How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are great for pets for families and as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot in the spring and summer. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and keep the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hind quarters and develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medication, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgery.
Eye conditions that may 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 need regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that promotes heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can evaluate the heart and lungs of your puppy using a stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds require moderate exercise. schäferhund welpe kaufen can be done by taking them on multiple walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within an area that is safe and secure. It is best to avoid running close to jogger, or a bicycle because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones that are growing. Adult German Shepherds should exercise a few hours a day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd as it will help provide veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. Pet insurance provides both you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely trained. They take their jobs very serious, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. However, just like all breeds they require a lot of and ongoing training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their heightened sense of security and alertness.
Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should include the entire family. This is a very familial breed that forms an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is important to start training as early as possible, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands quickly. Their intelligence is high and can lead to a stubbornness however, if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will assist your GSD stay focused on their task and reduce any destructive behaviors as a result their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs may be wary of people who are not members of their immediate family. They require socialization early to limit the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting, which can be overemphasized if they are not well-socialized.
GSDs can engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a car or pedestrians walking on a path or through the park. While this might be a problem for certain people, it's in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization in which they are exposed to about the world around them and make connections that influence how they see new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people as early as is possible.
Once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility for continuing the process and developing your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and experiences.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll think of the experience as being scared and could be afraid of the specific thing for the rest of their lives. Also, you must protect from the common error of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior and a sure way to create the habit of having phobias for life.
Start by taking note of the items on your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
It's not just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm family dog when they are older.
Seek out dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy for an afternoon tea and cake! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights scents, textures, and smells. This will help them adjust to the world outside after they have grown.
Drive in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally comfortable in vehicles So if you can get them used to driving at an early age, it will simplify your road trips.
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will help them become comfortable in these settings as adults and could be a good chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. For example, jumping, running and a lot of play can put strain on the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This could cause problems as they grow older.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than some other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were bred to herd livestock. As such, they will have an instinct for herding and a keenness to perform the job.
Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and extremely capable of training. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen sense of danger and can act quickly to defend their loved ones. They are also great service dogs who can aid police in drug-sniffing, security and search and rescue.
A good way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. This is a great way to reinforce good behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be rough in certain areas but soft in others. The length of the hair may vary from dog to dog, but will be usually between 4 to 6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with the chest and belly being white.