How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most loved breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed, and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs for genetic diseases, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with hindquarters instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence, and loss of mobility. Treatments that may include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery, are available to ensure that your dog lives longer and more comfortably.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. It is an autoimmune corneal disease that can cause blindness if not treated properly. These conditions require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other diseases. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins, as well as an array of foods that support the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure and secure space. They should avoid running in close proximity to cyclist or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones as they grow. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will need a few hours of exercise a day to stay fit. Pet insurance can be an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Insurance for pets gives both you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart quick learners and extremely 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 work ethic is given a outlet. Like all breeds, require continual and intense training to keep an easy, calm demeanor and to be alert.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve all members of the family. It is a very family-oriented breed that will develop a strong bond with the principal handler. It is essential to begin training your puppy as soon as you can so that he grows to be a good and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn them quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also result in stubbornness if not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that will aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are typically beware of people outside of their immediate family. schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz need to be socialized at an early age to limit their chances of exhibiting aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive which can be overemphasized if they are not well-socialized.
For instance there are many GSDs who engage in a barking or snarling attack on a vehicle passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem to some, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people around. As a result, they will learn that being around humans as well as animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. During this time they are exposed to their environment and make connections that affect the way they see new experiences. This can last for the rest of their life. It is crucial to expose them to new situations and people as soon as possible.
Once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process and building your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and things.
It is crucial to introduce these experiences to them in a safe, controlled environment that makes them feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll be able to connect the experience with being scared and could be afraid of that specific thing for the rest of their lives. Also, you must protect from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior which is which is a sure way to trigger the habit of having phobias for life.
You can begin by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are a few suggestions to get you going:
It's not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you even when another dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.
Find places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for a cake and coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will help them adjust to the world around them when they reach the age of.
Use a car. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in vehicles So if you can make them comfortable driving from a young age it can make your road trips easier.
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will allow them to become at ease in these environments as adults and can be a good opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This could cause problems when they become adults.
The puppy's natural drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were designed to manage livestock. Therefore, they have a strong herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job at hand.
They are extremely trainable and quick learners due to their breeding for work. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and they can quickly react to protect their loved ones. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to interact 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 bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the coat can vary from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The color will also vary from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have a dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.