How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

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

German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Brushing frequently using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and helps keep the coat looking healthy and shiny.

Health

German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health concerns. Reputable breeders check their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive issues.

Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause a weak gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters and can progress to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medication as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise, and surgical procedures.

Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that could lead to blindness if it is not properly managed. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They'll require a nutritious diet that is supportive of heart health by providing a mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart with a stethoscope as part of his annual physical exam.

Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within an enclosed, safe space. They should not run especially near bikes or joggers as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level adult German Shepherds require a couple of hours of exercise every day to stay fit. Pet insurance can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian which allows you to concentrate on providing the best possible care for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and highly trained. They take their work seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. Like all breeds, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Welpe require ongoing and intensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.

Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve the entire family. This breed is very family-oriented and will develop a strong connection with its handler. It is crucial to start with your puppy as soon as you can so that he grows to be a good behaved pet.

German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and learn quickly. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund Welpe however, if not properly controlled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behavior that may result from their natural instincts and tendencies.

GSDs are usually beware of people outside of their immediate family. They require to be socialized from an early age to limit their risk of aggressive behavior deutscher SchäFerhund welpen kaufen and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized if they are not properly socialized.

For instance, many GSDs will bark or lunge at the vehicle that is passing by, or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this might be a cause for concern to some, it's actually a normal 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 brief socialization period, during which they learn about the world around them and make connections that affect how they perceive new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. Therefore, SchäFerhund Baby Kaufen it's important to expose them to new environments and people as early on as possible.

Your breeder should have started this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your puppy's confidence to interact with new things and people.

The most important thing is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment, where they can develop their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid they might interpret the experience as being scared and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. Also, you must protect from the common blunders of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior and a sure way to create a lifetime of phobias.

You can start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

This isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become an empathetic and calm family dog as they grow older.

Seek out places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for a cake and Deutsche schäferhunde kaufen coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you've been practicing and also introduce them new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can aid them in adjusting to the world outside when they are fully grown.

Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't known for their ease in cars, so getting them used to driving in a car early on can make your road trips much easier!

Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or the garden centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these places as they grow older and is a a good opportunity to work on recall games.

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. This must be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play, for example, can stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems later on in life.

The amount 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 more drive than other breeds. They were born to herd livestock. This means they have an instinct for herding and an eagerness to do the job in hand.

They are extremely trainable and quick learners due to their breeding to be work-oriented. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and can quickly react to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, helping police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other prominent locations.

Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he requires. This will give him 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 come in handy in the future.

A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be rough in certain areas but soft in other. The length of the coat may vary from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have a black or dark brown coat that has a white chest.