10 Best Mobile Apps For Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds 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 using a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can reduce shedding and help keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders check their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause a sluggish gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters, and then progress to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. Treatments, which may involve rehabilitation exercises, medication or surgery, are available to help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with a vet to assess these conditions.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fats balanced vitamins and a mix that promotes heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical examination.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds need moderate exercise. entzückendescäferhundwelpen can be done by taking them for multiple walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within an enclosed, safe space. They should avoid running especially close to the bicycle or jogger as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise each day to stay fit. Insurance for pets is a wise investment in your German Shepherd's well-being because it will pay for veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. It also gives peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and highly adept at training. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs, police officers, service animals, and much more - and thrive when given a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy, and work ethic. They, like all breeds, require continuous and intensive training to maintain a friendly, compliant demeanor and heightened alertness.
The entire family should be involved in the training of a German shepherd. It is a very family-oriented breed that will develop an enduring bond with the main handler. It is crucial to begin with your puppy as soon as you can so that he grows to be a good behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands easily. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if not properly directed. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and diminish any destructive behaviors that could arise as a result of their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs are usually wary of people outside their immediate family and need to be socialized from an early age to lessen their potential for aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or people walking on the path or in parks. While this may be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. As a result they will be taught that being around other people and animals is enjoyable and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. Through this time they get to know their world and develop connections that influence the way they perceive new experiences. This could last for the rest of their life. It is important to introduce them to new surroundings and people as quickly as you can.
Your breeder should have initiated this for you, but once you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to continue the process of building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and things.
It is crucial to present these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment where they feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel afraid or frightened, they will associate the experience with being scared and could be fearful of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. You must also prevent from the pitfalls of encouraging or calming them when they're afraid. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and can cause a lifetime fear.
You can start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some ideas to get you started:
This isn't only about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to relax and focus on you even when another dog is around. This will help them become a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.
Seek out dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy out for an afternoon tea and cake! This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the settle-training you have been doing and also introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that can help them accept the outside world once they're fully grown.
Use in a car. German Shepherds aren't known for being comfortable in cars So if you can make them comfortable driving from a young age, it will make your road trips easier.
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser or vet centre. This will help your GSD puppy get comfortable in these settings as an adult and can be a great opportunity to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For instance running, jumping and playing for a long time can strain a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This may lead to problems as they grow older.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were bred to herd animals. They will have a strong instinct to herd and are eager to finish the job.
Because they were bred to work quickly, they are quick to learn and highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen sense of danger and can respond quickly to protect their loved ones. This is why they are excellent service dogs, helping police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue, as well as providing security at banks and other high-profile places.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he needs. This will give him mental stimulation and the chance to interact with other dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy as well as teach him basic commands that will come in handy in the future.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4-6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.