How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They are excellent working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot in the spring and summer. Brushing frequently using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Reputable breeders test their dogs for genetic ailments, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a weak drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. This occurs when the cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with hindquarters instability and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments, which may involve rehabilitation exercises, medication, or surgery can help your dog live longer and more comfortably.
German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. These conditions will require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds can be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich balanced diet that is rich in omega fats, balanced vitamins and a mix that promotes heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian can evaluate the lungs and heart of your puppy with a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, including multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe protected space. They should not run, especially next to a bicycle or jogger as this could damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds need to be active for a few hours each day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for both you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best possible treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and highly trainable. They take their work seriously, whether they are guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and work ethic is given a outlet. These pups, like all breeds, require continual and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and increased alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should include the entire family. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a tight bond with its primary handler. It is crucial to begin training your puppy as soon as you can so that he will grow into a well behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and learn them quickly. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also result in stubbornness if not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program designed to help your GSD remain focused on the task and minimize any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are prone to be apprehensive of people who are not members of their immediate family. They must be socialized at an early age so that they can reduce the potential for aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also have a tendency to prey drive and hunting, which can be exaggerated if not properly managed by regular positive socialization.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or pedestrians walking on a path or through parks. Although this could be a problem to some, it is actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. In turn, they will learn that being around humans and animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period in which they are exposed to about the world and make connections that affect how they view new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. Therefore, it is crucial to expose them to new situations and people as early on as possible.
When you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.
The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe, controlled environment where they can build their trust and not feel threatened or overwhelmed. If they feel scared they might associate the experience with being scared and become fearful for life. You should also protect them from making the error of encouraging or calming them when they're scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding fearful behaviour and can cause a lifetime fear.
Start by checking off the items from your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
This isn't only about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when a dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, 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, smells, and textures. This will assist them to be more comfortable with the world around them once they are grown.
Use a car. German Shepherds aren't generally comfortable in cars So if you can get them comfortable with driving early on, it will make your road trips more enjoyable.
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult and can be a great opportunity to play retrieval games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play for instance, could stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems later on in life.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were bred to help herd livestock. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and will be eager to finish the job.
Since they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and extremely capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen sense of danger and will act quickly to defend 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 as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile places.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. It is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy in the future.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in other. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to the next but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with the chest and belly being white.