How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

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

German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily in the spring and summer. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.

Health

German Shepherds may have some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing hereditary illnesses to their pups like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.

Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD, blaue schäFerhunde including Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause a weak drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters, and then advance to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include medication, rehabilitation exercise programs or surgery, are available to ensure that your dog lives longer and live more comfortably.

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

As with other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet rich in omega fats and balanced vitamins, as well as a mix that promotes heart health is required. Your veterinarian can assess the heart of your puppy using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.

German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, Deutsche SchäFerhunde Kaufen including multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure space. It is best to avoid running, particularly beside bikes or joggers as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy adult German Shepherds require a bit of exercise every day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets can be an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian which allows you to concentrate on providing the highest quality care for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely trained. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and much more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy and work ethic. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition as well as their enhanced sense of security and alertness.

Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve the entire family. This is a very familial breed that will develop bonds with their main handler. It is crucial to begin training your puppy as early as you can to ensure that he will grow to be a good and well-behaved pet.

German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands quickly. Their intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and deutscher Schäferhund kaufen öSterreich intensive puppy training program that can help your GSD remain focused on the task and minimize any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and tendencies.

GSDs may be apprehensive of people who are not part of their immediate family. They must be socialized early to limit the possibility of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting which can be overemphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.

For example, many GSDs will bark or lunge at the vehicle that is passing by, or other people on a path or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for some, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. In turn, they will learn that being around other people as well as animals is fun and not a danger.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. In this period they are exposed to their world and form connections that affect the way they see new experiences. This could last for the rest of their life. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new people and situations at an early age.

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

The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can build their trust and not feel threatened or overwhelmed. If they feel scared they might interpret the experience as being scared and become fearful for life. You must also prevent from the pitfalls of encouraging to encourage or comfort them when they're afraid. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and could cause a lifetime of phobia.

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

It's not just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to relax and focus on you when another dog is nearby. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm family dog when they are older.

Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, deutsche Schäferhunde kaufen or shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the settle-training you've been doing and also introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells and textures that will help them to accept the outside world when they are fully grown.

Drive in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in vehicles So if you can get them used to driving early on it will make your road trips more enjoyable.

Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will allow them to become at ease in these environments as adults and could be an ideal occasion to practice recall games.

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For instance running, jumping, and a lot of play can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can lead to problems later on in life.

Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and Deutscher schäferhund pflege exercise they require. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to help herd livestock. Therefore, they have an innate herding instinct and a desire to complete the job.

They are extremely trainable and quick learners because they were bred to work. They are also naturally guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and can quickly react to protect their family members. They are also great service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.

A good method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to interact with other dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him the basics of commands that will be useful later on.

A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be hard in some places but soft in others. The length of the coat may differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have a black or dark brown coat with a white chest.