How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most well-known breeds in America. They make great pets for families and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily in the spring and summer. Regularly brushing with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can reduce shedding, and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have some health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders will check their dogs for health issues to avoid passing hereditary diseases to their puppies like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes a sluggish, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. The cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched which send signals to the dog's hind legs. The signs start with instabilities of the hindquarters and progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. There are many treatments available, including medication, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and even surgery.
Eye problems that can 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 exams by your veterinarian.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that promotes heart health with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the lungs and heart of your puppy with a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure and secure area. They should avoid running close to cyclist or jogger, as this can damage their growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and extremely trainable. They take their work serious, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. However, just like all breeds dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and continuous training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor and their increased sense of security and alertness.
The entire family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This breed is very sociable and will develop a strong bond with its primary handler. It is crucial to begin training your puppy as soon as possible so that he will grow into a well and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and pick them up quickly. Their intelligence is high and can lead to a stubbornness however, if not properly channeled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and reduce any destructive behavior that may arise as a result of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs may be wary of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to socialized at a young age so that they can reduce the potential for aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also have a tendency to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated when not properly managed with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
For example some GSDs engage in a barking or snarling attack on the vehicle that is passing by, or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for certain, it's actually a very normal behavior and should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to get along with. As a result they will be taught that being around humans and animals is enjoyable and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window that allows them to learn about the world and form connections that influence how they see new experiences - often throughout their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new situations and people as early on as possible.
After you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process and developing your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment, where they can build their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid they might interpret the experience with fear and become fearful for life. use this link is important to keep from the pitfalls of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're afraid. This can be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and can cause a lifetime fear.
Start by taking note of some items from your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
This isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is around. This helps them be a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle-training you've been practicing and also introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can help them to accept the world around them once they're fully grown.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in vehicles, so getting them used to being in the car early can make your road trips much easier!
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will allow them to become at ease in these environments as adults and can be an excellent occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For example, jumping, running and playing for a long time can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems in adulthood.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are prone to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is because they were bred to manage livestock. This means they have a strong herding instinct and a desire to complete the job in hand.
Because they were bred for work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and are highly trainable. navigate to this site are also natural guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they will act quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. This is also an excellent chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy in the future.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that is hard in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will differ from dog to dog, but will be usually between 4-6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have a black or dark brown coat, with a chest of white.