How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are wonderful family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and helps keep the coat looking clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing hereditary diseases to their puppies such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. deutsche schäferhunde kaufen are frequent problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes an unsteady drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, pinching the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with hindquarters instability and can progress to paralysis incontinence, and loss of mobility. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises and even surgery.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will need regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health by providing a mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart with a stethoscope as part of his annual physical exam.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them for multiple walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. It is best to avoid running especially close to the bicycle or jogger as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy adult German Shepherds require a bit of exercise every day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd because it will to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries. Insurance for pets gives you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent quick learners and extremely trainable. They take their job seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are allowed to shine. They, like all breeds, require continual and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and heightened alertness.
The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This breed is very family-oriented and will develop a strong connection with its 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 quick to master new commands and learn quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that can assist your GSD remain focused on the task and reduce destructive behavior as a result their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are typically cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require to be socialized at an early age to limit their potential for aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized in the absence of being appropriately socialized.
For instance, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on vehicles passing by or other people on a path or walking through the park. Although this could 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 other people and pets to get along with. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and people isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. In this period, they learn about their world and form connections that affect the way they see new experiences. This can last for the rest of their life. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations as early on as possible.
Your breeder should have started this for you, however once you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your puppy's confidence in meeting new things and people.
It is crucial to present these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment that makes them feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel scared or frightened, they will be able to connect the experience with being afraid and may then be fearful of that particular thing for life. It is important to keep them from making the error of encouraging or calming them when they're scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and create a lifetime phobia.
Begin by completing some items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
This isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is around. This will help them become an empathetic and calm family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle-training you've been doing and also introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that can aid them in adjusting to the world outside once they're fully grown.
Drive a car. German Shepherds aren't known for being at ease in cars, so if you can get them used to driving at an early age it will make your road trips easier.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or a garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy get comfortable in these settings as an adult, and could be a great opportunity to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can harm the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play for instance, could cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. This may lead to problems as they grow older.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. They were born to manage animals. Therefore, they have an innate herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job in hand.
They are highly trainable and quick learners due to their breeding for 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, aiding police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other prominent locations.
An effective method to ensure that 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 opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be rough in certain areas but soft in other. The length of the coat may vary from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with the chest and belly being white.