How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most loved breeds in America. They make great pets for the family and are great as a working dog.
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 an undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they do have a few health issues. Breeders with good reputations will check their dogs for health issues to ensure that they do not pass on hereditary diseases to their puppies, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. This happens when the cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. Symptoms start with instability of the hind quarters and advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which may involve medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery, are available to help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that could lead to blindness if not managed properly. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. They will need a healthy diet that promotes the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical exam.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure area. They should avoid running especially near a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in your German Shepherd's well-being, since it can help pay for veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. It also gives peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the best possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and highly trainable. They take their job seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and work ethic is allowed to shine. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and continuous training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor and their increased sense of alertness and protection.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should include the entire family. This breed is very sociable and will develop a strong bond with its primary handler. It is essential to start training your puppy as soon as you can to ensure that he will grow into a well and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands quickly. However, their high level of ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behaviors as a result their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs can be apprehensive of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They must be socialized at a young age in order to reduce the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.
For instance, many GSDs will bark or lunge at a vehicle passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this might be a cause for concern to certain people, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. As a result they will be taught that being around other people and animals is enjoyable and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. During this time they get to know their world and form connections that will influence the way they perceive new experiences. This can last for the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new environments and people as early on as possible.
Your breeder should have initiated this process for you, but once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.
It is crucial to share these experiences with them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel afraid they might interpret the experience with fear and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You should also protect from the pitfalls of encouraging or calming them when they're scared. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and can cause a lifetime fear.
You can begin by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
It's not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to be calm and focus on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm and peaceful family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle-training you've been doing and also introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells and textures that will aid them in adjusting to the world around them when they reach the age of.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't renowned for their ease in cars So getting them used to driving in a car early on can make your road trips much simpler!
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these places as adults and can be an excellent occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be balanced as excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing for a long time for instance, could put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues as they grow older.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they require. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than other breeds. This is because they were developed to manage livestock. They will have a strong desire to herd and are eager to complete the task.
They are highly trainable and quick learners because they were bred to work. They are also instinctual guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and can act quickly to defend their family members. This is why they make excellent service dogs, helping the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search and rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other high-profile places.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he needs. This will give him mental stimulation and the chance to interact with other dogs. This is a great method to keep your dog in good behavior puppy and teach him basic commands.
deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that is hard in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4 to 6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.