20 Tips To Help You Be More Successful At Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They make great pets for families and as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Regularly brushing using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keeps the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with a good reputation test their dogs for genetic diseases, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching the nerves which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The symptoms begin with a lack of stability in the hind quarters and advance to weakness as well as paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medication, exercise programs for rehabilitation, and surgical procedures.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if not managed properly. These conditions require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other ailments. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins, as well as a blend that supports heart health is required. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the lungs and heart of your puppy using a stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them on numerous walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within a safe, enclosed space. It is best to avoid running in close proximity to cyclist or jogger as this could damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Depending on their level of energy, adult German Shepherds will require a bit of exercise every day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets is an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen illnesses. It also gives peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, which allows you to concentrate on providing the best treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and extremely trainable. They take their jobs seriously - as guard dogs, police officers, service animals and much more. They thrive when given an outlet for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. These pups, SchäFerhund Welpen öSterreich Kaufen like all breeds, require continual and extensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and to be alert.
The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a close relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is important to start training as early as you can so that your puppy can be a pleasant companion when they reach adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn them quickly. Their intelligence is high and can lead to stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that can aid your GSD remain focused on their task and schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz welpen österreich deutsche schäferhunde kaufen (linked site) minimize any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are typically wary of people outside their immediate family. They need to be socialized from a young age to reduce their chances of exhibiting aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized if they are not appropriately socialized.
For example there are many GSDs who bark or lunge at the vehicle that is passing by, or people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to play with. They will be taught that interfacing with other animals and people is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period in which they are exposed to about the world and form connections that affect how they perceive new experiences - usually throughout their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new environments and people as soon as you can.
Your breeder should have started this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process of building your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and experiences.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can build confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid or scared, they'll associate the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for the rest of their lives. It is important to keep them from making the mistake of encouraging, encouraging or soothing them when they're scared. This can be seen as rewarding fearful behavior and create a lifetime phobia.
Start by taking note of a few items from your GSD puppy’s socialization list. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
This isn't just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. It's about teaching them to be calm and focus on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This will aid them in becoming a calm and peaceful family dog as they grow older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sights and reinrassiger schäferhund sounds, smells, and textures. This will help them adjust to the world around them when they reach the age of.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't renowned for their ease in cars, so getting them familiar with the car early can make your road trips easier!
Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will help them become at ease in these environments as they grow older and is a an ideal opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping and a lot of play can put strain on the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can lead to problems when they become adults.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they need. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than some other breeds. They were designed to herd livestock. This means they have an innate herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job.
They are extremely trainable and quick learners due to their breeding to be work-oriented. They are also guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and they will act quickly to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.
A good way to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. This is a great way to reinforce good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that's harsh in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the hair will vary from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4-6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.