attack on a vehicle passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. In turn they will be taught that being around other humans and animals is enjoyable and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. In this period they get to know their world and form connections that affect the way they perceive new experiences. This could last for the duration of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new surroundings and people as soon as you can.
Your breeder should have started this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process of building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and experiences.
The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can build their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel scared or frightened, they will be able to connect the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of the specific thing for the rest of their lives. You should also protect them from making the error of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
Start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them how to calm down and pay attention to you when a dog is around. This will aid them in becoming a calm and relaxed pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you have been doing and also introduce them new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can help them to accept the world around them when they reach the age of.
Drive in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally comfortable in cars and, therefore, if you get them comfortable with driving from a young age, it can make your road trips more enjoyable.
Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or garden centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these settings as adults and can be an ideal occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of young puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play for instance, could put strain on the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues in adulthood.
The drive level of 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 drive than other breeds. They were designed to help herd animals. They will have a strong instinct to herd and will be eager to complete the task.
Because they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and highly capable of training. They are also guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and will act 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 high-profile locations.
One method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and let him socialize with dogs. This is a great way to encourage good behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.