How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a popular breed in America. They are great family pets and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Breeders with a good reputation screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause a sluggish gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, pinching the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hind quarters and develop into weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and even surgery.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an autoimmune corneal condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other diseases. They'll require a nutritious diet that promotes heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can evaluate the lungs and heart of your puppy with a stethoscope during his yearly physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe protected space. They should not run in close proximity to cyclist or jogger, as this can damage their growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise each day to maintain fitness. deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen is a good investment in the health of your German Shepherd, since it can help to pay for veterinary treatment for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Insurance for pets gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind and lets you focus entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent quick learners and highly adept at training. 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 drive are given a outlet. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition as well as their heightened sense of alertness and protectiveness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should involve all members of the family. It is a very family-oriented breed that will develop an enduring bond with the primary handler. It is crucial to begin training as early as possible, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn them quickly. Their intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if not properly controlled. 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 diminish any destructive behaviors that may arise as a result of their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs are usually cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized from a young age to reduce their chances of exhibiting aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized if they are not appropriately socialized.
GSDs may be agitated or bark in response to a vehicle passing by or other people walking along a path or through the park. Although this could be a problem to some, it is actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will be taught that interfacing with other people and animals is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization, during which they learn about the world around them and make connections that shape how they perceive new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people at an early age.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process of building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and experiences.
It is essential to present these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel afraid or frightened, they will associate the experience with being afraid and may then be afraid of the specific thing for the rest of their lives. It is important to keep them from making the error of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're afraid. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
You can start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
This isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you when a dog is nearby. This helps them be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will help them adjust to the outside world when they reach the age of.
Car driving - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in vehicles, 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 list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will help them get comfortable in these settings as adults and could be an ideal opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It is important to do this in moderation, as excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot for instance, could cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. This could cause problems as an adult.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than some other breeds. This is because they were bred to help herd livestock. Therefore, they have an instinct for herding and an eagerness to do the job.
They are highly trainable and fast learners since they were bred to be work-oriented. They are also natural guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and can quickly react to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that aid police in drug-sniffing, security and search and rescue.
Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and also the chance to socialize with other dogs. This is also an excellent chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy in the future.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be harsh in some 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 black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.