How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most well-known breeds in America. They are great family pets and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake will reduce the amount of shed, and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary ailments, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause a sluggish gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters, and then advance to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include medication, rehabilitation exercise programs, or surgery can ensure that your dog lives longer and live more comfortably.
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. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. 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 your puppy's heart using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, such as numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected area. They should avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger as this could damage their growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level Adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise a day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance provides you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and highly capable of being 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 dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. They, like all breeds, require continuous and extensive training to maintain a friendly, compliant demeanor and increased alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should include the entire family. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a tight bond with its primary handler. It is crucial to begin training as early as possible to ensure that your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and learn quickly. Their intelligence is high and can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and diminish any destructive behaviors that could result from their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs can be wary of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They require socialization early 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 in the absence of being appropriately socialized.
GSDs can engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a vehicle passing by or pedestrians walking on the path or in a park. Although einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen could be a problem for certain people, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will learn that interacting with other people and animals isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. During this time they get to know their world and develop connections that will influence the way they see new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as you can.
After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility for continuing the process and building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and experiences.
It is important to present these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel scared they might associate the experience with being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. You must also prevent them from making the error of encouraging to encourage or comfort them when they're afraid. This could be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
Start by taking note of a few items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few 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 focus on you while another dog is close by. This helps them to be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sounds, sights, smells, and textures. This will allow them to accept the world around them once they are grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in cars and so getting them used to driving in a car early on can make your road trips much simpler!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help them get at ease in these environments as they grow older and is a a good opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. However, it is important to be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play for example, can stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues as an adult.
deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to manage livestock. They will therefore have a strong desire to herd and will be eager to complete the task.
Because they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and are highly capable of being trained. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and can quickly react to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding 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 needs. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to meet other dogs. This is a great method to reinforce good behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to another, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup but the majority of German Shepherds sport a dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.