How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They make great pets for families and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing often using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can reduce shedding, and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a weak, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. 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 a shaky appearance of the hindquarters and can advance to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery can be found to help your dog live longer and live a more comfortable life.
deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an autoimmune corneal disease that can cause blindness if not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated 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 the heart of your puppy using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical examination.
Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure space. It is best to avoid running especially near the bicycle or jogger as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian so you can concentrate on providing the best treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and highly capable of being trained. They take their jobs seriously - as guard dogs police officers, service animals and so much more - and thrive when given a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy and work ethic. However, just like all breeds dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their heightened sense of alertness and protection.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should involve all members of the family. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form an enduring bond with the primary handler. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter is important to start training your puppy as early as you can so that he can grow up to be a well behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands quickly. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and reduce any destructive behavior that may arise due to their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs may be apprehensive of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They need to socialized early in order to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey-drive and can become over-emphasized if they are not well-socialized.
For example, many GSDs will be aggressive or bark at vehicles passing by or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this might be a problem for some, it's in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. In turn they will discover that being around other humans and animals is enjoyable and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period in which they are exposed to about the world and make connections that shape how they see new experiences - often throughout their lives. It is important to introduce them to new surroundings and people as quickly as possible.
Once you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and objects.
The key is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment, where they can build confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid they might associate the experience as being scared and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect from the common error of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as rewarding their fearful behaviour which is an easy way to cause the habit of having phobias for life.
You can begin by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and concentrate on you while another dog is in the vicinity. This helps them to be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Find pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a coffee and cake date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been doing and also introduce them new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the world outside when they reach the age of.
Drive in a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly comfortable in cars and, therefore, if you get them used to driving from a young age, it can simplify your road trips.
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will help them become comfortable in these places as adults and could be a good occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can damage the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot for instance, could put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems as an adult.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were born to help herd animals. They will have a strong instinct to herd and be eager to finish the job.
They are highly trainable and quick learners because they were bred for work. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and will act quickly to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs that can assist police in drug-sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to socialize with dogs. This is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will come in handy in the future.
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 hair may vary from one dog to the next but is usually between 4 to 6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have a dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.