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.
schäferhunde kaufen shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds have some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to prevent passing hereditary illnesses to their pups such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems with large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause an unsteady gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters, and then advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medication and rehabilitation exercises and surgery.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will need regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other diseases. They will need a healthy diet that supports heart health by providing a mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, like multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure area. They should avoid running especially near a jogger or bicycle as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy, adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise a day to stay fit. Insurance for pets is a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. 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 they are quick to learn and extremely trainable. They take their job serious, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and work ethic is provided with a means to express it. But, as with all breeds they require a lot of and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition as well as their heightened sense of security and alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve all members of the family. This is a very family-oriented breed that will develop a strong bond with the principal handler. It is essential to begin training as early as possible, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and pick them up quickly. Nevertheless, their high ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly directed. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and help reduce any destructive behavior that may arise due to their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are prone to be cautious of people who are not members of their immediate family. They need to socialized at a young age to limit the potential for aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive which can be overemphasized if they are not appropriately socialized.
For instance, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on the vehicle that is passing by, or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for some individuals, it's a normal behavior and should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to play with. They will be taught that interfacing with other people and animals is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization, during which they learn about the world and form connections that influence how they see new experiences, often for the rest of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new environments and people as quickly as you can.
When you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and objects.
The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid or scared, they'll associate the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for life. Also, you must protect from the common error of trying to soothe or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior which is a sure way to create a lifetime of phobias.
You can begin by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are a few suggestions to get you going:
It's not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when another dog is around. This helps them be a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés or even shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you've been doing and introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that can help them accept the world outside when they reach the age of.
Driving in a car German Shepherds are not known for their ease in cars, so getting them familiar with a car early on can make your road trips much easier!
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. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping and a lot of play can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This may lead to problems later in life.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are prone to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were bred to herd animals. They will have a strong desire to herd and are eager to finish the job.
Because they were bred to work quickly, they are quick to learn and extremely trainable. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and will react quickly to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs who can aid police in drug-sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
An effective method to help 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 meet other dogs. It is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him the basics of commands that will prove useful in the future.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that is hard in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to another, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have a black or dark brown coat that has a white chest.