How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They are excellent working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. 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 may have some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs to avoid passing on hereditary diseases to their puppies like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The symptoms begin with hindquarters instability and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments that may include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will need regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that supports heart health with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart and lungs of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the annual physical exam.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on multiple walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. It is best to avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger as this could damage their growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance is a good investment in your German Shepherd's well-being as it will help to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected injuries and illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to both you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and extremely adept at training. They take their jobs seriously - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals and much more - and thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence, and work ethic. But, as with all breeds dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and continuous training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of security and alertness.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form bonds with their main handler. It is essential to begin training as soon as you can, so your puppy will be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn quickly. Their intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if it is not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that will help your GSD stay focused on their task and reduce any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and dispositions.
GSDs are prone to be cautious of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They must be socialized early to limit the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized in the absence of being appropriately socialized.
For instance, many GSDs will be aggressive or bark at vehicles passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a cause for concern to certain people, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and people around. As a result, they will learn that being around humans and animals is enjoyable and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. Through this time, they learn about their world and develop connections that influence how they view new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new people and situations as early on as possible.
When you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and building your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can build confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid or frightened, they will associate the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. You should also protect from the pitfalls of encouraging, encouraging or soothing those who are scared. This could be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and create a lifetime phobia.
Begin by completing the items on your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some ideas 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 how to calm down and focus on you while another dog is around. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm family dog when they are 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 your puppy to new sounds, sights scents, textures, and smells. This will assist them to be more comfortable with the world outside once they are grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't renowned for their ease in cars, so getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much simpler!
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy get comfortable in these settings 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 balanced diet. But, this should be balanced as excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. Running, jumping and playing for a long time, for example, can cause strain on the developing puppy's joints and ligaments. This may lead to problems in adulthood.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are prone to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. This is because they were bred to herd livestock. Therefore, they have an instinct for herding and a keenness to perform the job.
They are highly trainable and fast learners because they were bred to be work-oriented. schäferhunde kaufen are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and will respond quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing as well as security and 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 give him mental stimulation and allow him to interact with other dogs. This is a great method to reinforce good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that is hard in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can vary from dog to pup but it will usually be between 4-6 inches long. The color can also differ from pup to pup, however, most German Shepherds will have dark brown or black coat with a white chest.