How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They are great family pets and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily in the spring and summer. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung who are reputable will test their dogs for genetic ailments, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. This happens when the cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to the hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters, and then advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery, are available to aid your dog to live longer and live more comfortably.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. It is an autoimmune corneal condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. These conditions will require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds can be afflicted with 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 examine the heart of your puppy using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, such as numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe, enclosed space. They should avoid running especially close to a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best possible treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and extremely capable of being trained. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and drive are provided with a means to express it. However, just like all breeds, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to keep their friendly, calm demeanor and their increased sense of security and alertness.
The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. This breed is very sociable and will form a close connection with its handler. It is essential to begin training as early as possible so that your puppy can be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands with ease. Their intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and help reduce any destructive behavior that may arise as a result of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs may be wary of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require socialization at an early age to limit the potential for aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also are prone to prey-drive and hunting, which can be overemphasized if they are not properly socialized.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a car or other people walking along the road or in the park. While this can be a problem for some individuals, it's a normal behavior and should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to interact with. As a result they will discover that being around humans and animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. During this time, they learn about their environment and make connections that affect how they view new experiences. This can last for the duration of their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new people and situations as early as is possible.
After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and building your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and experiences.
It is important to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel afraid or scared, they'll be able to connect the experience with fear and will eventually be fearful of that specific thing for the rest of their lives. It is also important to shield them from the common mistake of trying to soothe, encourage or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as a way to reward their fearful behavior - an easy way to cause a lifetime of phobias.
You can start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
This isn't just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, 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, smells, and textures. This will help them adjust to the world around them after they have grown.
Car driving - German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in vehicles and so getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips more enjoyable!
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will help them get at ease in these environments as adults and could be a good occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of young puppies. Jumping, running and playing for a long time for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues as they grow older.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. They were bred to herd livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and be eager to complete the task.
Because they were bred for work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and highly capable of being trained. They are also naturally guard dogs with an acute sense of danger and can quickly react to protect their loved ones. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile places.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation and allow him to socialize with 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 differ from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The color can also differ from pup to pup, but most German Shepherds have dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.