How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are wonderful family pets as well as working dogs.

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

Health

German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Breeders with good reputations will check their dogs for health issues to prevent passing hereditary diseases to their puppies such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities, or allergies.

Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes a weak gait that resembles drunkenness 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. The symptoms begin with hindquarters instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence, and loss of mobility. Treatments, which could include rehabilitation exercises, medication, or surgery can be found to ensure that your dog lives longer and more comfortably.

German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. These conditions will require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.

German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other diseases. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fatty acids, balanced vitamins and an array of foods that support the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can evaluate your puppy's heart and lungs using a stethoscope in his annual physical exam.

Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them for multiple walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within a safe, enclosed space. It is best to avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger as this could damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds must exercise a few hours a day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd as it will help provide veterinary care for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best possible treatment for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and highly trained. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are given a outlet. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to keep their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhundaltdeutscher schäferhund kaufen welpe kaufen; Somo.global, protectiveness.

Training a German Shepherd is a team effort that should include the entire family. This is a very familial breed and will form bonds with their main handler. It is essential to begin with your puppy as soon as you can so that he grows up to be a well behaved companion.

German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can learn them quickly. However, their intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if not properly controlled. Intensive 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 reduce any destructive behavior that could arise as a result of their natural inclinations and instincts.

GSDs may be apprehensive of people who are not part of their immediate family. They must be socialized at a young age to limit the potential for aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting which can be overemphasized if they are not well-socialized.

For instance there are many GSDs who bark or lunge at vehicles passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a cause for concern to some, it is an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It teaches your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. They will learn that interaction with other animals and humans is not dangerous or scary.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period in which they are exposed to about the world around them and make connections that shape how they view new experiences - often throughout their lives. It is important to introduce them to new environments and people as quickly as possible.

Once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process and building your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and objects.

The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure, controlled environment where they can build their trust and not feel threatened or overwhelmed. If they feel scared or frightened, they will think of the experience as being afraid and may then be afraid of that specific thing for the rest of their lives. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened because this could be perceived as a way to reward their fearful behavior which is an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.

Start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you 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 will aid them in becoming a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.

Look for pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and Deutscher SchäFerhund Kaufen Schweiz take your puppy out for a coffee and cake date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle-training you've been practicing and also introduce them new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can help them to accept the world outside once they're fully grown.

Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in vehicles and so getting them used to driving in the car early can make your road trips more enjoyable!

Take a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these places as they grow older and is a 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 carefully balanced because excessive exercise can damage the bones of puppies. For example running, jumping and a lot of play can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues in adulthood.

The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. They were born to herd livestock. As such, they will have an instinct for herding and a keenness to perform the job at hand.

They are extremely trainable and quick learners due to their breeding to work. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and are quick to act to protect their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.

Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to interact with other dogs. It is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will prove useful in the future.

A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be harsh in some areas but soft in other. The length of the hair will vary from one dog to the next however, it will usually be between 4 and 6 inches. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup, but the majority of German Shepherds sport a black or dark brown coat, with a chest of white.