How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are great for working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing often with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake will reduce the amount of shed and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Reputable breeders test their dogs for genetic diseases, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. This happens when the cervical vertebrae narrow,
Reinrassiger deutscher schäFerhund kaufen pinching the nerves which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The signs start with hindquarters instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. Treatments that may include rehabilitation exercises, medication or surgery can aid your dog to live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that could lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with your vet to assess these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that supports heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart and lungs using a stethoscope in his yearly physical exam.
Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure and secure space. They should not run especially close to the bicycle or jogger as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise a few hours a day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely trainable. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and so much more - and thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence, and work ethic. But, as with all breeds they require a lot of and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protection.
The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. This is a very familial breed that will develop a strong bond with the primary 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 master new commands and can learn them quickly. Their intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if it is not properly controlled. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behavior that may arise due to their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs may be wary of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They need to socialized early so that they can reduce the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also have a tendency to hunting and prey drive that can become exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
For instance some GSDs bark or lunge at a vehicle passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for some, it's actually a very normal behavior
Reinrassiger Deutscher schäFerhund welpe that should be encouraged since 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 is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization, during which they learn about the world and make connections that shape how they perceive new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new environments and people as early on as possible.
After you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility for continuing the process and developing your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.
It is crucial to present these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment where they will feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel threatened they might associate the experience as being scared and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect from the common error of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened as this can be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause a lifetime of phobias.
Begin by completing some items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to calm down and pay attention to the dog that is close by. This will help them become a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy out for a cake and coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been doing and introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the world outside when they reach the age of.
Drive in a car. German Shepherds aren't known for being comfortable in vehicles and, therefore, if you get them comfortable with driving early on, it 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,
Buy German Shepherds hairdresser or the garden centre. This will allow them to become at ease in these environments as adults and can be an ideal occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can harm the bones of puppies. For instance, jumping, running and a lot of play can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems when they become adults.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were developed to help herd livestock. As such, they will have an innate herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job.
Because they were bred to work, they are quick learners and are highly trainable. They are also instinctual guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and are able to respond quickly to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs that aid 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 give him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and
Schäferhund abzugeben allow him to interact with other dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will come in handy in the future.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in other. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.
