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 shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders check their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive issues.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hind quarters and develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgical procedures.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that could lead to blindness if not managed properly. These conditions will require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds may be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that supports heart health with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on multiple walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in an enclosed, safe space. They should avoid running especially near the bicycle or jogger as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level adult German Shepherds require a couple of hours of exercise a day to maintain fitness. Pet insurance can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind to both you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the best possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and extremely trainable. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. But, like any breed, these pups require extensive and continuous training to maintain their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their heightened sense of alertness and protectiveness.
Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should include the entire family. This breed is very family-oriented and will develop a strong relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is important to start training as early as you can so that your puppy can be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands quickly. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if they are not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program designed to assist your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and reduce destructive behavior because of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are typically wary of people outside their immediate family. They need to be socialized at an early age to limit their risk of aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting that can become exaggerated when not properly managed by regular positive socialization.
For schäferhundwelpen engage in a barking or snarling attack on the vehicle that is passing by, or at people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for certain 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 animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window, during which they learn about the world and form connections that influence how they see new experiences - usually throughout their lives. It is important to introduce them to new situations and people as soon as you can.
Your breeder should have started this process for you, but once you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your puppy's confidence in meeting new things and people.
It is essential to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel threatened or frightened, they will think of the experience as being scared and could be afraid of the specific thing for the rest of their lives. You should also protect them from making the error of encouraging or calming those who are scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding behavior that is fearful and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
Start by checking off the items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's also about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on the dog that is around. This will help them become a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you've been doing and also introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells and textures that will help them to accept the outside world once they're fully grown.
Car driving - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in cars So getting them used to driving in the car early can make your road trips simpler!
Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or a garden centre. This will help them become comfortable in these places as adults and can be an excellent occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can harm the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot for example, can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as they grow older.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a working breed, 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 a desire to complete the job.
Because they were bred for work, they are quick learners and extremely capable of being trained. They are also guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and can quickly react to protect their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs who can aid police in drug-sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to interact with other dogs. This is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will be useful later on.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur may be rough in certain areas but soft in other. The length of the coat will differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup but the majority of German Shepherds sport dark brown or black coat with a white chest.