20 Fun Facts About Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most loved 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 rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and help keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have a few health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with a good reputation check their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes an unsteady, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. This happens when the cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching the nerves that transmit signals to the hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and can progress to paralysis incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments that may include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They require a balanced diet that promotes heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can evaluate the heart and lungs of your puppy using a stethoscope in his yearly physical exam.
reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter entzückendescäferhundwelpen and adolescent German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure and secure area. They should avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger because it can cause damage to their ligaments and bones as they grow. Depending on their level of energy, adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise every day to keep their fitness. Pet insurance is a good investment in the health of your German Shepherd as it will help pay for veterinary care for unexpected illnesses and injuries. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart quick learners and highly capable of being trained. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs as police officers, service animals and many more - and thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence and dedication to work. They, like all breeds, require continual and intensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and heightened alertness.
The whole family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This breed is very sociable and will form a close connection with its handler. It is important to start training your puppy as early as you can to ensure that he grows up to be a well behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and pick up new commands with ease. Their high intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if it is not properly channeled. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand, and diminish any destructive behaviors that might arise due to their natural inclinations and instincts.
GSDs may be cautious of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They need to socialized at a young age in order to reduce the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also are prone to prey drive and hunting, which can be exaggerated when not properly managed with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
For example some GSDs bark or lunge at the vehicle that is passing by, or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this can be a problem for some individuals, it's a normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to interact with. In turn they will discover that being around humans and animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. In this period they get to know their world and form connections that will influence the way they see new experiences. This could last for the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new situations and people at an early age.
Your breeder should have started this for you, but once you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your pup's confidence to meet new people and things.
It is crucial to introduce these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel scared, they may associate the experience with fear and become fearful for life. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they're scared as this can be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior - which is a sure way to trigger an entire life of phobias.
Begin by completing a few items from your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy having fun with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and concentrate on the dog that is around. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm pet when 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 training in settle you've been doing and also introduce them new sights, sounds, smells and textures that can help them to accept the outside world when they reach the age of.
Car driving - German Shepherds are not known for their ease in cars, so getting them used to being in the car early can make your road trips more enjoyable!
Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or the garden centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult, and could be a great way to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, it is important to be balanced as excessive exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play for example, can cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can lead to problems later on in life.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. 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 fast learners since they were bred to be work-oriented. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen sense of danger and can react quickly to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, helping the police in drug sniffing as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile locations.
Participating with your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation and allow him to interact with other dogs. This is a great method to reinforce good behavior in your puppy and teach him basic commands.
A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat may differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches long. The color will also vary from pup to pup, but the majority of German Shepherds sport a black or dark brown coat with a white chest.