How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They make great pets for families and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they have a few health issues. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt who are reputable will check their dogs for health issues to ensure that they do not pass on hereditary diseases to their pups like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat 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 happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hind quarters and advance to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments that may include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can help your dog live longer and live a more comfortable life.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that supports heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical exam.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe, enclosed area. They should not run in close proximity to jogger, or a bicycle as this could damage their growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will need a few hours of exercise each day to keep their fitness. Pet insurance is a good investment in the health of your German Shepherd because it will pay for veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and extremely trained. They take their jobs seriously - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals and many more - and thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence and dedication to work. But, like any breed dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protectiveness.
The whole family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form bonds with their main handler. It is essential to begin with your puppy as soon as you can so that he grows up to be a well and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can pick them up quickly. Their intelligence is high and can lead to stubbornness, however, if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will assist your GSD stay focused on the task and reduce any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are typically wary of people outside their immediate family and need to be socialized at a young age to reduce their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey-drive and can become over-emphasized if they are not appropriately socialized.
For instance some GSDs engage in a barking or snarling attack on a vehicle passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for some individuals, it's a normal behavior that should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to get along with. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and people isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. In this period they are exposed to their world and form connections that will influence the way they perceive new experiences. This could last for the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people as early as is possible.
When you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and things.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a safe, controlled environment where they can build their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll associate the experience with being scared and could be fearful of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent them from making the mistake of encouraging or calming them when they're afraid. This could be interpreted as rewarding behavior that is fearful and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
Start by checking off some items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
It's not just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you when another dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.
Look for dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy for a cake and coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been practicing and introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the world around them once they're fully grown.
Drive in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't known for being comfortable in cars and, therefore, if you get them used to driving at an early age, it can make your road trips easier.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or garden centre. This will help them get comfortable in these settings as adults and can be a good opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of young puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play for instance, could cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues as an adult.
The puppy's natural drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were born to herd livestock. Therefore, they have an innate herding instinct and a desire to complete the job in hand.
They are extremely trainable and quick learners since they were bred to work. They are also naturally 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, helping the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile places.
A good method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy as well as teach him basic commands that will prove useful in the future.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that's harsh in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can vary from dog to dog but it will usually be between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup, but the majority of German Shepherds sport a black or dark brown coat, with a chest of white.