How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most loved breeds in America. They are great family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot in the spring and summer. Regularly brushing with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they have a few health issues. Breeders with good reputations will screen their dogs to ensure that they do not pass hereditary diseases to their puppies like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dog. 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, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. The signs start with hindquarters instabilities and can progress to paralysis incontinence, and loss of mobility. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgery.
German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated appropriately. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins, as well as a mix that promotes the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them for multiple walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies in a safe, enclosed space. It is best to avoid running in close proximity to jogger, or a bicycle because it can cause damage to their growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy adult German Shepherds need a few hours of exercise every day to stay fit. Pet insurance is a good investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd because it will pay for veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Pet insurance gives both you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and highly 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 work ethic is given a outlet. Like all breeds, require continual and extensive training to maintain a friendly, compliant demeanor and to be alert.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. It is a very family-oriented breed that will develop an enduring bond with the primary handler. It is important to begin training your puppy as soon as you can so that he will grow into a well behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands with ease. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will help your GSD remain focused on the task and reduce any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and dispositions.
GSDs are typically cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family and need to be socialized from an early age to limit their chances of exhibiting aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to hunting and prey-drive which can be overemphasized if they are not appropriately socialized.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a car or other people walking along a path or through a park. While this may be a problem for certain, it's actually a very normal behavior and should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to interact with. In turn they will be taught that being around other people as well as animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. Through this time they are exposed to their world and develop connections that affect the way they perceive new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new situations and people as soon as you can.
Your breeder should have initiated this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your pup's confidence to meet new things and people.
The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment, where they can build their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened, they may associate the experience as being scared and become fearful for life. Also, you must protect from the common blunders 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 the habit of having phobias for life.
Start by checking off the items on your GSD puppy's list of socialization. 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 how to calm down and concentrate on the dog that is close by. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.
Seek out pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy out for a cake and coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures. This will assist them to be more comfortable with the world around them after they have grown.
Use in a car. German Shepherds aren't generally comfortable in vehicles and, therefore, if you make them comfortable driving early on it will simplify your road trips.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or the garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult and can be a great time to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a balanced diet. This must be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. For instance running, jumping, and playing for a long time can put strain on the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can cause issues later in life.
The puppy's natural drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they require. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than some other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to manage livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and be eager to finish the job.
They are highly trainable and quick learners because they were bred for work. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and are quick to act to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, helping police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile locations.
Enrolling deutschen schäferhund kaufen in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with mental stimulation and the chance to socialize with other dogs. This is a great way to keep your dog in good behavior pup and teach him some basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that's harsh in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat will differ from dog to dog but it will usually be between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup, but most German Shepherds have a dark brown or black coat, with a chest of white.