How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are great for working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs to prevent passing hereditary diseases to their pups such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues and food sensitivities, or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The signs start with hindquarters instability and can progress to paralysis incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments, which may involve medication, rehabilitation exercise programs, or surgery can help your dog live longer and more comfortably.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the lungs and heart of your puppy using a stethoscope in his yearly physical examination.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within a safe, enclosed space. They should not run especially near the bicycle or jogger, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise each day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Insurance for pets gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind, allowing you to focus solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent quick learners and highly adept at training. They take their job seriously, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and drive are allowed to shine. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition as well as their enhanced sense of security and alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a close bond with its primary handler. It is crucial to begin training your puppy as early as possible so that he can grow into a well behaved companion.
simply click the following internet page are very quick to learn and master new commands quickly. Their 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 help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and diminish any destructive behaviors that could result from their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs may be apprehensive of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They must be socialized early in order to reduce the potential for aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also tend to hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized in the absence of being properly socialized.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or pedestrians walking on a path or through a park. Although this could be a problem for certain individuals, it's a normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to play with. They will be taught that interfacing with other people and animals is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. During this time they are exposed to their world and form connections that will influence the way they perceive new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new environments and people at an early age.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and things.
It is crucial to present these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment that makes them feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll associate the experience with fear and will eventually be fearful of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. It is important to keep from the pitfalls of encouraging or calming those who are scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and can cause a lifetime fear.
You can start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and pay attention to you when a dog is close by. This will aid them in becoming an empathetic and calm family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you have been doing and also introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the world outside once they're fully grown.
Use in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't known for being comfortable in vehicles, so if you can get them used to driving from a young age, it will make your road trips easier.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or the garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult and could be a great opportunity to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It is important to do this in moderation, as excessive exercise can cause damage to the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. For example running, jumping, and playing a lot can strain a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems later on in life.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. 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 a strong herding instinct and a desire to complete the job at hand.
Because they were bred to work quickly, they are quick to learn and are highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen sense of danger and are able to act quickly to defend their loved ones. They are also great service dogs who can aid police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and the chance to interact with other dogs. This is a great method to encourage good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be rough in certain areas but soft in others. The length of the hair may vary from dog to dog however, it will usually be between 4 and 6 inches. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.