How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed 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. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keeps the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have some health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with a good reputation check their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters and can advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medication as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise and surgery.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet containing omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins, as well as a blend that supports heart health is required. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart with a stethoscope as part of his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on numerous walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. They should not run especially near the bicycle or jogger as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise every day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets is 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 which allows you to concentrate on providing the best possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and highly trainable. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they are guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and work ethic is given a outlet. They, like all breeds, require continuous and intense training to keep a friendly, compliant demeanor and heightened alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve all members of the family. This is a very family-oriented breed that forms bonds with their primary handler. It is important to begin training your puppy as soon as you can so that he grows up to be a well behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands quickly. However, belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and reduce destructive behavior because of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs may be cautious of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They need to socialized early to limit the potential for aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey drive that can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
For example, many GSDs will bark or lunge at the vehicle that is passing by, or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this might be a problem to some, it's in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people around. In turn they will discover that being around other people and animals is enjoyable and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. Through this time, they learn about their environment and make connections that affect how they view new experiences. This can last for the rest of their life. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen is crucial to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as you can.
When you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility for continuing the process and building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and experiences.
The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment in which they can develop their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or frightened, they will associate the experience with being scared and could be afraid of the particular thing for the rest of their lives. It is also important to shield from the common blunders of trying to soothe or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as rewarding their fearful behaviour which is a sure way to create an entire life of phobias.
Begin by completing some items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on the dog that is close by. This will help them become an empathetic, calm family dog when they are older.
Look for places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy out for a coffee and cake date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sights and sounds as well as smells and textures. This will assist them to be more comfortable with the world around them when they reach the age of.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in cars, so getting them familiar with a car early on can make your road trips much simpler!
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places 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 balanced diet. However, it is important to be balanced as excessive exercise can damage the bones of puppies. For instance, jumping, running and a lot of play can put strain on the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can cause issues later on in life.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. This is because they were developed to herd livestock. They will have a strong instinct to herd and are eager to finish the job.
Since they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and are highly trainable. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and are able to act quickly to defend their family members. They are also great service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.
A good method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to meet other dogs. This is a great way to keep your dog in good behavior pup and teach him some basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4 to 6 inches. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup but the majority of German Shepherds sport dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.