How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most well-known 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 keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health concerns. Reputable breeders will check their dogs for health issues to avoid passing hereditary diseases to their pups, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes a sluggish gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with hindquarters instabilities and can progress to paralysis incontinence and decreased mobility. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medication as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise, and surgical procedures.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other ailments. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fatty acids, balanced vitamins and a blend that supports heart health is required. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart with an stethoscope in his annual physical exam.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, including multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure space. It is best to avoid running, especially next to a bicycle or jogger, as this can damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds should exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the health of your German Shepherd, since it can help to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected injuries and illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian so you can concentrate on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent quick learners and extremely capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs, police officers, service animals, and so much more. They thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence, and work ethic. These pups, like all breeds, require ongoing and extensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and heightened alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve all members of the family. This is a very familial breed and will form an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is important to begin training your puppy as soon as you can to ensure that he grows into a well and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can learn quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also result in stubbornness if they are not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that can assist your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and minimize any destructive behaviors as a result their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are usually cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family and need to be socialized at a young age to reduce their chances of exhibiting aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting that can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled with regular positive socialization.
For example some GSDs be aggressive or bark at the vehicle that is passing by, or at people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for certain people, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will learn that interacting with other people and animals is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. Through this time, they learn about their world and develop connections that will influence how they view new experiences. This can last the duration of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new environments and people as soon as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process of building your puppy's confidence in meeting new things and people.
It is important to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment that makes them feel comfortable and not threatened. If Recommended Reading feel scared or frightened, they will associate the experience with being afraid and may then be afraid of that particular thing for life. It is important to keep 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.
Begin by completing a few items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on you while another dog is close by. This will help them become a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Look for places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a cake and coffee date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you've been practicing and introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can help them to accept the outside world when they reach the age of.
Drive in a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly at ease in vehicles and, therefore, if you get them used to driving early on it can simplify your road trips.
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or the garden centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult and could be a great way to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a balanced diet. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. For example running, jumping and playing for a long time can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This may lead to problems in adulthood.
The puppy's natural drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were developed to help herd livestock. They will therefore have a strong desire to herd and are eager to complete the task.
They are highly trainable and fast learners since they were bred to work. They are also guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and can quickly react to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs who can aid police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.
Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation and also the chance to socialize with other dogs. This is a great way to encourage good behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in other. The length of the hair may vary from dog to dog however, it will usually be between 4-6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with white belly and chest.