How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are among the most loved breeds in America. They make great working dogs and family pets.

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Health

German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Reputable breeders test their dogs for genetic diseases, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities, or allergies.

Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, causing nerves to be pinched which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The symptoms begin with hindquarters instabilities and can progress to paralysis incontinence and loss of mobility. Treatments that may include medication, rehabilitation exercise programs, or surgery, are available to aid your dog to live longer and live a more comfortable life.

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. These conditions require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.

Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet containing omega fatty acids balanced vitamins and a blend that supports heart health is required. Your veterinarian can examine the heart of your puppy using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical examination.

German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure space. They should not run close to cyclist or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds should be active for a few hours each day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality care for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and highly capable of being trained. They take their work seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and drive are provided with a means to express it. But, like any breed they require a lot of and ongoing training to keep their friendly, calm demeanor and their increased sense of alertness and protection.

The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed that forms a strong bond with the principal handler. It is important to start training as early as you can, so your puppy will be a sociable and well-behaved companion in adulthood.

German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can pick them up quickly. Nevertheless, their high ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly channeled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and help reduce any destructive behavior that could arise as a result of their natural inclinations and instincts.

GSDs are typically cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family and need to be socialized at a young age to reduce their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive that can become exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.

GSDs may engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a passing vehicle or people walking on the path or in parks. While this may be a cause for concern to some, it's actually a normal behavior SchäFerhund Kaufen Welpe that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people around. They will learn that interaction with other animals and people isn't dangerous or frightening.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. In this period they get to know their world and form connections that will influence the way they perceive new experiences. This can last for the remainder of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new environments and people as soon as possible.

Your breeder should have initiated this for you, but once you have brought your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process, building your puppy's confidence to interact with new things and people.

The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment, where they can build their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened they might associate the experience with being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened as this can be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior and a sure way to create an entire life of phobias.

Start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

This isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.

Seek out dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy out for a coffee and deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen SchäFerhund schäferhunde kaufen (Link.Dropmark.Com) cake date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights scents, textures, and smells. This will assist them to accept the outside world when they reach the age of.

Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't known for Einen deutschen schäFerhund kaufen their comfort in cars, so getting them used to being in a car early on can make your road trips much simpler!

Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult and could be a great opportunity to play retrieval games.

Exercise

Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be managed with care as over exercise can damage the skeletal structure of young puppies. For example running, jumping, and playing for a long time can put strain on a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems later on in life.

The level of drive in 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. They were bred to manage animals. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and be eager to complete the task.

Since they were bred to work, schäFerhund kaufen welpe they are quick learners and are highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and can act quickly to defend their family members. They are also great service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.

Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he needs. This will give him mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. This is also a great opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will prove useful in the future.

A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be rough in certain areas but soft in others. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to another but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with a white chest and belly.