How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They are great for working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and helps keep the coat looking clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities, or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes a weak drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching the nerves which send signals to the dog's hind legs. The signs begin with hindquarters instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. Treatments that may include rehabilitation exercises, medication, or surgery can be found to help your dog live longer and live a more comfortable life.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds can be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids balanced vitamins and a blend that supports heart health is required. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected space. It is best to avoid running especially close to a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy, adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise each day to stay fit. Insurance for pets is an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance provides you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and highly trainable. They take their work seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and drive are allowed to shine. They, like all breeds, require continuous and extensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort that should include the entire family. This breed is very sociable and will form a tight bond with its primary handler. It is crucial to begin training as soon as you can, so your puppy will be a sociable and well-behaved companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and grasp new commands easily. However, their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program that can assist your GSD stay focused on their task and reduce any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are prone to be apprehensive of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They require socialization early to limit the potential for aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or people walking on the road or in parks. Although this could be a cause for concern to certain people, it's in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. As a result they will be taught that being around humans and animals is enjoyable and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. During this time they are exposed to their environment and make connections that influence the way they perceive new experiences. This can last the rest of their life. It is crucial to expose them to new environments and people as soon as possible.
When you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process and building your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and experiences.
The most important thing is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment, where they can build their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or frightened, they will think of the experience as being scared and could be afraid of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to soothe, encourage or encourage them when they are frightened because this could be perceived as a reward for their fearful behavior - a sure way to create the habit of having phobias for life.
Begin by completing some items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you going:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them to calm down and focus on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This helps them to be a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.
Look for pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a coffee and cake date! This is a great chance to reinforce the training in settle you've been doing and also introduce them new sights, sounds, smells and textures that will aid them in adjusting to the world around them when they are fully grown.
deutscher schäferhund pflege driving - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in vehicles and so getting them used to being in the car early can make your road trips simpler!
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will allow your puppy to become comfortable in these environments as an adult, and could be a great time to play retrieval games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be managed with care as over exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping and a lot of play can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This could cause problems later on in life.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. They were bred to manage livestock. As such, they will have an instinct for herding and an eagerness to do the job.
Because they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and extremely trainable. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and are quick to act to protect their loved ones. This is why they make excellent service dogs, aiding police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other prominent locations.
A good method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. It is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will be useful later on.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that is hard in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat will vary from dog to pup but is usually between 4-6 inches long. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with a white chest and belly.