How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most loved breeds in America. They are excellent working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. Regularly brushing using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake will reduce the amount of shed and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have a few health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will test their dogs to avoid passing on hereditary diseases to their pups such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments that may include medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery can be found to aid your dog to live longer and more comfortably.
German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated appropriately. Your dog will need regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. A healthy diet containing omega fats balanced vitamins and a mix that promotes heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using an stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, including multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed space. 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. Depending on their level of energy adult German Shepherds require a couple of hours of exercise a day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd as it will help provide veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Pet insurance provides you and your veterinarian peace of mind and lets you focus entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely capable of being trained. They take their work seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and work ethic is allowed to shine. However, just like all breeds they require a lot of and continuous training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor and their increased sense of security and alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should include the entire family. It is a very family-oriented breed and will form a strong bond with the principal handler. It is important to start training as early as possible so that your puppy can be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands easily. However, their high level of intelligence can also result in stubbornness if they are not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program designed to help your GSD stay focused on their task and minimize any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs may be wary of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They must be socialized at a young age to limit the possibility of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized in the absence of being properly socialized.
GSDs can be agitated or bark in response to a vehicle passing by or pedestrians walking on the road or in a park. While this may be a problem for certain people, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will be taught that interfacing with other people and animals is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. During this time they are exposed to their environment and make connections that influence the way they see new experiences. This could last for the remainder of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new situations and people as quickly as you can.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, but when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process, building your puppy's confidence to interact with new things and people.
It is crucial to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment that makes them feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened, they may associate the experience with fear and be afraid for their entire lives. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as a reward for their fearful behavior which is a sure way to create a lifetime of phobias.
You can begin by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few suggestions to get you going:
This isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to relax and focus on you when another dog is in the vicinity. This will aid them in becoming 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 scents, textures, and smells. This will help them to be more comfortable with the outside world after they have grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in cars So getting them used to driving in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much easier!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen will allow them to become comfortable in these settings as adults and could be an ideal chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. For instance, jumping, running and a lot of play can strain a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems in adulthood.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were designed to help herd livestock. This means they have an instinct for herding and a keenness to perform the job at hand.
They are highly trainable and fast learners since they were bred to be work-oriented. They are also instinctual guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and will respond quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs that aid police in drug-sniffing security, search and rescue.
One method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and let him be social with dogs. This is a great method to keep your dog in good behavior puppy and teach him basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that is hard in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat will differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color will also vary from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.
