How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They are great family pets and are also great working dogs.

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and keeps the coat clean and healthy.

Health

German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Breeders with a good reputation screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues and food sensitivities or allergies.

Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a weak, Deutscher SchäFerhund Lebenserwartung drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters, and then progress to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise, and even surgery.

German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or schäferhund welpen Kaufen schweiz Pannus. It is an autoimmune corneal condition that can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. Your dog will need regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that promotes heart health with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical examination.

German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe protected space. They should not run, particularly beside the bicycle or jogger as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should exercise a few hours a day, based 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 injuries and illnesses. Insurance for pets gives you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus only on the health of your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and extremely capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals and many more. They thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence and work ethic. Like all breeds, require continual and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor deutsche SchäFerhunde kaufen and to be alert.

The entire family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed that forms a strong bond with the main handler. It is important to start training as soon as you can so that your puppy can be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.

German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands easily. However, deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and schäferhund kaufen öSterreich intensive puppy training program designed to assist your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and dispositions.

GSDs may be cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to socialized at a young age so that they can reduce the potential for aggression and Deutscher SchäFerhund Lebenserwartung inappropriate behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive, which can be exaggerated if not properly managed with frequent ongoing positive socialization.

GSDs may be agitated or bark in response to a passing vehicle or other people walking along the road or in a park. Although this could be a cause for concern to some, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and people isn't dangerous or frightening.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. In this period they get to know their environment and make connections that influence how they view new experiences. This can last for the remainder of their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as you can.

Your breeder should have started this process for you, but once you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.

It is essential to share these experiences with them in a controlled, safe environment that makes them feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened they might associate the experience with being scared and become fearful for life. It is also important to shield them from the common mistake of trying to soothe or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior - which is a sure way to trigger the habit of having phobias for life.

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

Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to calm down and pay attention to you when a dog is in the vicinity. This helps them be a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.

Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you've been doing and also introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that can help them accept the outside world once they're fully grown.

Car driving - German Shepherds are not known for their ease in cars, so getting them familiar with a car in the beginning can make your road trips more enjoyable!

Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will help them get at ease in these environments as adults and can be an ideal occasion to practice recall games.

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. However, it is important to be balanced as excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For example running, jumping and a lot of play can strain a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues as an adult.

The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. They were bred to herd livestock. They will have a strong desire to herd and be eager to finish the job.

Because they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and extremely trainable. They are also guard dogs with an acute sense of danger and are quick to act to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile places.

Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to meet other dogs. This is a great way to keep your dog in good behavior pup and teach him some basic commands.

A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in other. The length of the hair may vary from dog to dog however, it will usually be between 4 and Deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen 6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with a white chest and belly.