How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

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

German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the summer and spring. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keeps the coat shiny and healthy.

Health

German Shepherds have some health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will test their dogs to ensure that they do not pass on hereditary diseases to their pups like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include bloat and digestive issues.

Our Web Site may affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. Our Web Site happens when the cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hind quarters and progress to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. Treatments, which could include rehabilitation exercises, medication, or surgery, are available to ensure that your dog lives longer and live a more comfortable life.

German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.

German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other illnesses. They require a balanced diet that promotes heart health with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart with a stethoscope as part of his annual physical exam.

Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, including numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed area. They should avoid running close to jogger, or a bicycle as this could damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds should be active for a few hours each day, depending on their energy levels. Pet insurance can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the highest quality care for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are intelligent they are quick to learn and highly adept at training. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and drive are allowed to shine. Like all breeds, require ongoing and extensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.

Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve the entire family. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a close relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is important to start training as soon as you can, so your puppy will be a sociable and well-behaved companion in adulthood.

German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn quickly. Their intelligence is high and can lead to a stubbornness however, if it is not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program designed to assist your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and inclinations.

GSDs may be wary of people who are not part of their immediate family. They require socialization at a young age so that they can reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting which can be overemphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.

GSDs can be agitated or bark in response to a passing vehicle or other people walking along the road or in the park. Although this could be a cause for concern to certain people, it's in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will learn that interacting with other animals and humans is not dangerous or scary.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. During this time they get to know their environment and make connections that affect how they view new experiences. This can last for the rest of their life. It is essential to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as possible.

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


The key is to expose them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can build their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened they might interpret the experience with being scared and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent them from making the mistake of encouraging or calming those who are scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and can cause a lifetime fear.

Start by taking note of a few items from your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few 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 how to calm down and pay attention to you while another dog is around. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm pet when they get older.

Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you've been practicing and also introduce them new sights, sounds, smells and textures that can aid them in adjusting to the world outside when they reach the age of.

Take in a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly comfortable in vehicles So if you can make them comfortable driving from a young age, it will make your road trips easier.

Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help them become at ease in these environments as they grow older and is a a good occasion to practice recall games.

Exercise

In addition to a healthy diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play for example, can stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems when they become adults.

Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is because they were developed to help herd livestock. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and will be eager to complete the task.

They are extremely trainable and quick learners due to their breeding for work. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen sense of danger and are able to respond quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.

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

A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be hard in some places but soft in other. The length of the coat can vary from dog to pup but it will usually be between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with a white chest and belly.