How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They make great pets for families as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keep the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with a few health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will check their dogs for health issues to prevent passing hereditary illnesses to their puppies like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. It is caused by 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 instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery can aid your dog to live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids, balanced vitamins and a blend that supports the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart and lungs of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical exam.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, like frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure space. It is best to avoid running, particularly beside the bicycle or jogger, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to both you and your veterinarian, which allows you to concentrate on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
schäferhund baby kaufen are smart, fast learners, and highly trainable. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs police officers, service animals and much more. They thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence and work ethic. They, like all breeds, require ongoing and extensive training to maintain a friendly, compliant demeanor and heightened alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should include the entire family. It is a very family-oriented breed that forms bonds with their principal handler. It is crucial to begin training your puppy as soon as you can so that he will grow to be a good behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and master new commands with ease. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also result in stubbornness 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 reduce any destructive behavior that could result from their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are typically beware of people outside of their immediate family. They need to be socialized at an early age to lessen their potential for aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
For example, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on a vehicle passing by or other people on a path or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for certain individuals, it's a normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to play with. As a result they will discover that being around humans and animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period in which they are exposed to about the world and make connections that affect how they view new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new situations and people as soon as possible.
Your breeder should have initiated this for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.
The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can develop their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened they might interpret the experience with fear and be afraid for their entire lives. It is also important to shield them from the common mistake of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as rewarding their fearful behaviour and an easy way to cause the habit of having phobias for life.
You can start by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
This isn't only about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on you when another dog is around. This will aid them in becoming a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been practicing and also introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the outside world when they reach the age of.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in vehicles So getting them used to being in a car early on can make your road trips more enjoyable!
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or the garden centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult and can be a great time to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. However, this must be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can harm the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing for a long time for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This could cause problems in adulthood.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. They were designed to help herd animals. This means they have an innate herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job in hand.
They are highly trainable and fast learners due to their breeding for work. They are also guard dogs with an acute sense of danger and will act quickly to protect their family members. This is why they make excellent service dogs, helping the police in drug sniffing as well as aiding in search and rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he needs. This will give him mental stimulation and the chance to meet other dogs. This is a great method to encourage good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that's harsh in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat will vary from dog to pup but it will usually be between 4-6 inches long. The color will also vary from pup to pup but the majority of German Shepherds sport a dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.