How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a popular breed in America. They make great pets for the family and are great as a working dog.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the summer and spring. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds have a few health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders will check their dogs for health issues to prevent passing on hereditary diseases to their pups, such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders, 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. The cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters and can develop into weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery, are available to aid your dog to live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. These conditions require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other ailments. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins, as well as an array of foods that support heart health is required. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe, enclosed area. visit the next site is best to avoid running in close proximity to bicycle or jogger as this could damage their growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should be active for a few hours each day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the health of your German Shepherd as it will help to pay for veterinary treatment for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Pet insurance gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind which allows you to concentrate entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and highly trainable. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and so much more - and thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence, and work ethic. However, just like all breeds they require a lot of and ongoing training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of alertness and protection.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve the entire family. This breed is very family-oriented and will develop a strong connection with its handler. It is crucial to begin with your puppy as soon as possible so that he will grow to be a good and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands easily. However, their intelligence can also result in stubbornness if they are not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program designed to help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and reduce destructive behavior as a result their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are often wary of people outside their immediate family. They require to be socialized from an early age to limit their risk of aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.
GSDs may engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a car or people walking on a path or through parks. While this can be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. In turn, they will learn that being around other humans as well as animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. In this period they are exposed to their environment and make connections that affect the way they perceive new experiences. This can last for the rest of their life. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people as early on as possible.
After you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process and building your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and experiences.
The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment in which they can build confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel scared, they may associate the experience with being scared and become fearful for life. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to soothe or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause a lifetime of phobias.
Start by taking note of some items from your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
It's not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when another dog is around. This helps them be a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sights and sounds as well as smells and textures. This will allow them to be more comfortable with the world outside when they reach the age of.
Car driving - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in cars So getting them familiar with the car early can make your road trips much easier!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will help your GSD puppy get comfortable in these settings as an adult and could be a great time to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can damage the bones of puppies. For instance running, jumping and playing a lot can put strain on the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can lead to problems when they become adults.
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 more drive than other breeds. They were designed to herd livestock. This means they have an innate herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job in hand.
Because they were bred to work quickly, they are quick to learn and extremely capable of being trained. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they will act quickly to protect their family members. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile places.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to interact with other dogs. This is a great method to encourage good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that's harsh in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can vary from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.