How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They make great pets for families as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. Brushing regularly using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health concerns. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs start with hindquarters instabilities and can progress to paralysis incontinence, and loss of mobility. Treatments that may include medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery can help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye problems that can 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 eye examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet rich in omega fats, balanced vitamins and an array of foods that support the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be done 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, especially next to a jogger, or a bicycle, as this can damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise every day to stay fit. Insurance for pets can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind to you and your veterinarian allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and extremely capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and many more - and thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence and dedication to work. However, just like all breeds dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of alertness and protection.
The whole family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. This is a very familial breed and will form an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is important to start training as early as possible to ensure that your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands easily. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if it is not properly controlled. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, like 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 tendencies.
GSDs are usually wary of people outside their immediate family. They require to be socialized at a young age to reduce their risk of aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to hunting and prey-drive and can become over-emphasized in the absence of being properly socialized.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a passing vehicle or pedestrians walking on the road or in a park. Although this could be a problem for certain, 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 play with. They will learn that interacting with other animals and humans is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window in which they are exposed to about the world and form connections that shape how they view new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people as early on as possible.
After you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process and building your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and experiences.
It is crucial to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment where they will feel at ease and not be afraid. If german shepherd kaufen feel threatened, they may associate the experience with fear and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You should also protect them from making the error of encouraging to encourage or comfort them when they're scared. This can be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and create a lifetime phobia.
Start by taking note of some items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and concentrate on you while another dog is close by. This will help them become an empathetic and calm family dog as they grow older.
Seek out places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for an afternoon tea and cake! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you've been practicing and also introduce them new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can aid them in adjusting to the outside world when they are fully grown.
Use in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't exactly comfortable in cars and, therefore, if you make them comfortable driving early on it will make your road trips easier.
Take deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult and could be a great way to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can damage the bones of puppies. Running, jumping and playing a lot, for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues as an adult.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are prone to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. This is because they were designed to herd livestock. Therefore, they have an instinct for herding and a keenness to perform the job.
They are extremely trainable and quick learners because they were bred to work. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and they will act quickly to protect their family members. They are also great service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he needs. This will give him mental stimulation and let him socialize with dogs. It is also a great opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy as well as teach him basic commands that will prove useful later on.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that is hard in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will vary from one dog to another but is usually between 4 to 6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.