How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most loved breeds in America. They are great for pets for the family and are great as a working dog.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can reduce shedding and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Reputable breeders will test their dogs to prevent passing hereditary illnesses to their pups like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters and can develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation and even surgery.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an autoimmune corneal disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated properly. These conditions require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other illnesses. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the heart of your puppy using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, like frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure space. It is best to avoid running close to bicycle or jogger, as this can damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Adult German Shepherds must exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd because it will provide veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and highly adept at training. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and many more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy, and work ethic. Like all breeds, require ongoing and intense training to keep an easy, calm demeanor and to be alert.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve the entire family. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form a strong bond with the main handler. It is important to start training as soon as you can to ensure that your puppy will be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands with ease. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if not properly directed. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and diminish any destructive behaviors that could arise due to their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs are often cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized at an early age to lessen their risk of aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting that can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled with regular positive socialization.
For instance some GSDs be aggressive or bark at the vehicle that is passing by, or people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for some, it's actually a very normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to play with. In turn, they will learn that being around humans as well as animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. Through this time they are exposed to their environment and make connections that affect the way they perceive new experiences. This could last for the rest of their life. It is essential to expose them to new surroundings and people as soon as you can.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but once you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process, building your puppy's confidence in meeting new things and people.
It is crucial to share these experiences with them in a safe, controlled environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel afraid they might associate the experience with fear and be afraid for their entire lives. You also need to protect from the common blunders of trying to soothe or encourage them when they are frightened as this can be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior - an easy way to cause the habit of having phobias for life.
You can start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few suggestions to get you going:
This isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This will aid them in becoming an empathetic and calm pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sounds, sights scents, textures, and smells. This will assist them to accept the world outside after they have grown.
Use in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in cars and, therefore, if you get them used to driving from a young age, it will 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 a garden centre. This will help them get at ease in these environments as adults and can be a good opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It is important to do this in moderation, since excessive exercise can harm the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing for a long time, for example, can put strain on the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This may lead to problems as they grow older.
The amount 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 level of drive than some other breeds. This is because they were bred to herd livestock. As such, they will have an innate herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job.
Because they were bred for work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and highly trainable. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and they can quickly react to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that can assist police in drug-sniffing security, search and rescue.
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 and let him socialize with dogs. It is also a great opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him the basics of commands that will come in handy in the future.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the hair will vary from one dog to another but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.