How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They make great working dogs and family pets.
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 reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs for genetic ailments, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters and can advance to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include medication, rehabilitation exercise programs or surgery can ensure that your dog lives longer and more comfortably.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated properly. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other illnesses. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fats balanced vitamins and a blend that supports the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. They should not run especially close to a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy, adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise every day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets is a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Insurance for pets gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and extremely capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals, and many more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. However, just like all breeds they require a lot of and continuous training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of alertness and protection.
The entire family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This breed is very family-oriented and will develop a strong connection with its handler. It is important to begin training your puppy as soon as you can so that he grows up to be a well behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can learn them quickly. However, their intelligence can also result in stubbornness if not properly controlled. 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 help reduce any destructive behavior that may arise due to their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are prone to be cautious of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They need to socialized at an early age in order to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated when not properly managed by regular positive socialization.
For example some GSDs engage in a barking or snarling attack on vehicles passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem to some, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. schäferhundwelpen kaufen teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will learn that interacting with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. Through this time they are exposed to their environment and make connections that influence the way they perceive new experiences. This can last the duration of their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new situations and people as early on as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this process for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things.
The most important thing is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid they might interpret the experience with fear and become fearful for life. It is important to keep them from making the mistake of encouraging to encourage or comfort those who are scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and create a lifetime phobia.
Start by checking off the items on your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's also about teaching them how to calm down and pay attention to you while another dog is in the vicinity. This will aid them in becoming an empathetic and calm pet as they get 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 your settle training and introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures. This will allow them adjust to the world around them when they reach the age of.
Take in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't known for being comfortable in cars So if you can get them comfortable with driving early on it will make your road trips more enjoyable.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult and could be a great way to play retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. But, this should be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For instance, jumping, running and playing for a long time can strain a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems when they become adults.
The puppy's natural drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were designed to manage livestock. Therefore, they have an innate herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job at hand.
Because they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and are highly capable of training. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and are quick to act to protect their family members. This is why they make excellent service dogs, aiding the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search and rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other high-profile places.
An effective way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and let him socialize with dogs. deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen is a great method to keep your dog in good behavior puppy and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the coat may vary from dog to pup but 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.