15 Reasons To Not Ignore Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most well-known breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets and are also great working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds have some health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow and hip 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 such disease that causes a drunken gait. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that send signals to your dog's hind legs. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hindquarters and can progress to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation and surgery.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. This is an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. Your dog should undergo regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other diseases. A healthy diet containing omega fatty acids balanced vitamins and an array of foods that support heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian can assess the heart of your puppy using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on numerous walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. They should avoid running, especially next to a bicycle or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones that are growing. Depending on their level of energy adult German Shepherds require a bit of exercise each day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets is a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance gives both you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and extremely adept at training. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs police officers, service animals and many more. They thrive when given an outlet for their intelligence, energy, and work ethic. But, like any breed they require a lot of and continuous training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of alertness and protectiveness.
Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve the entire family. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a close relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is important to start training as soon as you can, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands quickly. Their high intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will help your GSD remain focused on their task and reduce any destructive behaviors due to their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are often cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized at an early age to limit their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They also have a tendency to prey drive and hunting that can become exaggerated when not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
GSDs can be agitated or bark in response to a passing vehicle or other people walking along the road or in parks. While this may be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to interact with. They will learn that interaction with other people and animals isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. Through this time they are exposed to their world and develop connections that affect how they view new experiences. This could last for the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations as early as is possible.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, however once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process, building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and experiences.
The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment in which they can develop their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund feel afraid they might associate the experience with fear and become fearful for life. You should also protect them from making the mistake of encouraging or calming them when they're afraid. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
You can begin by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to calm down and pay attention to you while another dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm and relaxed pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights as well as smells and textures. This will allow them to be more comfortable with the world outside once they are grown.
Drive a car. German Shepherds aren't exactly at ease in vehicles, so if you can get them comfortable with driving from a young age it can make your road trips more enjoyable.
Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or the garden centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult, and could be a great time to play retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a balanced diet. However, this must be managed with care as over exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of young puppies. For example, jumping, running and playing for a long time can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This may lead to problems in adulthood.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than other breeds. They were designed to herd animals. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and be eager to finish the job.
Since they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen sense of danger and can act quickly to defend their family members. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other prominent locations.
Enrolling 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 allow him to socialize with dogs. This is a great way to keep your dog in good behavior pup and teach him some basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that's harsh in one spot, and soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with a white chest and belly.