How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

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

German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Brushing frequently with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can reduce shedding, and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Health

German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary ailments, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues and food sensitivities or allergies.

Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. The vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching nerves that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. The signs start with hindquarters instability and can progress to paralysis incontinence and loss of mobility. Treatments that may include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can help your dog live longer and more comfortably.

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

German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other illnesses. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the lungs and heart of your puppy using a stethoscope in his yearly physical exam.

Puppies and teens with German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them for multiple walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. They should not run close to bicycle or jogger, as this can damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Depending 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 can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus solely on the care of your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and extremely trainable. They take their job seriously, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and work ethic is given a outlet. Like all breeds, require ongoing and intensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and increased alertness.

Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve the entire family. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a tight bond with its primary handler. It is essential to start training your puppy as early as possible so that he grows up to be a well behaved companion.

German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands quickly. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will assist your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and minimize any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and dispositions.

GSDs are usually cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized at a young age to reduce their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also have a tendency to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.

For example some GSDs bark or lunge at vehicles passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this might be a problem 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 other people around. They will learn that interacting with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. During this time they are exposed to their world and form connections that influence how they view new experiences. This can last the remainder of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new surroundings and people as soon as you can.

Your breeder should have begun this for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your puppy's confidence to interact with new things and people.

It is essential to introduce these experiences to them in a safe, controlled environment where they feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel afraid, they may associate the experience with fear and become fearful for life. It is important to keep them from making the error of encouraging or calming those who are scared. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and could cause a lifetime of phobia.

Start by taking note of some items on your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

This isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This helps them to be a calm, relaxed pet when they get older.

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

Use in a car. German Shepherds aren't generally comfortable in cars, so if you can get them comfortable with driving from a young age, it can make your road trips more enjoyable.

Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will allow your puppy to get comfortable in these settings as an adult and can be a great time to practice retrieval games.

Exercise

In addition to a healthy diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, it is important to be balanced as excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of young puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues when they become adults.

Your puppy's inherent drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. They were bred to herd livestock. They will have a strong desire to herd and will be eager to complete the task.


Because they were bred for work quickly, they are quick to learn and extremely capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and can act quickly to defend their loved ones. This is why they are excellent service dogs, helping police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile places.

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

A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be hard in some places but soft in other. visit the next site Links to an external site. of the hair may vary from dog to dog, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with white belly and chest.