How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most loved breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Breeders with good reputations will screen their dogs to ensure that they do not pass on hereditary diseases to their pups, such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, pinching the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters, and then progress to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments that may include medication, rehabilitation exercise programs or surgery, are available to help your dog live longer and more comfortably.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if not managed properly. Your dog will need regular eye examinations with your vet to assess these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They'll require a nutritious diet that promotes the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart with an stethoscope in his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them for multiple walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in a safe, enclosed space. It is best to avoid running especially close to bikes or joggers as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds must exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd as it will help pay for veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, which allows you to concentrate on providing the best possible treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and extremely trainable. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs police officers, service animals and many more. They thrive when they have a outlet for their intelligence, energy and work ethic. These pups, like all breeds, require continuous and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and increased alertness.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will develop a strong relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is crucial to begin training as soon as you can so that your puppy can be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands easily. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also result in stubbornness if they are not properly channeled. In-depth 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 reduce any destructive behavior that could result from their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are prone to be apprehensive of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They require socialization at a young age in order to reduce the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting, which can be exaggerated if not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
GSDs may be agitated or bark in response to a passing vehicle or other people walking along the road or in the park. While this can be a problem for certain individuals, it's a normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. They will learn that interacting with other animals and people isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. Through this time they are exposed to their environment and make connections that affect the way they perceive new experiences. More hints could last for the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations at an early age.
After you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.
It is essential to share these experiences with them in a controlled, secure environment where they feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel threatened, they may associate the experience as being scared and become fearful for life. Also, you must protect from the common error of trying to soothe, encourage or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause a lifetime of phobias.
You can begin by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs, it's also about teaching them how to calm down and pay attention to the dog that is around. This will help them become a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle-training you have been doing and introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the world around them once they're fully grown.
Car driving - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in cars, so getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much more enjoyable!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy become comfortable in these environments 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, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For example running, jumping, and a lot of play can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems when they become adults.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. This is because they were bred to manage livestock. This means they have an innate herding instinct and a desire to complete the job in hand.
They are highly trainable and quick learners since they were bred to be work-oriented. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and are quick to act to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs who can aid police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.
One method to ensure that 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 a great method to reinforce good behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in other. The length of the coat can vary from dog to pup but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with the chest and belly being white.