9 Signs That You're A Purebred German Shepherd Expert
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. They are excellent pets for families and as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keeps the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Breeders with a good reputation test their dogs for genetic ailments, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive issues and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes a weak gait that resembles drunkenness due to spinal cord disease. This occurs when the cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments that may include rehabilitation exercises, medication or surgery, are available to ensure that your dog lives longer and live more comfortably.
Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. These conditions will require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other ailments. schäferhund abzugeben 'll require a nutritious diet that supports heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess your puppy's heart and lungs with a stethoscope during his annual physical examination.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, including numerous walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed space. They should not run 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 require a couple of hours of exercise each day to maintain fitness. Pet insurance is a good investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd because it will pay for veterinary care for unexpected injuries and illnesses. Insurance for pets gives both you and your vet peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent quick learners and extremely adept at training. They take their job seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are provided with a means to express it. These pups, like all breeds, require continuous and extensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and increased alertness.
Training a German Shepherd is a team effort that should involve the entire family. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will develop a strong connection with its handler. It is important to start training as early as possible to ensure that your puppy will be a sociable and well-behaved companion in adulthood.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can pick them up quickly. However, their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly controlled. 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 may arise as a result of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are often cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family and need to be socialized at a young age to reduce their potential for aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated if they are not properly controlled with regular positive socialization.
GSDs can engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a car or people walking on the road or in the park. While this may be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to get along with. They will learn that interacting with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window, during which they learn about the world and make connections that influence how they view new experiences - usually throughout their lives. Therefore, it is crucial to expose them to new situations and people as early as is possible.
Once you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and things.
The trick is to expose them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment, where they can develop their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel scared they might interpret the experience as being scared and become fearful for life. It is important to keep from the pitfalls of encouraging or calming them when they're scared. This could be interpreted as rewarding behavior that is fearful and could cause a lifetime of phobia.
You can start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you while another dog is close by. This will help them become an empathetic, calm family dog when they are older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or even shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle training you've been practicing and also introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells and textures that will help them accept the outside world when they are fully grown.
Use in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't known for being at ease in cars So if you can get them comfortable with driving early on it will make your road trips more enjoyable.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet, train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy become comfortable in these environments as an adult, and could be a great opportunity to play retrieval games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a healthy diet. This must be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can harm the bones of puppies. For example running, jumping, and playing a lot can put strain on the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems when they become adults.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher drive than some other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to help herd livestock. They will therefore have a strong desire to herd and will be eager to finish the job.
They are highly trainable and quick learners since they were bred to work. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and can react quickly to protect their loved ones. This is why they are excellent service dogs, helping police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other prominent 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 also the chance to socialize with other dogs. This is a great method to keep your dog in good behavior puppy and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breeding will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be harsh in some areas but soft in others. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4 to 6 inches. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup however, most German Shepherds will have dark brown or black coat, with a chest of white.