How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

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

German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the summer and spring. Brushing often with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can reduce shedding and help keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Health

German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have a few health issues. Breeders with a good reputation test their dogs for genetic ailments, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities or allergies.

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 hind quarters and develop into weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation and surgical procedures.

Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if it is not properly managed. These conditions will require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.

German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich öSterreich - ltlmjx.com - dilated cardiomyopathy, and other diseases. A healthy diet rich in omega fats, balanced vitamins and a blend that supports the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can evaluate your puppy's heart and lungs using a stethoscope in his annual physical examination.

Puppies and teens with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them for multiple walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within a safe, enclosed space. They should avoid running close to jogger, or a bicycle, as this can damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Depending on their energy level, adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise a day to stay fit. Pet insurance can be an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind for you and your veterinarian allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality treatment for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and highly capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs police officers, service animals and much more - and thrive when given an outlet for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. But, as with all breeds they require a lot of and continuous training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their heightened sense of security and alertness.

The entire family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. This is a very familial breed and will form bonds with their main handler. It is essential to begin training your puppy as early as possible so that he will grow into a well behaved pet.

German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn them quickly. Their high intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program designed to assist your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and minimize any destructive behaviors as a result their natural instincts and dispositions.

GSDs may be wary of people who aren't part of their immediate family. They require socialization at an early age to limit the risk of aggressive behavior reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund Welpen Kaufen schweiz; svt-svetotronika.ru, and SchäFerhund kaufen österreich inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated if not properly managed with regular positive socialization.

For instance, many GSDs will 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 others and animals to interact with. As a result they will discover that being around other humans and animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.

Socialization

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

Your breeder should have begun this for you, however when you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process, building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and experiences.

The key is to expose them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can build confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid they might associate the experience with fear and become fearful for life. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to soothe, encourage or encourage them when they're scared as this can be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior which is an easy way to cause the habit of having phobias for life.

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

This isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to calm down and concentrate on you when another dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.

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

Drive in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally comfortable in vehicles, so if you can get them used to driving at an early age, it will make your road trips easier.

Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy become comfortable in these environments as an adult and can be a great time to practice retrieval games.

Exercise

Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. For instance running, jumping, and playing for a long time can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems as an adult.

Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were developed to manage livestock. As such, they will have an innate herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job.

Because they were bred for work quickly, they are quick to learn and highly trainable. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and they are quick to act to protect their loved ones. This is why they make excellent service dogs, aiding police in drug-sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile locations.

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

A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in other. The length of the coat may vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches. The color will also vary from pup to pup, but most German Shepherds have dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.