How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a popular breed in America. They are wonderful family pets and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs for hereditary ailments, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dogs. click through the following website 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 occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. The signs start with instabilities of the hindquarters and progress to paralysis, incontinence, and loss of mobility. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery, are available to aid your dog to live longer and more comfortably.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an autoimmune corneal disease that can lead to blindness if not treated appropriately. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other diseases. A healthy diet rich in omega fats and balanced vitamins, as well as a blend that supports heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart and lungs by using a stethoscope during the annual physical examination.
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 in an area that is safe and secure. It is best to avoid running, especially next to a jogger, or a bicycle because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds must be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance is a good investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd, since it can help pay for veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals, and many more - and thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence and work ethic. But, like any breed, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of security and alertness.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort and should involve all members of the family. This is a very familial breed and will form bonds with their main handler. It is essential to begin training as early as possible, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and grasp new commands with ease. Their intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if it is not properly channeled. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behavior that may arise as a result of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are usually cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized at an early age to limit their risk of aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to hunting and prey-drive and can become over-emphasized when they aren't properly socialized.
For instance there are many GSDs who engage in a barking or snarling attack on the vehicle that is passing by, or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem to some, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will learn that interacting with other animals and people is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window that allows them to learn about the world and make connections that influence how they view new experiences - usually throughout their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this process for you, but once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your puppy's confidence to interact with new things and people.
The most important thing is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can build their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or frightened, they will think of the experience as being scared and could be afraid of the particular thing for life. Also, you must protect from the common blunders of trying to soothe or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as a reward for their fearful behavior - an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.
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:
It's not just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to relax and focus on you even when another dog is nearby. This helps them be an empathetic, calm family dog when they are older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, or shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sights and sounds as well as smells and textures. This will assist them to be more comfortable with the world around them once they are grown.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in vehicles, so getting them used to driving in the car early can make your road trips much easier!
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will allow them to become at ease in these environments as they grow older and is a an excellent chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be managed with care as over exercise can harm the bones of puppies. For example running, jumping and playing a lot can strain a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems when they become adults.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than other breeds. They were born to help herd livestock. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and be determined to finish the task.
Since they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and extremely capable of being trained. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and can react quickly to protect their family members. They are also great service dogs that can assist police in drug-sniffing, security and search and rescue.
Participating with 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 as well as the opportunity to meet other dogs. It is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy as well as teach him the basics of commands that will be useful in the future.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that's harsh in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to the next but is usually between 4 and 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 white belly and chest.