How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They make great pets for families as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. This occurs when the cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The signs start with instabilities of the hindquarters and progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises and surgery.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other ailments. A healthy diet containing omega fatty acids balanced vitamins and an array of foods that support heart health is required. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart and lungs of your puppy using a stethoscope in his yearly physical exam.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them for multiple walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within an enclosed, safe space. They should avoid running especially close to a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level Adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise every day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd because it will to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also provides peace of mind for both you and your veterinarian, which allows you to concentrate on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, fast learners, and extremely capable of being trained. They take their job serious, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and drive are given a outlet. But, like any breed, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protection.
The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. It is a very family-oriented breed that forms an enduring bond with the primary handler. It is important to start with your puppy as soon as you can to ensure that he grows to be a good behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn them quickly. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also result in stubbornness if not properly directed. A thorough and specific 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 might arise due to their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are usually wary of people outside their immediate family. They require to be socialized at an early age to limit their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey drive that can become exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
GSDs may engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a car or pedestrians walking on a path or through parks. Although this could be a cause for concern 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. As a result, they will learn that being around other people and animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. In this period they get to know their world and develop connections that influence the way they perceive new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. Therefore, it is crucial to expose them to new situations and people at an early age.
After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to continue the process and building your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.
The most important thing is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment in which they can build confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid or scared, they'll be able to connect the experience with being scared and could be afraid of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior which is which is a sure way to trigger a lifetime of phobias.
Start by checking off some items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some suggestions to get you going:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's also about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on the dog that is in the vicinity. This will help them become an empathetic and calm family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you've been doing and also introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can aid them in adjusting to the world around them when they are fully grown.
Use in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in vehicles and, therefore, if you get them comfortable with driving at an early age it will simplify your road trips.
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult and can be a great opportunity to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. For example, jumping, running and playing for a long time can put strain on a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems in adulthood.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were bred to manage livestock. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and be determined to finish the task.
They are highly trainable and fast learners since they were bred to be work-oriented. They are also guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and will act quickly to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
An effective method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and let him socialize with dogs. This is also an excellent chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will prove useful in the future.
visit the next site that is properly breeding will have a thick, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in other. The length of the hair may vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have a black or dark brown coat that has a white chest.