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 the family and are great as a working dog.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health concerns. Reputable breeders test their dogs for genetic diseases, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves that transmit signals to the hind legs of the dog. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters and can progress to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medication and rehabilitation exercises and surgical procedures.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if it is not properly managed. Your dog will require regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other ailments. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids, balanced vitamins and a mix that promotes the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can assess the heart and lungs of your puppy with a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on multiple walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within an enclosed, safe space. It is best to avoid running, particularly beside bikes or joggers as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to be active for a few hours each day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the health of your German Shepherd because it will pay for veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and extremely capable of being trained. They take their job serious, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and work ethic is allowed to shine. However, just like all breeds, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor and their increased sense of alertness and protection.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. This is a very family-oriented breed that forms a strong bond with the principal handler. It is crucial to begin training your puppy as early as you can to ensure that he grows into a well behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands quickly. Their intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if not properly channeled. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and help reduce any destructive behavior that might arise as a result of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are prone to be cautious of those who aren't part of their immediate family. They need to socialized at an early age so that they can reduce the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting which can be overemphasized if they are not well-socialized.
For instance, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on a vehicle passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this might be a problem 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 people in the vicinity. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and humans is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window in which they are exposed to about the world around them and make connections that affect how they view new experiences - usually throughout their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations as early on as possible.
When you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility for continuing the process and building your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and objects.
It is important to present these experiences to them in a safe, controlled environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel afraid or frightened, they will think of the experience as fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for life. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to soothe or encourage them when they are frightened because this could be perceived as a way to reward their fearful behavior which is an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.
Start by taking note of a few items on your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you going:
This isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when another dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will help them to be more comfortable with the world outside once they are grown.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in vehicles So getting them used to being in a car early on can make your road trips simpler!
Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or garden centre. This will allow them to become at ease in these environments as adults and could be a good opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For example running, jumping, and playing for a long time can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. schäferhunde kaufen could cause problems as they grow older.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is because they were bred to manage livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and be eager to finish the job.
They are highly trainable and fast learners due to their breeding to work. They are also instinctual guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and can respond quickly to protect their family members. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile locations.
An effective method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to be social with dogs. It is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy as well as teach him basic commands that will come in handy later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in other. The length of the coat can differ from dog to dog but it will usually be between 4-6 inches long. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.