How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most well-known breeds in America. They make great pets for families and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs to avoid passing on hereditary diseases to their puppies, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching the nerves which send signals to the dog's hind legs. king shepherd kaufen Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen start with instability of the hindquarters, and then advance to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. Treatments, which may involve medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery, are available to aid your dog to live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. These conditions require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet containing omega fats and balanced vitamins, as well as a blend that supports heart health is required. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart with the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, including frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected area. They should not run in close proximity to cyclist or jogger as this could damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise for a short period of time each day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the health of your German Shepherd because it will pay for veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent quick learners and extremely trainable. They take their jobs very serious, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and work ethic is allowed to shine. These pups, like all breeds, require ongoing and extensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.
The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. It is a very family-oriented breed and will form bonds with their primary handler. It is crucial to begin training your puppy as early as you can so that he can grow into a well behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and learn them quickly. Their high intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if it is not properly channeled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and help reduce any destructive behavior that could arise as a result of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs can be cautious of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They need to socialized at an early age so that they can reduce the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting which can be overemphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.
For example some GSDs bark or lunge at vehicles passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for certain, it's actually a very normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to play with. In turn, they will learn that being around other humans as well as animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization that allows them to learn about the world around them and make connections that influence how they view new experiences - usually throughout their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new environments and people as soon as possible.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but once you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process of building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and experiences.
The most important thing is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can build their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid they might associate the experience with fear and be afraid for their entire lives. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to soothe or encourage them when they're scared as this can be seen as rewarding their fearful behaviour which is a sure way to create the habit of having phobias for life.
You can start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
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 the dog that is in the vicinity. This will aid them in becoming a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Find pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for a cake and coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will allow them to be more comfortable with the outside world when they reach the age of.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in vehicles So getting them used to driving in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much more enjoyable!
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will help them become comfortable in these places as adults and can be a good occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For instance running, jumping and playing a lot can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues when they become adults.
The puppy's natural drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are prone to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to help herd livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and be determined to finish the task.
They are extremely trainable and quick learners because they were bred to work. They are also guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and they are quick to act to protect their family members. This is why they make excellent service dogs, helping police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation and also the chance to interact with other dogs. This is a great way to encourage good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be hard in some places but soft in other. The length of the coat may vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches long. The color can also differ from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have a black or dark brown coat, with a chest of white.