How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They make great pets for families and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Brushing often with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
schäferhund kaufen österreich are afflicted with some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for hereditary ailments, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a weak gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters and can develop into weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which may involve medication, rehabilitation exercise programs, or surgery, are available to help your dog live longer and more comfortably.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. These conditions require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other illnesses. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fatty acids, balanced vitamins and a mix that promotes heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian can assess the heart and lungs of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical exam.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. They should not run especially close to a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance can be an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and extremely capable of being trained. They take their job seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and work ethic is provided with a means to express it. They, like all breeds, require continual and intense training to keep an affable, obedient manner and increased alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. This is a very familial breed that forms bonds with their principal handler. It is crucial to begin training as early as possible to ensure that your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands with ease. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if not properly directed. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behavior that might arise as a result of their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs are usually beware of people outside of their immediate family. They need to be socialized at a young age to reduce their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized when they aren't well-socialized.
For instance some GSDs engage in a barking or snarling attack on vehicles passing by or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this might be a cause for concern to some, it is an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and people around. They will learn that interacting with other animals and people is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization that allows them to learn about the world and form connections that affect how they perceive new experiences, often for the rest of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new environments and people at an early age.
Your breeder should have started this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your pup's confidence to meet new things and people.
It is essential to share these experiences with them in a safe, controlled environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If deutsche schäferhunde kaufen feel afraid they might interpret the experience as being scared and become fearful for life. It is also important to shield from the common blunders of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened because this could be perceived as a way to reward their fearful behavior - an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.
Begin by completing some items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
It's not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to relax and focus on you when a dog is nearby. This will aid them in becoming a calm and relaxed pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you've been doing and introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can help them to accept the world around them once they're fully grown.
Take in a car. German Shepherds aren't known for being at ease in cars So if you can get them used to driving at an early age, it can make your road trips more enjoyable.
Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or the garden centre. This will help them get comfortable in these settings as adults and could be an excellent chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can damage the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing for a long time, for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can lead to problems when they become adults.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than some other breeds. This is because they were developed to herd livestock. This means they have an instinct for herding and a desire to complete the job in hand.
Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and highly trainable. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and they can quickly react to protect their loved ones. This is why they make great service dogs, assisting the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other prominent locations.
An effective method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to socialize with dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will be useful in the future.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that is hard in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat will vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have a dark brown or black coat, with a chest of white.