How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are great for working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Brushing often with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake will reduce the amount of shed, and keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they do have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs to ensure that they do not pass hereditary illnesses to their pups, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common issues in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. This happens when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hind quarters and advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medication as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise and surgical procedures.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that could lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that is supportive of the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart and lungs of your puppy with a stethoscope during his yearly physical examination.
Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, including numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected area. They should avoid running especially near the bicycle or jogger, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds must exercise a few hours a day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best possible 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 many more – and thrive when they have a outlet for their intelligence, energy, and work ethic. However, just like all breeds dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of alertness and protectiveness.
The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a tight bond with its primary handler. It is important to start with your puppy as soon as you can so that he grows to be a good behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and grasp new commands with ease. Their intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite’s Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and minimize any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs can be wary of those who aren’t part of their immediate family. They must be socialized early so that they can reduce the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.
For example, many GSDs will bark or lunge at vehicles passing by or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this can be a problem for some individuals, it’s a normal behavior and should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to get along with. In turn, they will learn that being around other people and animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window, during which they learn about the world around them and make connections that affect how they view new experiences – usually for the rest of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as possible.
Your breeder should have initiated this for you, but once you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process of building your puppy’s confidence to interact with new things and people.
It is important to present these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel scared or scared, they’ll think of the experience as being scared and could be afraid of that particular 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 interpreted as rewarding fearful behavior and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
You can start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy’s checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
This isn’t just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It’s about teaching them how to relax and focus on you even when another dog is around. This helps them be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Look for reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen deutscher schäferhund kaufen schäferhund kaufen österreich züchter – view it – pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a coffee and cake date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you’ve been doing and introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the outside world once they’re fully grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren’t renowned for their ease in cars, so getting them familiar with a car early on can make your road trips much easier!
Take a few items off your GSD puppy’s list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or the garden centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult and can be a great opportunity to play retrieval games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can damage the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot for example, can put strain on the growing puppy’s joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as an adult.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. German Shepherds are prone to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were born to herd livestock. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and be determined to finish the task.
Because they were bred for work quickly, they are quick to learn and highly trainable. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and can act quickly to defend their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.
One method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to meet other dogs. This is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to another, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund but will be usually between 4 to 6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with the chest and belly being white.