How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds in America. They are great for pets for the family and Deutscher schäFerhund welpen kaufen are great as a working dog.

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Health

German Shepherds have a few health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will screen their dogs to avoid passing on 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 and digestive disorders.

Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. This occurs when the cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching the nerves which send signals to the dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters and can advance to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medication as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise, and even surgery.

Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if it is not properly managed. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.

As with other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the heart and lungs of your puppy using a stethoscope in his yearly physical exam.

Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them for multiple walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in a safe, enclosed space. They should not run in close proximity to jogger, or a bicycle, as this can damage their growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy adult German Shepherds require a bit of exercise a day to stay fit. Pet insurance can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind to you and deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung deutscher schäferhund pflege welpen kaufen (lovewiki.faith site) your veterinarian which allows you to concentrate on providing the best possible treatment for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen (http://bbs.theviko.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=2392056) and highly trained. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs police officers, service animals and many more - and thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence and work ethic. They, like all breeds, require continuous and intense training to keep a friendly, compliant demeanor and to be alert.

The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very familial breed and Deutscher SchäFerhund Pflege will form a strong bond with the main handler. It is crucial to start with your puppy as soon as possible so that he can grow to be a good behaved companion.

German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and learn them quickly. Their intelligence is high and can lead to a stubbornness however, if it is not properly directed. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand, and help reduce any destructive behavior that might result from their natural inclinations and instincts.

GSDs are usually cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require to be socialized at a young age to reduce their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled by regular positive socialization.

For example there are many GSDs who bark or lunge at the vehicle that is passing by, or at people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to play with. In turn, they will learn that being around other humans and animals is enjoyable and not scary or dangerous.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window that allows them to learn about the world and form connections that influence how they view new experiences - often throughout their lives. It is essential to expose them to new surroundings and people as soon as possible.

After you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility for continuing the process and developing your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and Deutsche schäferhundwelpen objects.

It is crucial to present these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel scared or frightened, they will think of the experience as fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for life. You must also prevent them from making the error of encouraging or calming them when they're afraid. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and could cause a lifetime of phobia.

Start by checking off a few items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are a few ideas to get you going:

This isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when another dog is nearby. This helps them be an empathetic, calm pet, even when they're older.

Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you've been doing and introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells and textures that can help them to accept the world around them when they are fully grown.

Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in cars and so getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much more enjoyable!

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 become comfortable in these places as adults and could be an ideal chance to practice recall games.

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of young puppies. For example, jumping, running and playing a lot can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as they grow older.

Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is because they were designed to help herd livestock. This means they have an innate herding instinct and a desire to complete the job.

They are highly trainable and quick learners due to their breeding to work. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and can quickly react to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs who can aid police in drug-sniffing, security and search and rescue.

One method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to interact with other dogs. This is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands that will be useful later on.

A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that's harsh in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will vary from dog to dog however, it will usually be between 4 to 6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup, but most German Shepherds have dark brown or black coat with a white chest.