How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Brushing often with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. This occurs when the cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters and can develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation 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 not managed properly. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that supports the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the lungs and heart of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical exam.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on multiple walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. It is best to avoid running close to bicycle or jogger as this could damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds must be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd, since it can help to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Pet insurance gives both you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and extremely trained. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and drive are given a outlet. But, like any breed, these pups require extensive and continuous training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor and their increased sense of security and alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. This is a very familial breed and will form an enduring bond with the main handler. It is essential to begin training your puppy as early as possible so that he will grow into a well behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and learn quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also result in stubbornness if they are not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that can aid your GSD remain focused on the task and reduce any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and dispositions.
GSDs are often wary of people outside their immediate family. schäferhund welpe kaufen require to be socialized at an early age to limit their risk of aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also have a tendency to hunting and prey drive, which can be exaggerated when not properly managed with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or other people walking along a path or through parks. While this may be a problem to certain people, it's an acceptable 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 animals and humans 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 see new experiences, often for the rest of their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new situations and people as early on as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, however once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.
It is essential to present these experiences to them in a safe, controlled environment that makes them feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel scared or frightened, they will associate the experience with being scared and could be afraid of the particular thing for the rest of their lives. You should also protect from the pitfalls of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and can cause a lifetime fear.
You can start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
This isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is around. This helps them to be a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sights and sounds scents, textures, and smells. This will assist them to be more comfortable with the world around them after they have grown.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their ease in cars, so getting them used to driving in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much simpler!
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will help them become comfortable in these places as adults and could be a good opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy 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 damage the bones of puppies. For instance running, jumping, and playing for a long time can put strain on the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This may lead to problems as they grow older.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to help herd livestock. Therefore, they have an instinct for herding and a desire to complete the job.
They are highly trainable and quick learners since they were bred for work. They are also naturally guard dogs with an acute sense of danger and will act quickly to protect their loved ones. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting the police in drug sniffing as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other prominent locations.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and the chance to meet other dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will prove useful in the future.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding 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 differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches long. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.