How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets and are also great working dogs.

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keeps the coat clean and healthy.

Health

German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they have a few health issues. Reputable breeders will test their dogs to ensure that they do not pass hereditary diseases to their pups, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues, and food sensitivities or allergies.

Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a weak, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. 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. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters, and then advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments that may include medication, rehabilitation exercise programs, or surgery can be found to help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.

German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated appropriately. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.

German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other ailments. They require a balanced diet that supports the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can evaluate the lungs and heart of your puppy using a stethoscope in his annual physical exam.

Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed space. They should not run especially near the bicycle or jogger as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise a few hours a day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance provides you and your veterinarian peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are intelligent, fast learners, and highly capable of being trained. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and much more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence, SchäFerhund Welpen öSterreich Kaufen and work ethic. But, like any breed dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and blaue schäferhunde ongoing training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protection.

Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. This is a very familial breed that will develop a strong bond with the main handler. It is important to begin training your puppy as soon as possible so that he grows up to be a well behaved pet.

German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and learn quickly. However, their high level of ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly directed. In-depth 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 might result from their natural instincts and inclinations.

GSDs are prone to be apprehensive of people who aren't members of their immediate family. They must be socialized at a young age in order to reduce the potential for aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized when they aren't well-socialized.

GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or people walking on the road or in the park. While this may be a problem to certain people, it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will learn that interaction with other animals and humans is not dangerous or scary.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization, during which they learn about the world and make connections that affect how they view new experiences - often throughout their lives. It is essential to expose them to new surroundings and people as soon as possible.

Your breeder should have begun this for you, but once you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things.

The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can develop their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel scared or deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz welpe deutsche schäferhunde kaufen; click here now, frightened, they will be able to connect the experience with being scared and could be afraid of the specific thing for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they are frightened as this can be seen as rewarding their fearful behaviour and an easy way to cause a lifetime of phobias.

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

This isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.

Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you have been doing and introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that will help them accept the world outside when they reach the age of.

Take in a car. German Shepherds aren't known for being comfortable in vehicles, so if you can get them used to driving early on it will simplify your road trips.

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

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can harm the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. For instance running, jumping and a lot of play can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can lead to problems later on in life.

Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than other breeds. This is because they were designed to help herd livestock. As such, they will have a strong herding instinct and a desire to complete the job in hand.

They are highly trainable and quick learners due to their breeding for work. They are also naturally guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and are quick to act to protect their loved ones. This is why they are excellent service dogs, helping police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile places.

A good way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and allow him to be social with dogs. This is a great method to encourage good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.

A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with a white chest and belly.