How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy


German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets and working dogs.

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keeps the coat shiny and healthy.

Health

German Shepherds may have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will test their dogs to ensure that they do not pass hereditary illnesses to their puppies, such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.

Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching nerves which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters, and then progress to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. Treatments that may include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery, are available to help your dog live longer and live a more comfortable life.

Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that could lead to blindness if not managed properly. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt should undergo regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.

As with other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. They'll require a nutritious diet that supports heart health by providing a mix of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the lungs and heart of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical exam.

Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, like multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected space. They should avoid running, especially next to a bicycle or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones as they grow. Based on their level of energy adult German Shepherds need a few hours of exercise every day to stay fit. Insurance for pets can be an investment that is beneficial for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance provides you and your vet peace of mind, allowing you to focus entirely on the care of your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and extremely capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs, police officers, service animals, and much more - and thrive when given a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. But, like any breed, these pups require extensive and ongoing training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of security and alertness.

Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve the entire family. This is a very family-oriented breed that will develop a strong bond with the main handler. It is essential to begin training as early as you can, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.

German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and master new commands easily. Their intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if not properly channeled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and reduce any destructive behavior that could result from their natural instincts and tendencies.

GSDs are prone to be cautious of those who aren't part of their immediate family. They need to socialized at a young age in order to reduce the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized if they are not appropriately socialized.

GSDs may engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a vehicle passing by or other people walking along the path or in the park. While this might be a problem to some, 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. As a result, they will learn that being around other people as well as animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period, during which they learn about the world and make connections that shape how they perceive new experiences, often for the rest of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new environments and people as soon as you can.

After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.

It is essential to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment that makes them feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened they might associate the experience with being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. You should also protect from the pitfalls of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're afraid. This could be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and could cause a lifetime of phobia.

Begin by completing some items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

It's not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to relax and focus on you when another dog is nearby. This helps them be a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.

schäferhund beschützerinstinkt out dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy out for a cake and coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle-training you've been doing and introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells and textures that can help them accept the outside world once they're fully grown.

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

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

Exercise

Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can cause damage to the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play for example, can cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can lead to problems when they become adults.

Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. This is because they were developed to manage livestock. As such, they will have a strong herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job in hand.

Since they were bred to work quickly, they are quick to learn and are highly capable of training. They are also instinctual guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and can react quickly to protect their family members. This is why they make excellent service dogs, helping police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other prominent locations.

An effective method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and allow him to socialize with dogs. This is a great method to keep your dog in good behavior pup and teach him some basic commands.

A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in others. The length of the coat will vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with the chest and belly being white.