How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a popular breed in America. They make great pets for families as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can reduce shedding and help keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they have a few health issues. Breeders with good reputations will test their dogs to avoid passing hereditary diseases to their puppies such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems with large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a sluggish, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters, and then develop into weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises and surgical procedures.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated properly. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. They'll require a nutritious diet that supports the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the lungs and heart of your puppy using a stethoscope in his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them on multiple walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within an enclosed, safe space. They should avoid running, particularly beside the bicycle or jogger as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy adult German Shepherds need a few hours of exercise a day to maintain fitness. Pet insurance is a good investment in your German Shepherd's well-being as it will help provide veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the highest quality treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and highly capable of being trained. They take their job seriously, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. These pups, like all breeds, require continual and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and to be alert.
The whole family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. It is a very family-oriented breed and will form a strong bond with the main handler. deutsche schäferhundwelpen is important to begin with your puppy as soon as possible so that he will grow into a well behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands easily. However, their high level of ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly controlled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behavior that may arise as a result of their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs may be wary of people who are not part of their immediate family. They must be socialized at a young age in order to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also are prone to prey-drive and hunting, which can be overemphasized if they are not well-socialized.
For instance there are many GSDs who engage in a barking or snarling attack on vehicles passing by or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this can be a problem for certain, it's actually a very normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to get along with. In turn they will discover that being around humans and animals is enjoyable and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. In this period they get to know their world and form connections that affect how they view new experiences. This can last for 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 begun this for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process of building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and experiences.
The key is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build trust and not feel threatened or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened they might associate the experience as being scared and become fearful for life. It is also important to shield them from the common mistake of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.
Begin by completing the items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are a few suggestions to get you going:
It's not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to be calm and focus on you when another dog is in the vicinity. This helps them be an empathetic, calm pet, even when they're older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, 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 once they are grown.
Drive in a car. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in vehicles, so if you can get them used to driving at an early age it will simplify your road trips.
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult and can be a great opportunity to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can damage the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot for instance, could stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems later in life.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than some other breeds. They were born to herd animals. This means they have an instinct for herding and a desire to complete the job in hand.
Because they were bred for work quickly, they are quick to learn and extremely capable of being trained. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and will act quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.
An effective method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to interact with other dogs. This is a great method 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 may vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with a white chest and belly.