How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They are excellent working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing often with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have a few health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing hereditary diseases to their puppies such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. This happens when the cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters and can progress to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medication and rehabilitation exercises and even surgery.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if it is not properly managed. These conditions will require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They'll require a nutritious diet that promotes the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart and lungs with a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds need 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 not run, especially next to a cyclist or jogger as this could damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise a few hours a day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance can be an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian so you can concentrate on providing the best treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and highly adept at training. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and drive are allowed to shine. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and continuous training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of alertness and protectiveness.
The entire family should participate in the training of a 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 you can so that he grows up to be a well and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands quickly. However, deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz of ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly directed. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and help reduce any destructive behavior that might arise due to their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs are prone to be wary of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They need to socialized early so that they can reduce the possibility of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized if they are not appropriately socialized.
GSDs may be agitated or bark in response to a vehicle passing by or pedestrians walking on the path or in the park. While this can be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. As a result they will discover that being around humans as well as animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window in which they are exposed to about the world and make connections that shape how they perceive new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people as early on as possible.
Once reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process and building your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and objects.
It is important to present these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel afraid they might associate the experience with being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. It is also important to shield from the common blunders of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior - a sure way to create an entire life of phobias.
You can start by ticking off a few items 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 around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to relax and focus on you even when another dog is nearby. This will help them become an empathetic and calm family dog as they grow older.
Look for pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for an afternoon tea and cake! This is a great chance to reinforce the training in settle you have been doing and also introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells and textures that can help them accept the world outside when they reach the age of.
Driving in a car German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in vehicles So getting them used to being in the car early can make your road trips simpler!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these settings as adults and can be an ideal chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of young puppies. Running, jumping and playing for a long time for instance, could put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues when they become adults.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were developed to manage livestock. As such, they will have an instinct for herding and a keenness to perform the job at hand.
Because they were bred for work quickly, they are quick to learn and extremely capable of being trained. They are also naturally guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and are quick to act to protect their loved ones. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search and rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other high-profile places.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation and let him socialize with dogs. It is also a great opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands that will prove useful later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be rough in certain areas but soft in other. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to the next but is usually between 4-6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.