Why We Enjoy Purebred German Shepherd And You Should Too
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They make great pets for families as well as 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 clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health concerns. Reputable breeders will test their dogs to avoid passing hereditary diseases to their pups like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common issues for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with hindquarters instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. There are a variety of treatments available, including medication and rehabilitation exercises, and surgery.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet containing omega fatty acids balanced vitamins and a blend that supports heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart and lungs by using a stethoscope during the annual physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should be given moderate exercise, such as numerous walks and belgischer Schäferhund Welpen kaufen österreich (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed space. They should not run, particularly beside a jogger or bicycle, deutscher schäferhund pflege which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will need a few hours of exercise each day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd as it will help to pay for veterinary treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen BeschüTzerinstinkt (Gamesjp.Com) highly trained. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs police officers, service animals, and many more. They thrive when they have a outlet for their energy, intelligence and work ethic. They, like all breeds, require ongoing and extensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.
The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a close connection with its handler. It is essential to begin with your puppy as soon as possible so that he grows up to be a well behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn them quickly. Their intelligence 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 can aid your GSD remain focused on the task and minimize any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are usually cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized from a young age to reduce their chances of exhibiting aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone towards hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized in the absence of being properly socialized.
GSDs may be agitated or bark in response to a car or other people walking along the road or in a park. Although this could be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. In turn they will discover that being around other humans as well as animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization in which they are exposed to about the world around them and make connections that affect how they perceive new experiences, often for the rest of their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new people and situations at an early age.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, however once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process, gaining your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and things.
It is essential to present these experiences to them in a safe, controlled environment where they will feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel threatened they might interpret the experience with fear and be afraid for their entire lives. You should also protect them from making the error of encouraging, encouraging or soothing those who are scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and can cause a lifetime fear.
Start by checking off a few items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and pay attention to the dog that is in the vicinity. This helps them be a calm, relaxed family dog when they are older.
Find places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a cake and coffee date! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the settle-training you've been doing and introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen textures that can help them to accept the world around them once they're fully grown.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in cars and so getting them familiar with a car early on can make your road trips easier!
Take a few items off 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 become comfortable in these environments as an adult, and could be a great opportunity to practice retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of young puppies. For instance running, jumping and playing a lot can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can cause issues 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 more drive than other breeds. They were bred to manage animals. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and be eager to finish the job.
Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and are highly capable of training. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and will act quickly to defend their loved ones. This is why they make excellent service dogs, aiding the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search & rescue as well as providing security in banks and other prominent locations.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to interact with other dogs. This is also a great opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will come in handy in the future.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, straight and dense coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can vary from dog to dog but will typically be between 4-6 inches. The color SchäFerhund Welpe kaufen of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.
