14 Misconceptions Common To Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most loved breeds in America. They are great for working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds have a few health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders test their dogs for genetic ailments, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities, or allergies.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes a sluggish, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. This occurs when the cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to the hind legs of the dog. The signs start with instabilities of the hindquarters and progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medication, exercise programs for rehabilitation and surgical procedures.
German Shepherds are susceptible to glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated appropriately. These conditions require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that supports the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the lungs and heart of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the annual physical examination.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them for multiple walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within an enclosed, safe space. They should avoid running, particularly beside the bicycle or jogger, which can damage growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should exercise a few hours a day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind for both you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and extremely adept at training. They take their jobs very serious, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and drive are allowed to shine. Like all breeds, require continual and extensive training to maintain a friendly, compliant demeanor and to be alert.
The whole family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed that will develop bonds with their principal handler. It is essential to begin training your puppy as early as you can to ensure that he can grow to be a good behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands with ease. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if they are not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program designed to assist your GSD stay focused on their task and reduce destructive behavior as a result their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are typically cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family and need to be socialized at an early age to lessen their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey drive that can become exaggerated if not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
For example some GSDs bark or lunge at a vehicle passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for certain 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. In turn they will be taught that being around other people and animals is enjoyable and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window in which they are exposed to about the world and make connections that influence how they perceive new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new environments and people as early as is possible.
After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility for continuing the process and developing your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and things.
It is important to share these experiences with them in a controlled, secure environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel afraid or frightened, they will be able to connect the experience with being scared and could be fearful of that particular thing for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect them from the common mistake of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they are frightened because this could be perceived as a reward for their fearful behavior - a sure way to create the habit of having phobias for life.
You can begin by ticking a few items 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 when another dog is nearby. deutschen schäferhund kaufen will aid them in becoming a calm and relaxed pet as they get 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 a great opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will help them to accept the world around them when they reach the age of.
Use in a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly at ease in vehicles So if you can make them comfortable driving from a young age it can make your road trips more enjoyable.
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will help them become at ease in these environments as adults and could be a good occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. This must be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can harm the bones of puppies. Running, jumping, and lots of play for instance, could stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems as they grow older.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to manage livestock. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and will be determined to finish the task.
They are highly trainable and fast learners because they were bred to be work-oriented. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they will act quickly to protect their family members. They are also excellent service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
A good method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to interact with other dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will come in handy in the future.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be harsh in some areas but soft in other. The length of the hair will vary from one dog to another however, it will usually be between 4-6 inches. The color will also vary from pup to pup, but most German Shepherds have dark brown or black coat that has a white chest.