How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are great family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing often with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed, and keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds have some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy. deutsche schäferhunde kaufen causes a sluggish gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and can progress to paralysis incontinence, and loss of mobility. There are many treatments available, including medication and rehabilitation exercises, and surgery.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular eye examinations with your vet to assess these conditions.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other ailments. They'll require a nutritious diet that promotes heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the heart of your puppy using an stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected space. They should not run, especially next to a cyclist or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones as they grow. Depending on their energy level, adult German Shepherds will need a few hours of exercise every day to stay fit. Insurance for pets is a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the best possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart quick learners and extremely trainable. They take their jobs seriously - as guard dogs police officers, service animals and many more - and thrive when they have a outlet for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. However, just like all breeds dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and continuous training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their heightened sense of alertness and protectiveness.
The whole family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. This breed is very family-oriented and will develop a strong connection with its handler. It is crucial to start training your puppy as soon as you can so that he will grow to be a good and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can learn them quickly. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if not properly directed. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behavior that might arise as a result of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are often cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require to be socialized at an early age to lessen their risk of aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated when not properly managed by regular positive socialization.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or other people walking along the road or in a park. While this can be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to interact with. In turn they will be taught that being around humans and animals is fun and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period that allows them to learn about the world around them and make connections that affect how they see new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new surroundings and people as soon as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process of building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and experiences.
It is important to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment where they feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel afraid or frightened, they will associate the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for life. It is also important to shield them from the common mistake of trying to soothe or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior - which is a sure way to trigger a lifetime of phobias.
Start by taking note of some items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
It's not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to relax and focus on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become an empathetic and calm family dog as they grow older.
Find places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for a cake and coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been practicing and also introduce them new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the world outside when they reach the age of.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in vehicles and so getting them familiar with a car in the beginning can make your road trips much easier!
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will allow your puppy to get comfortable in these settings as an adult, and could be a great opportunity to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of young puppies. For instance, jumping, running and playing for a long time can strain a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues in adulthood.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than other breeds. They were born to manage animals. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and be determined to finish the task.
Because they were bred to work, they are quick learners and are highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctual guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and are able to act quickly to defend their family members. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search and rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other prominent locations.
An effective way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. This is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy later on.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will differ from dog to dog, but will be usually between 4 to 6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with white belly and chest.