How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed 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 summer and spring. Regularly brushing with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake will reduce the amount of shed and help keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they do have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs to ensure that they do not pass hereditary diseases to their pups such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems 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 within the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments that may include rehabilitation exercises, medication, or surgery, are available to help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if it is not properly managed. These conditions require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that promotes the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them on numerous walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. It is best to avoid running especially near the bicycle or jogger, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds must be active for a few hours each day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a great investment in your German Shepherd's well-being, since it can help pay for veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also provides peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, which allows you to concentrate on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and highly capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals and much more - and thrive when they have a outlet for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. Like all breeds, require ongoing and extensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and heightened alertness.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a close connection with its handler. It is crucial to begin training as soon as you can so that your puppy can be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands with ease. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if not properly channeled. 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 diminish any destructive behaviors that might result from their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs are usually cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require to be socialized at a young age to reduce their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting, which can be exaggerated if not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
For instance, many GSDs will bark or lunge at a vehicle passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem to some, 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 learn that interacting with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening.
deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung are socialized for a very short time. In this period they are exposed to their world and form connections that influence how they view new experiences. This can last the rest of their life. It is essential to expose them to new surroundings and people as soon 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 of building your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a safe, controlled environment where they can build their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or frightened, they will be able to connect the experience with fear and will eventually be fearful of that particular thing for life. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they are frightened because this could be perceived as rewarding their fearful behaviour which is a sure way to create a lifetime of phobias.
Start by taking note of some items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs, it's also about teaching them how to calm down and focus on you when a dog is around. This will help them become an empathetic, calm family dog when they are older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sights and sounds as well as smells and textures. This will assist them to accept the world outside after they have grown.
Use in a car. German Shepherds aren't known for being comfortable in cars and, therefore, if you make them comfortable driving from a young age it will make your road trips more enjoyable.
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will allow your puppy to become comfortable in these environments as an adult, and could be a great opportunity to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For instance, jumping, running and playing for a long time can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can cause issues in adulthood.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were designed to herd livestock. They will have a strong desire to herd and will be determined to finish the task.
They are extremely trainable and quick learners due to their breeding for work. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and can quickly react to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs who can aid police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.
An effective 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 also an excellent opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands that will be useful later on.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that is rough in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can differ from dog to dog but it will usually be between 4-6 inches. The color will also vary from pup to pup but the majority of German Shepherds sport dark brown or black coat with a white chest.