How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They make great pets for families and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will test their dogs to prevent passing hereditary diseases to their pups such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, which pinches the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters and can advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments that may include rehabilitation exercises, medication or surgery can ensure that your dog lives longer and live more comfortably.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. It is an autoimmune corneal condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with a vet to assess these conditions.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They'll require a nutritious diet that promotes heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in 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 secure, enclosed space. They should avoid running especially near the bicycle or jogger as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds must exercise a few hours a day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian allowing you to focus on providing the best possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely trained. They take their jobs seriously - as guard dogs, police officers, service animals, and many more. They thrive when given an outlet for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. But, as with Recommended Reading , these puppies require a great deal of and continuous training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protection.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort that should include the entire family. This is a very family-oriented breed that forms an enduring bond with the main handler. It is important to start training as soon as you can, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and pick them up quickly. However, their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program that can assist your GSD stay focused on their task and reduce destructive behavior as a result their natural instincts and dispositions.
GSDs are usually beware of people outside of their immediate family. They require to be socialized from a young age to reduce their chances of exhibiting aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated if not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
For example some GSDs engage in a barking or snarling attack on vehicles passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a cause for concern to some, it is in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people around. They will learn that interacting with other people and animals isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. During this time they get to know their environment and make connections that affect the way they see new experiences. This could last for the remainder of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new environments and people as soon as possible.
After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things.
It is crucial to share these experiences with them in a safe, controlled environment where they will feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel scared or scared, they'll be able to connect the experience with being scared and could be afraid of that particular thing for life. You should also protect from the pitfalls of encouraging to encourage or comfort those who are scared. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
Start by checking off some items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and focus on the dog that is in the vicinity. This will help them become an empathetic, calm pet when they get older.
Find pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for a coffee and cake date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been practicing and introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that can help them to accept the outside world when they reach the age of.
Car driving - German Shepherds are not known for their ease in cars, so getting them used to driving in a car early on can make your road trips easier!
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or a garden centre. This will help them become at ease in these environments as they grow older and is a an excellent occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet Alongside a healthy 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 instance, jumping, running and playing a lot can strain a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as they grow older.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they require. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than other breeds. They were bred to manage livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and will be eager to finish the job.
They are highly trainable and quick learners due to their breeding to work. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger and can quickly react to protect their family members. This is why they make excellent service dogs, helping the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
A good method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to interact with other dogs. This is a great way to encourage good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be hard in some places but soft in other. The length of the coat can vary from dog to pup but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color will also vary from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have a dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.