How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds in America. They make great pets for families as well as working dogs.

German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot in the spring and summer. Regularly brushing using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and helps keep the coat looking healthy and shiny.

Health

German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders, 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. The vertebrae of the neck narrow, causing nerves to be pinched which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters and can develop into weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medication as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise, and surgery.

German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. reinrassiger schäferhund is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated properly. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet containing omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins, as well as a mix that promotes heart health is required. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart with the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.

Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, like numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure area. They should avoid running especially close to bikes or joggers as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy adult German Shepherds require a bit of exercise a day to stay fit. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in the health of your German Shepherd as it will help to pay for veterinary treatment for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Insurance for pets gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind, allowing you to focus entirely on the care of your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart quick learners and extremely trainable. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs as police officers, service animals, and so much more. They thrive when they have a outlet for their energy, intelligence and dedication to work. Like all breeds, require ongoing and intensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.

The entire family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form a strong bond with the principal handler. It is crucial to start with your puppy as soon as possible so that he will grow up to be a well and well-behaved pet.

German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and master new commands with ease. Their intelligence is high and can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly controlled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and help reduce any destructive behavior that could arise due to their natural instincts and inclinations.

GSDs are typically beware of people outside of their immediate family and need to be socialized at a young age to reduce their risk of aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated when not properly managed by regular positive socialization.

For instance, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on a vehicle passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for some, it is in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. As a result they will discover that being around other people and animals is fun and not a danger.

Socialization


German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization that allows them to learn about the world and make connections that shape how they perceive new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations at an early age.

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

It is important to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel afraid, they may associate the experience as being scared and become fearful for life. You should also protect from the pitfalls of encouraging or calming them when they're scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding fearful behaviour and can cause a lifetime fear.

Start by checking off some items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some suggestions to help you get 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 when a dog is around. This helps them be an empathetic, calm pet when they get older.

Seek out pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a cake and coffee date! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will allow them adjust to the outside world once they are grown.

Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in vehicles and so getting them familiar with a car in the beginning can make your road trips easier!

Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy become comfortable in these environments as an adult, and could be a great way to work on retrieval games.

Exercise

In addition to a healthy diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can damage the bones of puppies. For instance running, jumping, and playing for a long time can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This may lead to problems as they grow older.

The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. This is because they were designed to manage livestock. As such, they will have an instinct for herding and a desire to complete the job at hand.

Because they were bred for work quickly, they are quick to learn and extremely capable of being trained. They are also naturally guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and will act quickly to protect their family members. They are also great service dogs who can aid police in drug-sniffing security, search and rescue.

Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and let him 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 prove useful later on.

A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that is rough in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to the next however, it will usually be between 4 to 6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.