How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds in America. They are great for pets for the family and are great as a working dog.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. 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, but they do have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for health issues to ensure that they do not pass hereditary diseases to their pups, such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes an unsteady drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs start with hindquarters instability and then progress to paralysis, incontinence, and loss of mobility. Treatments that may include medication, rehabilitation exercise programs, or surgery can be found to aid your dog to live longer and more comfortably.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. These conditions will require regular ocular 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 promotes the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the lungs and heart of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, like multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected space. They should avoid running especially close to the bicycle or jogger, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for both you and your veterinarian, which allows you to concentrate on providing the best treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart quick learners and extremely adept at training. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs, police officers, service animals, and so much more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence and dedication to work. But, like any breed dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to keep their compliant, friendly demeanor and their increased sense of alertness and protectiveness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should include the entire family. Recommended Website is very family-oriented and will form a tight connection with its handler. It is essential to begin training as early as possible so that your puppy can be a sociable and well-behaved companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can pick them up quickly. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if they are not properly channeled. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand, and reduce any destructive behavior that could result from their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs may be cautious of people who are not members of their immediate family. They need to socialized at an early age so that they can reduce the potential for aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting, which can be overemphasized in the absence of being appropriately socialized.
GSDs can engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a passing vehicle or other people walking along the path or in a park. While this may be a problem to some, it is an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will be taught that interfacing with other people and animals is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization in which they are exposed to about the world and make connections that influence how they perceive new experiences, often throughout their lives. It is important to introduce them to new situations and people as quickly as possible.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but once you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process, building your puppy's confidence in meeting new things and people.
It is important to present these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened they might associate the experience as being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to soothe or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior which is which is a sure way to trigger the habit of having phobias for life.
You can begin by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are a few suggestions to get you going:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on you while another dog is around. This will help them become a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Find places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a coffee and cake date! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will assist them adjust to the world around them after they have grown.
Use in a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly at ease in vehicles, so if you can make them comfortable driving early on it can make your road trips more enjoyable.
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these settings as they grow older and is a a good occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. 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 growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems later on in life.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than some other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to manage livestock. They will have a strong instinct to herd and be eager to finish the job.
They are highly trainable and fast learners because they were bred to work. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and will react quickly to protect their family members. This is why they make great service dogs, assisting police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile places.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and also the chance to meet other dogs. This is a great method to encourage good behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be rough in certain areas but soft in other. The length of the hair will vary from one dog to the next however, it will usually be between 4 to 6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup, but the majority of German Shepherds sport dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.
