How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most well-known breeds in America. They are excellent pets for the family and are great as a working dog.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Regularly brushing using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed, and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have a few health issues. Breeders with good reputations will test their dogs to ensure that they do not pass hereditary illnesses to their pups such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. This happens when the cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching the nerves which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The signs start with hindquarters instability and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. There are many treatments available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgery.
German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with your vet to assess these conditions.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the heart of your puppy using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, including frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected area. It is best to avoid running especially near bikes or joggers as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise for a short period of time each day, depending on their energy levels. Pet insurance is a good investment in your German Shepherd's well-being, since it can help to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries. Insurance for pets gives both you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart quick learners and highly 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 energy, intelligence, and work ethic. But, like any breed they require a lot of and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protectiveness.
Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve all members of the family. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a tight connection with its handler. It is crucial to begin training as soon as you can to ensure that your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands easily. However, their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will help your GSD stay focused on their task and reduce destructive behavior due to their natural instincts and dispositions.
GSDs may be cautious of people who aren't part of their immediate family. They must be socialized early to limit the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting that can become exaggerated if not properly managed by regular positive socialization.
For example some GSDs be aggressive or bark at a vehicle passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this might be a problem to certain people, it's 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 isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period in which they are exposed to about the world and form connections that shape how they see new experiences, often throughout their lives. It is essential to expose them to new situations and people as soon as possible.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your pup's confidence to meet new people and things.
The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened they might associate the experience with fear and be afraid for their entire lives. You should also protect them from making the error of encouraging or calming them when they're scared. This could be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and create a lifetime phobia.
You can start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them how to calm down and pay attention to you when a dog is in the vicinity. This helps them be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Seek out pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a cake and coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will assist them to accept the outside world after they have grown.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in cars and so getting them used to driving in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much more enjoyable!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult and could be a great way to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. But, this should be balanced as excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of young puppies. For instance, jumping, running and a lot of play can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as an adult.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. They were born to help herd animals. As such, they will have an instinct for herding and an eagerness to do the job.
They are highly trainable and quick learners because they were bred for work. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and are quick to act to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that can assist police in drug-sniffing security, search and rescue.
A good way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. This is a great way to encourage good behavior in your pup and teach him some basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be rough in certain areas but soft in others. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to another however, it will usually be between 4-6 inches. web will also vary from pup to pup, however, most German Shepherds will have a dark brown or black coat, with a chest of white.