Are You Getting The Most You Purebred German Shepherd?
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They are wonderful family pets as well as working dogs. German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake will reduce the amount of shed, and keep the coat healthy and shiny. Health German Shepherds are afflicted with a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders will test their dogs to prevent passing on hereditary diseases to their pups such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include digestive disorders. Hereditary neurological conditions can 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, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to the dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters, and then develop into weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. Treatments, which may involve medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can aid your dog to live longer and live more comfortably. German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with a vet to assess these conditions. German Shepherds are prone to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. They'll require a nutritious diet that promotes the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical exam. German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, like frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure protected space. They should avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger as this could damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Based 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 in the well-being of your German Shepherd, since it can help to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also gives peace of mind for both you and your veterinarian, which allows you to concentrate on providing the best treatment for your dog. Training German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and highly trainable. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs police officers, service animals and many more – and thrive when they have a outlet for their intelligence, energy and work ethic. They, like all breeds, require continuous and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and to be alert. The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed and will form an enduring bond with the main handler. It is important to begin training your puppy as soon as you can so that he can grow into a well behaved companion. German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands quickly. Their intelligence is high and can lead to a stubbornness however, if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a targeted and intensive puppy training program that will aid your GSD stay focused on the task and reduce any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and tendencies. GSDs can be wary of people who are not members of their immediate family. They require socialization early in order to reduce the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting, which can be exaggerated if they are not properly controlled by regular positive socialization. GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a passing vehicle or people walking on the path or in the park. Although this could be a cause for concern to some, it is an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening. Socialization German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period, during which they learn about the world and form connections that shape how they perceive new experiences, often throughout their lives. Therefore, it is crucial to expose them to new people and situations as early as is possible. Your breeder should have initiated this process for you, but when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things. The most important thing is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe, controlled environment where they can develop their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid they might associate the experience with being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. You also need to protect from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as a reward for their fearful behavior which is a sure way to create a lifetime of phobias. Begin by completing the items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: It's not just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you when a dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older. Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great 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 when they reach the age of. Car driving – German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in cars So getting them used to being in a car early on can make your road trips much more enjoyable! 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 your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult and could be a great opportunity to work on retrieval games. Exercise In addition to a good diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. Jumping, running and playing a lot for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues in adulthood. The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than some other breeds. They were designed to help herd animals. This means they have a strong herding instinct and a desire to complete the job at hand. They are extremely trainable and quick learners since they were bred for work. They are also natural guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they will act quickly to protect their loved ones. This is why they make excellent service dogs, aiding the police in drug sniffing as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile locations. Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to socialize with dogs. This is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy as well as teach him the basics of commands that will be useful in the future. A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be rough in certain areas but soft in others. The length of the hair will vary from dog to dog however, it will usually be between 4 to 6 inches. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen of the coat will also vary from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have dark brown or black coat, with a chest of white.