How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a popular breed in America. They make great pets for families and as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Brushing frequently using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments, which could include medication, rehabilitation exercise programs or surgery can aid your dog to live longer and live a more comfortable life.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that could lead to blindness if it is not properly managed. These conditions will require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other illnesses. They'll require a nutritious diet that supports the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within a safe, enclosed space. It is best to avoid running, particularly beside the bicycle or jogger, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy adult German Shepherds require a bit of exercise each day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind for you and your veterinarian allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and extremely trainable. deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen take their jobs seriously as guard dogs as police officers, service animals, and so much more. They thrive when they have a outlet for their intelligence, energy, and work ethic. But, like any breed dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition as well as their enhanced sense of security and alertness.
The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a close bond with its primary handler. It is crucial to begin training as early as you can, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands quickly. Their high intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that can assist your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and dispositions.
GSDs are prone to be cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They must be socialized early in order to reduce the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized when they aren't appropriately socialized.
GSDs can engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a passing vehicle or people walking on a path or through parks. While this might 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 in the vicinity. In turn they will be taught that being around humans and animals is fun and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window that allows them to learn about the world and form connections that affect how they see new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new environments and people as early on as possible.
Your breeder should have initiated this process for you, but once you have brought your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process of building your pup's confidence to meet new people and things.
The key 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 scared or frightened, they will think of the experience as being afraid and may then be fearful of that specific thing for the rest of their lives. You should also protect from the pitfalls of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're afraid. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and create a lifetime phobia.
Start by checking off some items on your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some ideas to get you started:
It's not just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to be calm and focus on you even when another dog is around. This will help them become a calm and peaceful family dog as they grow older.
Seek out pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for a cake and coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights, smells, and textures. This will help them to be more comfortable with the world outside once they are grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't known for their ease in cars and so getting them used to being 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 become comfortable in these places as adults and could be a good opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. However, this must be managed with care as over exercise can harm the skeletal structure of young puppies. For example running, jumping, and playing a lot can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems later on in life.
The puppy's natural drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. They were bred to manage livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and be eager to complete the task.
They are extremely trainable and quick learners due to their breeding to work. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and will respond quickly to protect their family members. They are also great service dogs that aid police in drug-sniffing security, search and rescue.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and also the chance to meet other dogs. This is also a great opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy as well as teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in others. The length of the coat can differ from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have a dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.