How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

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

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat clean and healthy.

Health

German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they do have a few health issues. Reputable breeders check their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat and food sensitivities or allergies.

Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters, and then develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medications and rehabilitation exercises, and even surgery.

German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an autoimmune corneal condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.

schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other ailments. They require a balanced diet that supports the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart using an 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 an enclosed, safe space. They should avoid running especially near bikes or joggers, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise a few hours a day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets 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, allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality treatment for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and highly capable of being trained. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs police officers, service animals and much more. They thrive when they have a outlet for their energy, intelligence, and work ethic. However, just like all breeds, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of alertness and protectiveness.

The entire family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will develop a strong relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is essential to begin training as soon as you can, so your puppy will be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.

German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can pick them up quickly. However, their high level of ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly channeled. 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 diminish any destructive behaviors that may arise due to their natural instincts and inclinations.

GSDs may be wary of those who aren't part of their immediate family. They must be socialized at a young age to limit the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also tend to hunting and prey-drive and can become over-emphasized in the absence of being appropriately socialized.

For instance, many GSDs will bark or lunge at vehicles passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to get along with. They will learn that interaction with other animals and people is not dangerous or scary.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization that allows them to learn about the world and form connections that shape how they view new experiences, often for the rest 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 process for you, but when you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process of building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and experiences.


It is essential to share these experiences with them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel threatened they might interpret the experience with being scared and become fearful for life. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.

Start by taking note of the items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Meet other dogs - this isn't only 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 close by. This helps them to be a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.

Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle-training you've been practicing and also introduce them new sights, sounds, smells and textures that can help them accept the outside world once they're fully grown.

Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in cars So getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much more enjoyable!

Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser or vet centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these settings as they grow older and is a a good occasion to practice recall games.

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a balanced diet. But, this should be carefully balanced because excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of young puppies. For example running, jumping and playing a lot can put strain on the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This may lead to problems in adulthood.

Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is because they were bred to manage livestock. Therefore, they have an innate herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job.

They are highly trainable and fast learners due to their breeding for work. They are also natural guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and will act quickly to protect their loved ones. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other prominent locations.

Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation and also the chance to meet other dogs. This is a great method to keep your dog in good behavior dog and teach him basic commands.

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