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 have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and helps keep the coat looking healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds may have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for health issues to prevent passing hereditary illnesses to their puppies such as 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, including Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a sluggish, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves that transmit signals to the dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hind quarters and develop into weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medication, exercise programs for rehabilitation and surgical procedures.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if it is not properly managed. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter will require regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. They'll require a nutritious diet that is supportive of heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, including frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure area. It is best to avoid running especially close to bikes or joggers as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should exercise for a short period of time each day, depending on their energy levels. Pet insurance can be an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to both you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the best possible treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent they are quick to learn and highly adept at training. They take their job seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and drive are given a outlet. Like all breeds, require ongoing and intense training to keep an affable, obedient manner and heightened alertness.
The whole family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. It is a very family-oriented breed that forms an enduring bond with the main handler. It is important to start training as early as you can, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands with ease. However, their high level of intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if they are not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program designed to aid your GSD stay focused on the task and reduce any destructive behaviors as a result their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs may be wary of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They need to socialized at a young age so that they can reduce the possibility of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also have a tendency to hunting and prey drive that can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
For example some GSDs bark or lunge at the vehicle that is passing by, or people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for certain individuals, it's a normal behavior and should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to get along with. In turn they will discover that being around other humans and animals is enjoyable and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. Through this time they are exposed to their world and develop connections that will influence the way they perceive new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new situations and people as quickly as you can.
Your breeder should have begun this process for you, but when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process, gaining your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and things.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can develop their trust and not feel threatened or overwhelmed. If they feel scared they might associate the experience with being scared and become fearful for life. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as rewarding their fearful behaviour which is an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.
You can start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
This isn't just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when another dog is around. This helps them be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sights and sounds as well as smells and textures. This will assist them adjust to the world around them after they have grown.
Take in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in vehicles and, therefore, if you get them comfortable with driving from a young age it can make your road trips easier.
Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will help them become comfortable in these settings as adults and could be an excellent opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. It is important to do this in moderation, since excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play, for example, can put strain on the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues later in life.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. They were born to help herd livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and will be determined to finish the task.
Since they were bred to work quickly, they are quick to learn and are highly capable of being trained. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and will act quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that can assist police in drug-sniffing security, search and rescue.
An effective way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and the chance to meet other dogs. It is also a great opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands that will come in handy later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be hard in some places but soft in others. The length of the hair will vary from one dog to the next however, it will usually be between 4 to 6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup, however, most German Shepherds will have a dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.