How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a popular breed in America. They are wonderful family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders test their dogs for genetic ailments, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities or allergies.
schäferhund welpe kaufen may affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes an unsteady drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching nerves that transmit signals to the dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hind quarters and develop into weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises and surgical procedures.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an autoimmune corneal condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated properly. Your dog will need regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other ailments. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fats and balanced vitamins, as well as a mix that promotes the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can assess the lungs and heart of your puppy using a stethoscope in his yearly physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, including frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected area. It is best to avoid running especially near a jogger or bicycle as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise a day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd, since it can help provide veterinary care for unexpected injuries and 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, quick learners and extremely trained. They take their jobs very serious, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and work ethic is given a outlet. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and continuous training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition as well as their heightened sense of alertness and protectiveness.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort and should include the entire family. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form a strong bond with the primary handler. It is important to start training as soon 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 quickly. Their high intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if it is not properly directed. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and help reduce any destructive behavior that may result from their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs can be wary of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to socialized at an early age so that they can reduce the possibility of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.
GSDs may engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a car or pedestrians walking on a path or through parks. While this can be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to interact with. In turn they will discover that being around other humans as well as animals is fun and not a danger.
deutscher schäferhund pflege are socialized for a short period of time. During this time, they learn about their world and form connections that will influence how they view new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new situations and people as quickly as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and things.
The trick 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 scared or frightened, they will be able to connect the experience with being scared and could be afraid of the particular thing for life. You must also prevent them from making the mistake of encouraging to encourage or comfort those who are scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
You can start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's also about teaching them how to calm down and focus on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sights and sounds as well as smells and textures. This will allow them to accept the world around them once they are grown.
Use a car. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in cars, so if you can get them comfortable with driving from a young age, it will make your road trips easier.
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 excellent occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot for instance, could cause strain on the developing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as they grow older.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were developed to herd livestock. Therefore, they have a strong herding instinct and a desire to complete the job in hand.
Because they were bred for work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and highly trainable. They are also natural guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they are quick to act to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs who can aid police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.
An effective 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 as well as the opportunity to meet other dogs. This is also an excellent chance to promote positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will be useful in the future.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in other. The length of the hair will vary from one dog to another, but will be usually between 4-6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.