How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a popular breed in America. They are great family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keep the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for health issues to ensure that they do not pass hereditary illnesses to their pups like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. This happens when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching the nerves which send signals to the dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters, and then develop into weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medication as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise and surgical procedures.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. These conditions will require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds can be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. 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 evaluate the lungs and heart of your puppy using a stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them for multiple walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. They should avoid running especially near bikes or joggers, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise each day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast 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 a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. But, like any breed they require a lot of and continuous training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition as well as their heightened sense of alertness and protectiveness.
The entire family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed that will develop an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is crucial to begin training as soon as you can so that your puppy can be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and master new commands easily. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also result in stubbornness if not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will assist your GSD remain focused on the task and reduce destructive behavior as a result their natural instincts and tendencies.
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 aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also have a tendency to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated when not properly managed by regular positive socialization.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a car or other people walking along the road or in the park. While this can be a problem for certain, it's actually a very normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to play with. In turn, they will learn that being around other humans and animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. Through this time they are exposed to their environment and make connections that affect how they view new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new environments and people as quickly as possible.
When you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility for continuing the process and developing your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.
The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe, controlled environment where they can build their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid or frightened, they will associate the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for the rest of their lives. You should also protect them from making the mistake of encouraging or calming those who are scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding fearful behaviour and create a lifetime phobia.
Begin by completing the items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you going:
It's not just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sights and sounds scents, textures, and smells. This will assist them adjust to the world around them after they have grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in cars, so getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much more enjoyable!
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will allow them to become at ease in these environments as they grow older and is a an excellent opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be managed with care as over exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of young puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play for instance, could put strain on the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. 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 working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than other breeds. They were bred to manage animals. Therefore, they have an instinct for herding and a keenness to perform the job in hand.
They are highly trainable and quick learners because they were bred for work. They are also naturally guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and are quick to act to protect their family members. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
A good way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to meet other dogs. This is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands that will prove useful later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. Our Web Site may be harsh in some areas but soft in other. The length of the coat can vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The color can also differ from pup to pup, but most German Shepherds have dark brown or black coat, with a chest of white.