How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

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

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking healthy and shiny.

Health

German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they have a few health issues. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure that they do not pass hereditary illnesses to their puppies such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include digestive disorders.

Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause a sluggish gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with hindquarters instability and progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments, which could include rehabilitation exercises, medication or surgery can help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.

German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an autoimmune corneal disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated properly. These conditions require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.

German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the heart and lungs of your puppy using a stethoscope in his yearly physical exam.

Puppies and teenagers 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 not run especially close to a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should exercise for Blaue SchäFerhunde a short period of time each day, reinrassiger deutscher schäFerhund welpe depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or buy A german shepherd puppy illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian so you can concentrate on providing the best possible care for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely trainable. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs as police officers, service animals and many more - and thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence, and work ethic. But, like any breed dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor and their increased sense of alertness and protectiveness.

The whole family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will develop a strong bond with its primary handler. It is crucial to begin training as early as you can, so your puppy will be a sociable and well-behaved companion in adulthood.

German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands with ease. However, their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly controlled. Intensive 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 arise due to their natural inclinations and instincts.

GSDs can be cautious of people who aren't part of their immediate family. They must be socialized early in order to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting which can be overemphasized when they aren't appropriately socialized.

For example, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on a vehicle passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a cause for concern to some, it is in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. In turn they will be taught that being around humans and animals is enjoyable and not scary or dangerous.

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 important to introduce them to new surroundings and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen people as quickly as you can.

Once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process and developing your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and objects.

The most important thing is to expose them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment, where they can build confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid they might interpret the experience with being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. It is also important to shield from the common blunders of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause a lifetime of phobias.

Start by taking note of the items on your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you going:

Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on the dog that is in the vicinity. This helps them to be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.

Find pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a cake and coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you've been doing and also introduce them new sights, sounds, smells and textures that will help them accept the world outside when they reach the age of.

Drive in a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly comfortable in vehicles and, therefore, if you get them used to driving early on it can make your road trips easier.

Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will help them get comfortable in these places as adults and could be an excellent chance to practice recall games.

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot, for example, can cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues later on in life.

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

Because they were bred for work, they are quick learners and highly capable of training. They are also natural guard dogs with an acute sense of danger and will act quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.

Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with mental stimulation and also the chance to socialize with other dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands that will come in handy later on.

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