How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a popular breed in America. They are great family pets and are also great working dogs.
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 undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs for genetic ailments, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD such as Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes a weak drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. This occurs when the cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters and can advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise, and even surgery.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can cause blindness if not treated properly. These conditions require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. A healthy diet containing omega fatty acids balanced vitamins and a mix that promotes the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart and lungs by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical examination.
Puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed area. They should avoid running, particularly beside the bicycle or jogger as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy adult German Shepherds require a couple of hours of exercise each day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets can be 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 only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners and highly 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 all breeds dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protection.
The whole family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. It is a very family-oriented breed that will develop a strong bond with the primary handler. It is essential to begin training as early as possible so that your puppy can be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn them quickly. Their intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program designed to assist your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and minimize any destructive behaviors as a result their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs may be wary of people who are not members of their immediate family. They require socialization at an early age so that they can reduce the potential for aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated if not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a passing vehicle or pedestrians walking on a path or through parks. While this may be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to get along with. In turn they will discover that being around other humans as well as animals is fun and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window that allows them to learn about the world and make connections that shape how they perceive new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. It is essential to expose them to new situations and people as quickly as you can.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process, building your pup's confidence to meet new people and experiences.
The most important thing is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can build their trust and not feel threatened or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or frightened, they will associate the experience with being scared and could be afraid of the particular thing for life. It is important to keep them from making the mistake of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're afraid. More inspiring ideas can be seen as rewarding behavior that is fearful and create a lifetime phobia.
You can begin by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
This isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you when another dog is around. This helps them be an empathetic, calm pet, even when they're older.
Look for places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a cake and coffee date! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures. This will assist them to be more comfortable with the outside world once they are grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in cars So getting them used to driving in a car early on can make your road trips more enjoyable!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy get comfortable in these settings as an adult and could be a great time to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping and playing a lot can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems when they become adults.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to manage livestock. This means they have an innate herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job in hand.
Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and extremely trainable. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and will respond quickly to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs that aid police in drug-sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
An effective way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. This is a great way to reinforce good behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands.
A well-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 coat may vary from dog to dog but it will usually be between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with the chest and belly being white.