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How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are great for 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 often with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have some health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs to avoid passing on hereditary diseases to their puppies, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common issues for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters, and then develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgery.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not managed properly. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet containing omega fats and balanced vitamins, as well as a blend that supports heart health is required. Your veterinarian can examine the heart of your puppy using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe protected space. It is best to avoid running in close proximity to cyclist or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds should exercise for a short period of time each day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in your German Shepherd's well-being because it will to pay for veterinary treatment for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Pet insurance gives both you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and highly trainable. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs police officers, service animals and so much more - and thrive when they have a outlet for their intelligence, energy, and work ethic. They, like all breeds, require continuous and intensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and increased alertness.
Training 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 a strong bond with the primary handler. It is important to begin training your puppy as early as you can so that he will grow up to be a well behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and pick them up quickly. Their intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly channeled. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and diminish any destructive behaviors that may arise as a result of their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs are typically beware of people outside of their immediate family and need to be socialized from a young age to reduce their risk of aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also have a tendency to prey drive and hunting that can become exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
For example there are many GSDs who 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 some individuals, it's a normal behavior that should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. In turn they will discover that being around other people as well as animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. During this time they get to know their world and form connections that affect the way they perceive new experiences. This can last the duration of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new environments and people as quickly as you can.
When you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and things.
It is important to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened they might interpret the experience with being scared and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent them from making the mistake of encouraging or calming them when they're afraid. This could be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
Begin by completing some items on your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
This isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when another dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés or even shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sights and sounds scents, textures, and smells. This will help them to accept the outside world once they are grown.
Drive in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't exactly at ease in vehicles and, therefore, if you get them used to driving at an early age, it can make your road trips easier.
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will help them become at ease in these environments as adults and could be a good occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping, and playing for a long time can put strain on the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This could cause problems as an adult.
The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to help herd livestock. They will t here fore possess a strong urge to herd and be eager to finish the job.
Since they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctual guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and will respond quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
Inscribing 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 let him interact with other dogs. This is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will prove useful in the future.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that is rough in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.