How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are great family pets and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and helps keep the coat looking clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for hereditary ailments, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. schäferhund kaufen österreich include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, pinching the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with hindquarters instability and can progress to paralysis incontinence and decreased mobility. There are many treatments available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation and surgical procedures.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They'll require a nutritious diet that is supportive of heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart with a stethoscope as part of his annual physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, such as numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe protected space. They should avoid running in close proximity to cyclist or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones that are growing. Adult German Shepherds should exercise a few hours a day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance is a good investment in your German Shepherd's well-being, since it can help pay for veterinary care for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Insurance for pets gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind and lets you focus solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, fast learners, and extremely adept at training. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs, police officers, service animals and much more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence and work ethic. But, like any breed they require a lot of and ongoing training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their heightened sense of security and alertness.
The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. It is a very family-oriented breed that forms an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is essential to begin training as early as you can to ensure that your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and learn them quickly. Their intelligence is high and can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. schäferhundwelpen kaufen and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand, and help reduce any destructive behavior that might arise as a result of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs may be wary of those who aren't part of their immediate family. They need to socialized early to limit the potential for aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting which can be overemphasized in the absence of being appropriately socialized.
For example some GSDs bark or lunge at a vehicle passing by or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this may be a cause for concern to some, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. As a result they will be taught that being around other people and animals is fun and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window in which they are exposed to about the world and form connections that influence how they view new experiences, often throughout their lives. It is important to introduce them to new surroundings and people as quickly as you can.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but when you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your puppy's confidence to interact with new things and people.
The most important thing is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment, where they can build their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened they might interpret the experience as being scared and become fearful for life. Also, you must protect from the common error of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as a reward for their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause a lifetime of phobias.
Start by taking note of the items on 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 calm down and concentrate on the dog that is in the vicinity. This helps them be a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will allow them adjust to the outside world once they are grown.
Use a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly at ease in cars and, therefore, if you get them used to driving at an early age it will simplify your road trips.
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy get comfortable in these settings as an adult, and could be a great time to play retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a balanced diet. But, this should be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. Jumping, running and playing for a long time, for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can lead to problems as an adult.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is because they were designed to herd livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and are eager to complete the task.
They are highly trainable and fast learners due to their breeding to work. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they can quickly react to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile locations.
An effective method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to meet other dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will be useful later on.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches long. The color will also vary from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have a dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.