How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are excellent pets for the family and are great as a working dog.

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing frequently with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and helps keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.

Health

German Shepherds are afflicted with a few health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, german Shepherd puppies like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues and food sensitivities, or allergies.

Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. Symptoms start with instability of the hindquarters and can develop into weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are many treatments available, including medication, exercise programs for rehabilitation and even surgery.

Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that could lead to blindness if not treated properly. These conditions will require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.

German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other ailments. They require a balanced diet that promotes heart health by providing a mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart and lungs by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical examination.

Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, including multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure area. They should avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger, as this can damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Depending on their level of energy, adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise each day to keep their fitness. Pet insurance can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate entirely on the care of your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are intelligent quick learners and extremely trainable. They take their job serious, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and drive are given a outlet. These pups, like all breeds, require ongoing and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and to be alert.

The entire family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. It is a very family-oriented breed that forms bonds with their principal handler. It is essential to start training your puppy as early as you can so that he will grow to be a good and well-behaved pet.

German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and grasp new commands easily. However, their high level of intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if they are not properly controlled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and help reduce any destructive behavior that could result from their natural inclinations and instincts.

GSDs are often wary of people outside their immediate family. They need to be socialized from a young age to reduce their potential for aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled by regular positive socialization.

For example some GSDs be aggressive or bark at the vehicle that is passing by, or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. They will learn that interaction with other animals and humans is not dangerous or scary.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a very short time. Through this time they are exposed to their environment and make connections that will influence the way they see new experiences. This could last for the remainder of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new situations and people as soon as you can.

Your breeder should have begun this for SchäFerhund Welpen kaufen schweiz you, but once you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to continue the process of building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and experiences.

It is important to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, secure environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel scared or frightened, they will be able to connect the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for life. You also need to protect them from the common mistake of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared because this could be perceived as a way to reward their fearful behavior - a sure way to create the habit of having phobias for Blaue SchäFerhunde life.

Start by checking off the items on your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

This isn't only about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.

Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle training you have been doing and also introduce them new sights, sounds, smells and textures that can help them accept the world around them when they reach the age of.

Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in vehicles So getting them used to being in the car early can make your road trips much more enjoyable!

Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these places as adults and could be a good opportunity to work on recall games.

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. However, this must be managed with care as over exercise can damage the skeletal structure of puppies. Running, jumping and playing for a long time for instance, blaue Schäferhunde could cause strain on the developing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems later in life.

The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. This is because they were bred to help herd livestock. This means they have a strong herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job.

They are highly trainable and quick learners because they were bred to work. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they are quick to act to protect their family members. They are also great service dogs who can aid police in drug-sniffing security, search and rescue.

A good way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and let him interact with other dogs. This is also a great opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands that will come in handy in the future.

A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and Deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen straight coat that is hard in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat may differ from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. 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.