20 Fun Facts About Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are excellent working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the spring and summer. Brushing frequently with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake will reduce the amount of shed and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with a few health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders test their dogs for deutsche schäFerhunde Welpen kaufen österreich genetic diseases, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a sluggish, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, schäferhund abzugeben causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications, exercise programs for rehabilitation and surgery.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. These conditions require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They'll require a nutritious diet that is supportive of the health of their heart with a blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical exam.
Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, such as numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure area. They should avoid running in close proximity to jogger, or a bicycle as this could damage their ligaments and bones that are growing. Based on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will need a few hours of exercise a day to stay fit. Insurance for pets is a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Insurance for pets gives you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate only on the health of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent they are quick to learn and extremely trainable. They take their job seriously, whether they are guard dogs, police officers or deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are given a outlet. Like all breeds, require ongoing and intense training to keep a friendly, compliant demeanor deutscher schäFerhund welpen kaufen and heightened alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve the entire family. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a close relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is crucial to begin training as early as possible, so your puppy will be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and grasp new commands quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if not properly controlled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program designed to help your GSD remain focused on the task and minimize any destructive behaviors as a result their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are often cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized from an early age to lessen their risk of aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized when they aren't well-socialized.
GSDs can engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a vehicle passing by or other people walking along a path or deutsche schäferhunde Welpen kaufen österreich through parks. While this may be a problem for certain, SchäFerhund kaufen it's actually a very normal behavior that should be encouraged as it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to interact with. In turn they will be taught that being around other humans and animals is fun and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period that allows them to learn about the world around them and make connections that shape how they see new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new surroundings and people as quickly as possible.
Your breeder should have initiated this process for you, but when you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to continue the process, building your puppy's confidence to interact with new things and people.
It is important to share these experiences with them in a safe, controlled environment where they feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel threatened, they may associate the experience with being scared and become fearful for life. Also, you must protect from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior and an easy way to cause an entire life of phobias.
You can start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
It's not just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to relax and focus on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This helps them be a calm, relaxed pet, even when they're older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce them to new sounds, sights, smells, and textures. This will help them adjust to the world around them after they have grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in cars So getting them familiar with the car early can make your road trips much simpler!
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or a garden centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult and could be a great time to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. Running, jumping and playing for a long time for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This can cause issues in adulthood.
The drive level of 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 drive than some other breeds. They were designed to herd animals. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and be eager to complete the task.
Because they were bred for 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 will respond quickly to protect their loved ones. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding the police in drug sniffing and aiding in search & 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 requires. This will give him mental stimulation and allow him to socialize with dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him basic commands that will prove useful later on.
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 coat can vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The color will also vary from pup to pup, but the majority of German Shepherds sport dark brown or black coat with a white chest.