How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They are great for pets for the family and are great as a working dog.
German king shepherd kaufen puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and helps keep the coat looking healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they have a few health issues. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are common issues for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. The vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching nerves that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters, and then progress to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medication, exercise programs for rehabilitation and surgery.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that could lead to blindness if it is not properly managed. These conditions will require regular ocular exams 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 fatty acids and balanced vitamins, as well as an array of foods that support the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can evaluate the heart and lungs of your puppy using a stethoscope in his yearly physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe, enclosed area. They should not run close to bicycle or jogger as this could damage their growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise each day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is a great investment in your German Shepherd's well-being because it will to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also provides peace of mind to you and your veterinarian allowing you to focus on providing the best possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and highly adept at training. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs as police officers, service animals and many more. They thrive when they have a outlet for their intelligence, energy, and work ethic. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to keep their friendly, calm demeanor as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protection.
The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This breed is very sociable and will develop a strong relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is crucial to begin training as early as possible, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands easily. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if they are not properly directed. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand, and diminish any destructive behaviors that may result from their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are typically wary of people outside their immediate family. They need to be socialized at an early age to lessen their risk of aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized when they aren't properly socialized.
For example, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on the vehicle that is passing by, or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this might be a problem to certain people, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will learn that interaction with other people and animals is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization, during which they learn about the world and form connections that shape how they perceive new experiences - often throughout their lives. Therefore, it is crucial to expose them to new environments and people as early as is 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, building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and experiences.
It is crucial to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll associate the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of that specific thing for the rest of their lives. You should also protect them from making the mistake of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding fearful behaviour and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
You can start by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them to calm down and pay attention to you while another dog is close by. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm pet, even when they're older.
Look for places that are dog-friendly, such as 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 have been doing and also introduce them new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will aid them in adjusting to the outside world when they reach the age of.
Car driving - German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in vehicles and so getting them used to being in the car early can make your road trips much easier!
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will help them get comfortable in these settings as they grow older and is a a good chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of young puppies. Running, jumping and playing for a long time, for example, can put strain on the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues when they become adults.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will 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 manage livestock. They will possess a strong urge to herd and are determined to finish the task.
Because they were bred to work, they are quick learners and are highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and are able to react quickly to protect their family members. They are also great service dogs who can aid police with 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 as well as the opportunity to interact with other dogs. This is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy as well as teach him basic commands that will be useful in the future.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be hard in some places but soft in others. The length of the coat can differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color will also vary from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have dark brown or black coat with a white chest.