How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are great for pets for the family and are great as a working dog. German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keeps the coat healthy and shiny. Health German Shepherds may have some health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs for genetic ailments, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues and food sensitivities, or allergies. Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a sluggish gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. This happens when the cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters and can progress to weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which may involve rehabilitation exercises, medication, or surgery can ensure that your dog lives longer and live more comfortably. Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions. Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet rich in omega fats balanced vitamins and a mix that promotes heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical exam. Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, like multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe, enclosed area. It is best to avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger, as this can damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Adult German Shepherds should be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in your German Shepherd's well-being because it will to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog. Training German Shepherds are smart quick learners and extremely capable of being trained. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs police officers, service animals and much more. They thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence, and work ethic. But, as with navigate to this website , these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor and their increased sense of alertness and protectiveness. The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed that will develop bonds with their main handler. It is essential to begin with your puppy as soon as you can so that he can grow to be a good and well-behaved pet. German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and pick them up quickly. However, their high level of ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly channeled. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, like 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 tendencies. GSDs may be wary of people who are not members of their immediate family. They need to socialized early so that they can reduce the risk of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also have a tendency to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated if not properly managed with frequent ongoing positive socialization. GSDs may engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a passing vehicle or pedestrians walking on a path or through the park. While this may be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to get along with. They will be taught that interfacing with other people and animals isn't dangerous or frightening. Socialization German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. During this time they are exposed to their world and develop connections that affect how they view new experiences. This can last the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations at an early age. Your breeder should have begun this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to continue the process, building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and things. It is essential to present these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment that makes them feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel threatened they might interpret the experience with fear and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. It is important to keep them from making the error of encouraging to encourage or comfort them when they're scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and can cause a lifetime fear. You can begin by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started: It's not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them to be calm and focus on you even when another dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm and peaceful 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 have been doing and also introduce them new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the world around them once they're fully grown. Car driving - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in cars So getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much easier! Take a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or the garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult and can be a great way to practice retrieval games. Exercise In addition to a good diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be balanced as excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of young puppies. For instance running, jumping, and playing a lot can put strain on a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This may lead to problems later in life. The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is because they were bred to herd livestock. This means they have an instinct for herding and an eagerness to do the job in hand. They are extremely trainable and quick learners due to their breeding to be work-oriented. They are also instinctual guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and can react quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing as well as security and search and rescue. An effective method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to interact with other dogs. This is a great way to reinforce good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands. A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that is rough in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with a white chest and belly.
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