20 Resources That’ll Make You More Efficient At Purebred German Shepherd

How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are wonderful family pets and are also great working dogs.

German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can reduce shedding, and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Health

German Shepherds are intelligent and generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health concerns. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for health issues to avoid passing on hereditary diseases to their pups such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.

Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes an unsteady drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog’s hind legs. The signs begin with hindquarters instability and can progress to paralysis incontinence and decreased mobility. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise and surgical procedures.

German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated cornea disease that can lead to blindness if it is not treated appropriately. Your dog will need regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fats, balanced vitamins and a blend that supports the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the lungs and heart of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the annual physical exam.

Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds require moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on numerous walks, and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within a safe, enclosed space. They should avoid running close to bicycle or jogger, as this can damage 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. Insurance for pets can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your vet peace of mind and lets you focus entirely on the care of your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart they are quick to learn and extremely adept at training. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs as police officers, service animals, and so much more. They thrive when given an outlet for their energy, intelligence and dedication to work. They, like all breeds, require ongoing and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and to be alert.

Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve the entire family. It is a very family-oriented breed and will form an enduring bond with the primary handler. It is crucial to begin training your puppy as soon as possible so that he grows into a well and well-behaved pet.

German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and pick them up quickly. Their high intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. In-depth 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 reduce any destructive behavior that could arise as a result of their natural instincts and inclinations.

GSDs may be wary of people who aren’t part of their immediate family. They need to socialized at an early age in order to reduce the potential for aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also have a tendency to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated if not properly managed by regular positive socialization.

For example, many GSDs will engage in a barking or snarling attack on a vehicle passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this can be a problem for certain individuals, it’s a normal behavior that should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and people isn’t dangerous or frightening.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period, during which they learn about the world around them and make connections that influence how they view new experiences – often for the rest of their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as possible.

When you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process and developing your puppy’s confidence in himself to interact with new people and things.

The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe, controlled environment where they can develop their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or frightened, they will think of the experience as being afraid and may then be afraid of the specific thing for the rest of their lives. It is also important to shield from the common error of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened as this can be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause the habit of having phobias for life.

Start by taking note of the items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

Meet other dogs – this isn’t only about your puppy playing with other dogs. It’s also about teaching them to settle down and pay attention to you when a dog is close by. This will help them become an empathetic and calm pet as they get older.

Look for dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy out for a coffee and cake date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle training you’ve been practicing and introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells and textures that can help them accept the world outside when they reach the age of.

Use a car. German Shepherds aren’t known for being at ease in cars So if you can get them comfortable with driving early on it can simplify your road trips.

Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy be comfortable in these places as an adult and can be a great way to work on retrieval games.

Exercise

In addition to a healthy diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be managed with care as over exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. Running, jumping and playing a lot for instance, could cause strain on the developing puppy’s joints and ligaments. This can cause issues later in life.

The level of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. They were born to help herd animals. This means they have a strong herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job at hand.

They are highly trainable and quick learners since they were bred to be work-oriented. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they can quickly react to protect their family members. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting police with drug sniffing and security as well as aiding in search and rescue as well as providing security in banks and other high-profile places.

One method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to interact with other dogs. It is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him the basics of commands that will prove useful in the future.

A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be rough in certain areas but soft in other. The length of the coat may differ from dog to dog but it will usually be between 4-6 inches long. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are dark brown or black with a white chest and belly.