How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen are excellent working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the summer and spring. Brushing frequently using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keep the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for health issues to ensure that they do not pass hereditary illnesses to their pups such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with hindquarters instabilities and can progress to paralysis incontinence and loss of mobility. There are many treatments available, including medications as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise, and surgical procedures.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. These conditions will require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet containing omega fats and balanced vitamins, as well as a blend that supports heart health is required. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using an stethoscope in his annual physical exam.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, including multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure space. They should not run especially near the bicycle or jogger as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level Adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise a day to keep their fitness. Pet insurance is a good investment in the health of your German Shepherd because it will to pay for veterinary treatment for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. It also gives peace of mind for you and your veterinarian so you can concentrate on providing the highest quality care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart quick learners and highly trainable. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs as police officers, service animals and much more - and thrive when given a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy and work ethic. Like all breeds, require continuous and extensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and heightened alertness.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve all members of the family. This is a very family-oriented breed that will develop bonds with their primary handler. It is important to start with your puppy as soon as possible so that he will grow to be a good behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and pick them up quickly. Their intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program designed to aid your GSD remain focused on their task and reduce any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs can be wary of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They need to socialized at an early age in order to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting, which can be exaggerated when not properly managed by regular positive socialization.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or other people walking along the path or in parks. Although this could be a problem to some, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people around. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and people is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period, during which they learn about the world and form connections that affect how they perceive new experiences, often throughout their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new people and situations at an early age.
Your breeder should have started this for you, however when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process, building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things.
It is important to share these experiences with them in a controlled, secure environment where they feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel afraid or frightened, they will associate the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for the rest of their lives. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as a way to reward their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause the habit of having phobias for life.
You can start by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's also about teaching them to settle down and concentrate on you while another dog is around. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm pet, even when they're older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and bring your pup for a cake and coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle-training you have been doing and also introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that can aid them in adjusting to the world around them once they're fully grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in cars, so getting them used to driving in a car in the beginning can make your road trips simpler!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these settings as adults and could be an ideal opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot for instance, could cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. This could cause problems later on in life.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were bred to manage livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and are eager to complete the task.
They are highly trainable and quick learners due to their breeding for work. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger and will act quickly to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding police in drug-sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile locations.
Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with 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 German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be rough in certain areas but soft in others. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to another, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with the chest and belly being white.