How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most loved breeds in America. They are great family pets and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keeps the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will check their dogs for health issues to prevent passing on hereditary diseases to their pups such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders, and food sensitivities or allergies.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. This happens when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, causing nerves to be pinched which send signals to the dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can help your dog live longer and more comfortably.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health by providing a mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can evaluate the lungs and heart of your puppy using a stethoscope in his yearly physical exam.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on multiple walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within an area that is safe and secure. They should avoid running especially close to a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level, adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise every day to stay fit. Pet insurance is a good investment in your German Shepherd's well-being because it will to pay for veterinary treatment for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Pet insurance provides both you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and highly trainable. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals and many more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. But, as with all breeds they require a lot of and ongoing training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their heightened sense of security and alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should involve the entire family. This is a very family-oriented breed that forms a strong bond with the principal handler. It is essential to start training your puppy as early as possible so that he grows to be a good and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands quickly. Their intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and help reduce any destructive behavior that might arise as a result of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are often wary of people outside their immediate family and need to be socialized from an early age to lessen their potential for aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive that can become exaggerated when not properly managed by regular positive socialization.
For example some GSDs be aggressive or bark at the vehicle that is passing by, or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this can be a problem for some, it's actually a very normal behavior that should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. As a result they will be taught that being around humans and animals is enjoyable and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window that allows them to learn about the world and form connections that influence how they view new experiences - usually throughout their lives. Therefore, it is crucial to expose them to new situations and people at an early age.
Your breeder should have started this process for you, but when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process, gaining your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.
The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can develop their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened they might associate the experience with fear and be afraid for their entire lives. You should also protect them from making the error of encouraging to encourage or comfort them when they're scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding behavior that is fearful and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
You can begin by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. 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 when a dog is around. 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 bring your pup for a cake and coffee date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been doing and also introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can help them accept the world around them when they reach the age of.
Car driving - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in cars and so getting them familiar with a car early on can make your road trips much simpler!
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or the garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy get comfortable in these settings as an adult and could be a great opportunity to play retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can damage the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. Jumping, running and playing for a long time, for example, can cause strain on the developing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as they grow older.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than other breeds. This is because they were designed to herd livestock. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and be determined to finish the task.
They are extremely trainable and quick learners because they were bred to work. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and they are quick to act to protect their loved ones. This is why they make great service dogs, assisting police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile places.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with mental stimulation and let him be social with dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy in the future.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to another however, it will usually be between 4 and 6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with a white chest and belly.