How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They make great pets for families and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. Regularly brushing with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they do have a few health issues. Reputable breeders will check their dogs for health issues to avoid passing hereditary illnesses to their puppies such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with hindquarters instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. Treatments, which could include rehabilitation exercises, medication or surgery, are available to help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that supports heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart and lungs by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical examination.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on multiple walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within an area that is safe and secure. They should avoid running especially close to bikes or joggers as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds must exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance gives both you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and extremely capable of being trained. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they are guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. However, just like all breeds they require a lot of and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protectiveness.
Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve all members of the family. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a tight connection with its handler. It is important to start training as early as possible to ensure that your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and master new commands with ease. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program designed to help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and dispositions.
GSDs can be cautious of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They require socialization at an early age to limit the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also are prone to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized if they are not properly socialized.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a car or pedestrians walking on a path or through parks. While this may be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to play with. They will learn that interacting with other animals and people isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. In this period they are exposed to their world and form connections that affect the way they see new experiences. This can last for the duration of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new surroundings and people as quickly as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, but when you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to continue the process, gaining your pup's confidence to meet new things and people.
It is crucial to introduce these experiences to them in a safe, controlled environment where they will feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll be able to connect the experience with fear and will eventually be fearful of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent them from making the error of encouraging or calming those who are scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding behavior that is fearful and can cause a lifetime fear.
Start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
This isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to relax and focus on you when another dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy out for a cake and coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sights and sounds as well as smells and textures. This will allow them adjust to the world around them when they reach the age of.
Use in a vehicle. related resource site aren't known for being at ease in cars, so if you can get them comfortable with driving from a young age, it can make your road trips more enjoyable.
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or a garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult, and could be a great way to play retrieval games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet Alongside 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 skeletal structure of young puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot for instance, could put strain on the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This may lead to problems later in life.
The puppy's natural drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is because they were bred to herd livestock. Therefore, they have an instinct for herding and a desire to complete the job at hand.
They are highly trainable and quick learners because they were bred to be work-oriented. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and are quick to act to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs who can aid police with drug sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation and also the chance to socialize with other dogs. This is a great way to keep your dog in good behavior puppy and teach him basic commands.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that is rough in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can vary from dog to dog but it will usually be between 4-6 inches long. The color will also vary from pup to pup but the majority of German Shepherds sport a dark brown or black coat, with a chest of white.