How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They make great working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have a few health issues. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary ailments, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities, or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters, and then develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include rehabilitation exercises, medication or surgery, are available to ensure that your dog lives longer and live more comfortably.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other illnesses. They will need a healthy diet that promotes heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical examination.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them for multiple walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies in a safe, enclosed space. They should avoid running especially near the bicycle or jogger, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds must be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind to you and your veterinarian which allows you to concentrate on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and extremely trainable. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals, and much more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence and dedication to work. These pups, like all breeds, require ongoing and intensive training to maintain a friendly, compliant demeanor and increased alertness.
The entire family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. This breed is very sociable and will form a tight relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is essential to start training your puppy as early as possible so that he can grow to be a good behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands easily. However, their high level of intelligence can also result in stubbornness if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program that will help your GSD stay focused on the task and reduce destructive behavior as a result their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are prone to be wary of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require socialization at an early age in order to reduce the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey-drive which can be overemphasized in the absence of being appropriately socialized.
GSDs may be agitated or bark in response to a vehicle passing by or people walking on a path or through parks. While this can be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to get along with. As a result they will be taught that being around other people and animals is enjoyable and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window in which they are exposed to about the world around them and make connections that influence how they perceive new experiences, often throughout their lives. It is essential to expose them to new environments and people as soon as you can.
Once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process and developing your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and objects.
It is crucial to share these experiences with them in a controlled, safe environment where they feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel threatened, they may associate the experience with being scared and become fearful for life. It is important to keep them from making the mistake of encouraging, encouraging or soothing those who are scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding fearful behaviour and create a lifetime phobia.
Start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
This isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to relax and focus on you when a dog is nearby. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm family dog when they are older.
Find places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a coffee and cake date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will allow them adjust to the world around them when they reach the age of.
Drive in a car. schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz aren't generally comfortable in vehicles, so if you can get them comfortable with driving from a young age it will make your road trips more enjoyable.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or the garden centre. This will allow your puppy to get comfortable in these settings as an adult, and could be a great way to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping, and playing for a long time can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This could cause problems as an adult.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. They were designed to herd animals. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and will be eager to finish the job.
Because they were bred to work quickly, they are quick to learn and are highly capable of training. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and are quick to act to protect their loved ones. This is why they make excellent service dogs, aiding the police in drug sniffing as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile locations.
One method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and also the chance to meet other dogs. This is a great way to keep your dog in good behavior puppy and teach him basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that is hard in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat will vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches long. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.