How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They make great pets for families and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keeps the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds have some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders test their dogs for genetic diseases, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause an unsteady gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hind quarters and advance to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises, and surgical procedures.
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 ocular exams by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other ailments. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can evaluate the lungs and heart of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical exam.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them for multiple walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within an area that is safe and secure. They should not run especially close to a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level, adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise a day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd as it will help pay for veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Insurance for pets 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 highly 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 energy, intelligence and work ethic. But, like any breed, 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 involve all members of the family. It is a very family-oriented breed and will form bonds with their principal handler. It is essential to begin training as soon as you can, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands easily. Their intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if it is not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will help your GSD remain focused on their task and minimize any destructive behaviors as a result their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are usually cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family and need to be socialized from a young age to reduce their chances of exhibiting aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting which can be overemphasized if they are not properly socialized.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or other people walking along a path or through the park. Although this could be a problem for some, it's actually a very normal behavior that should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to interact with. They will learn that interacting with other animals and people isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. In this period they are exposed to their world and develop connections that influence the way they see new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new situations and people as soon as you can.
Your breeder should have initiated this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process, building your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.
It is important to present these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment that makes them feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel scared they might associate the experience as being scared and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent from the pitfalls of encouraging to encourage or comfort them when they're afraid. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
Start by ticking off a few items 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 to be calm and focus on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become an empathetic and calm pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is an excellent 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 outside world once they are grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't known for their ease in cars, so getting them used to being in a car early on can make your road trips much easier!
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy become comfortable in these environments as an adult, and could be a great time to play retrieval games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping, and a lot of play can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This may lead to problems later in life.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. German Shepherds are prone to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were developed to herd livestock. Therefore, schäferhund baby kaufen have a strong herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job at hand.
They are highly trainable and fast learners since they were bred to work. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen sense of danger and will react quickly to protect their family members. This is why they make excellent service dogs, aiding police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
A good method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. This is a great way to keep your dog in good behavior pup and teach him some basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur may be hard in some places but soft in other. The length of the coat may vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches. The color will also vary from pup to pup but the majority of German Shepherds sport dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.