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 heavily in the spring and summer. Brushing often using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can reduce shedding and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have a few health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders will test their dogs to avoid passing on hereditary diseases to their puppies, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat and food sensitivities, or allergies.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause an unsteady drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, causing nerves to be pinched which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The symptoms begin with hindquarters instabilities and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. There are many treatments available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises, and even surgery.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health by providing a mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart with 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 for multiple walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within an enclosed, safe space. It is best to avoid running, particularly beside a jogger or bicycle as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level Adult German Shepherds will need a few hours of exercise a day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd because it will provide veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. schäferhunde kaufen provides you and your veterinarian peace of mind, allowing you to focus only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and highly capable of being trained. They take their work seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and work ethic is provided with a means to express it. But, like any breed dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and continuous training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their heightened sense of security and alertness.
The entire family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a close bond with its primary handler. It is essential to begin with your puppy as soon as you can to ensure that he grows to be a good behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and pick them up quickly. Their intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that can help your GSD stay focused on the task and reduce destructive behavior as a result their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are typically beware of people outside of their immediate family and need to be socialized at an early age to lessen their potential for aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated when not properly managed with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or people walking on a path or through the park. While this may be a problem for some individuals, it's a normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to play with. In turn they will discover that being around humans as well as animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. Through this time they are exposed to their environment and make connections that influence how they view new experiences. This can last the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations as early as is possible.
Once you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and experiences.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a safe, controlled environment where they can develop their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel scared they might interpret the experience as being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. You must also prevent them from making the mistake of encouraging or calming them when they're scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding fearful behaviour and create a lifetime phobia.
Start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them to settle down and focus on you when a dog is around. This will help them become an empathetic and calm family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sounds, sights scents, textures, and smells. This will help them to accept the outside world once they are 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 easier!
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy get comfortable in these settings as an adult and could be a great way to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. This must be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. For instance running, jumping, and playing for a long time can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems later on in life.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were bred to manage livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and are eager to finish the job.
Because they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and are highly capable of training. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and they are quick to act to protect their family members. They are also great service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with mental stimulation and the chance to socialize with other dogs. deutscher schäferhund pflege is a great way to encourage good behavior in your pup and teach him some basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur may be rough in certain areas but soft in others. 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, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with the chest and belly being white.