How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They make great pets for families and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds have some health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs for hereditary ailments, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a sluggish drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. The vertebrae of the neck narrow, causing nerves to be pinched which send signals to the dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters, and then develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medication, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgery.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that could lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will require regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet rich in omega fats balanced vitamins and an array of foods that support heart health is required. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, like frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected area. They should avoid running, especially next to a bicycle or jogger as this could damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds should exercise a few hours a day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the health of your German Shepherd, since it can help pay for veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian so you can concentrate on providing the best possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and extremely trainable. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. But, like any breed dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor and their increased sense of security and alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve all members of the family. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a tight relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is crucial to begin with your puppy as soon as you can to ensure that he can grow into a well behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can learn quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also result in stubbornness if they are not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program designed to assist your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and minimize any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are usually wary of people outside their immediate family. They require to be socialized from an early age to limit their risk of aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive and can become over-emphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a car or other people walking along a path or through the park. Although this could be a cause for concern to some, it's in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. During this time they get to know their world and form connections that will influence the way they perceive new experiences. This can last for the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people as early on as possible.
When you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things.
The most important thing 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 they might interpret the experience with fear and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent them from making the error of encouraging, encouraging or soothing those who are scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding behavior that is fearful and create a lifetime phobia.
You can start by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on the dog that is around. This will aid them in becoming an empathetic and calm pet as they get older.
Find deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz -friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy out for an afternoon tea and cake! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you have been doing and introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that will help them accept the world around them once they're fully grown.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in cars and so getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips easier!
Tick 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 allow your puppy to become comfortable in these environments as an adult and can be a great time to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of young puppies. For example running, jumping and playing for a long time can strain 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 prone to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. They were bred to help herd livestock. This means they have a strong herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job at hand.
Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and extremely capable of training. They are also natural guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and can quickly react to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs who can aid police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.
One method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. This is a great method to reinforce good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the coat can differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches long. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.