How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a popular breed in America. They are great family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keeps the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have a few health issues. Breeders with a good reputation check their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow and hip 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 can cause a sluggish drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. The vertebrae of the neck narrow, causing nerves to be pinched which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters, and then advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. T here are a variety of treatment options available, including medication and rehabilitation exercises, and surgical procedures.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with your vet to assess these conditions.
German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other ailments. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fats balanced vitamins and a mix that promotes heart health is required. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on multiple walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within an area that is safe and secure. They should not run in close proximity to jogger, or a bicycle, as this can damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Depending on their energy level adult German Shepherds need a few hours of exercise a day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets can be an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance provides you and your veterinarian peace of mind and lets you focus only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent they are quick to learn and extremely capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and many more. They thrive when given an outlet for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. But, like any breed they require a lot of and ongoing training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor and their increased sense of alertness and protectiveness.
The entire family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form bonds with their principal handler. It is important to start training your puppy as early as possible so that he grows to be a good and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and learn them quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also result in stubbornness if not properly controlled. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay 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 prone to be apprehensive of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require socialization at a young age in order to reduce the potential for aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated when not properly managed with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a passing vehicle or pedestrians walking on the path or in the park. While this can be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to get along with. As a result, they will learn that being around other people and animals is enjoyable and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window in which they are exposed to about the world and form connections that affect how they perceive new experiences - usually throughout their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people as early on as possible.
After you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process and building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things.
The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure, controlled environment where they can develop their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel scared they might associate the experience with fear and be afraid for their entire lives. You also need to protect from the common error of trying to soothe or encourage them when they are frightened because this could be perceived as a reward for their fearful behavior and which is a sure way to trigger an entire life of phobias.
You can begin by ticking 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 only about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm pet, even when they're older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the training in settle you've been practicing and also introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the world around them when they reach the age of.
Driving in a car German Shepherds are not known for their ease in cars and so getting them used to driving in a car in the beginning can make your road trips simpler!
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult, and could be a great opportunity to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. It is important to do this in moderation, as excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. For instance running, jumping, and playing for a long time can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues later on in life.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were designed to manage livestock. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and will be eager to complete the task.
They are highly trainable and quick learners since they were bred to work. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and will respond quickly to protect their family members. This is why they make excellent service dogs, helping police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other high-profile places.
One method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and allow him to socialize with dogs. This is a great way to reinforce good behavior in your pup and teach him some basic commands.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that is hard in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to another however, it will usually be between 4-6 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.