How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

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

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.

Health

german shepherd kaufen Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have a few health issues. Breeders with a good reputation check their dogs for hereditary ailments, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues, and food sensitivities or allergies.

Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD such as 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 within the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with hindquarters instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments, which may involve medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can be found to ensure that your dog lives longer and more comfortably.

Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.

Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They'll require a nutritious diet that supports heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can evaluate the heart and lungs of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical examination.

Puppies and teens with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies in an enclosed, safe space. They should avoid running 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 will require a couple of hours of exercise each day to keep their fitness. Pet insurance is a good investment in the health of your German Shepherd, since it can help pay for veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. Insurance for pets gives you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus solely on the care of your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and extremely trainable. They take their job serious, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and drive are provided with a means to express it. They, like all breeds, require ongoing and intensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.

Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should include the entire family. This is a very familial breed that will develop an enduring bond with the main handler. It is essential to begin training as early as you can to ensure that your puppy will be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.

German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands easily. However, their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly controlled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and reduce any destructive behavior that could arise as a result of their natural instincts and inclinations.

GSDs are typically cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family and need to be socialized at an early age to lessen their risk of aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting, which can be overemphasized if they are not well-socialized.

For example there are many GSDs who bark or lunge at the vehicle that is passing by, or people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for some, it's actually a very normal behavior and should be encouraged as it will teach your german shepherd kaufen Shepherd that there are other animals and people to get along with. In turn, they will learn that being around other people and animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. In this period they get to know their world and develop connections that influence the way they perceive new experiences. This can last the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people at an early age.

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

It is essential to present these experiences to them in a controlled, Reinrassiger Deutscher schäFerhund secure environment that makes them feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel scared, they may associate the experience with being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. You also need to protect from the common blunders of trying to soothe or encourage them when they are frightened 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.

Start by checking off the items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

This isn't just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you when a dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm and deutschen schäferhund kaufen peaceful family dog as they grow older.

Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sights and sounds scents, textures, and smells. This will allow them adjust to the world around them after they have grown.

Take in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in vehicles So if you can make them comfortable driving early on, it will simplify your road trips.

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

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. It is important to do this in moderation, since excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping and a lot of play can put strain on a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as an adult.

The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. This is because they were designed to herd livestock. This means they have a strong herding instinct and a desire to complete the job in hand.

Since they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and highly trainable. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and can act quickly to defend their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that can assist police in drug-sniffing security, 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 let him socialize with dogs. It is also a great chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will be useful later on.

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