14 Questions You Shouldn't Be Afraid To Ask About Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They make great 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 can help reduce shed and help keep the coat healthy and shiny. Health German Shepherds have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common issues in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders. Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. It occurs when there is 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 a shaky appearance of the hind quarters and advance to weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. deutsche schäferhundwelpen , which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can help your dog live longer and more comfortably. German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated corneal disease that can cause blindness if not treated appropriately. These conditions will require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian. Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A healthy diet containing omega fats and balanced vitamins, as well as an array of foods that support heart health is required. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical exam. schäferhundwelpen kaufen and adolescents German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them on multiple walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies within an enclosed, safe space. It is best to avoid running in close proximity to 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 need a few hours of exercise a day to maintain fitness. Pet insurance can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. Pet insurance gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind which allows you to concentrate solely on the care of your dog. Training German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and extremely trainable. They are very serious about their work – as guard dogs as police officers, service animals, and many more – and thrive when given a place to exercise for their intelligence, energy, and work ethic. However, just like all breeds dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to maintain their friendly, calm demeanor as well as their heightened sense of alertness and protectiveness. Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should include the entire family. This breed is very family-oriented and will develop a strong connection with its handler. It is important to start with your puppy as soon as possible so that he grows into a well and well-behaved pet. German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn quickly. However, their intelligence can also result in stubbornness if not properly channeled. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand, and reduce any destructive behavior that might arise due to their natural instincts and tendencies. GSDs are usually cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to be socialized at an early age to limit their potential for aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey drive which can become exaggerated when not properly managed by regular positive socialization. GSDs may bark or lunge in response to a car or pedestrians walking on the path or in a park. Although this could be a problem for certain people, it's in fact a normal behaviour that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will learn that interaction with other animals and humans isn't dangerous or frightening. Socialization German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period, during which they learn about the world and make connections that affect how they perceive new experiences – usually throughout their lives. Therefore, it is crucial to expose them to new situations and people at an early age. Your breeder should have begun this for you, but when you bring your puppy home it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your puppy's confidence to interact with new things and people. The key is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can develop their confidence and not be afraid or overwhelmed. If they feel scared or frightened, they will be able to connect the experience with being afraid and may then be afraid of the particular thing for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect from the common error of trying to soothe or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior which is an easy way to cause a lifetime of phobias. You can begin by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some ideas to help you get started: This isn't just about your puppy playing around with other dogs. schäferhund abzugeben 's about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you when another dog is in the vicinity. This will help them become a calm and peaceful family dog as they grow older. Seek out places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy for a cake and coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce the settle training you have been doing and also introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that will help them to accept the world outside when they are fully grown. Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in vehicles and so getting them familiar with a car in the beginning can make your road trips much 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 get comfortable in these settings as an adult and could be a great time to practice retrieval games. Exercise Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise in addition to a balanced diet. This must be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. Running, jumping and playing for a long time for instance, could cause strain on the developing puppy's ligaments and joints. This could cause problems as an adult. Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they need. German Shepherds are predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. This is because they were developed to manage livestock. Therefore, they have an innate herding instinct and a keenness to perform the job. Since they were bred to work quickly, they are quick to learn and highly capable of training. They are also naturally guard dogs with an acute sense of danger and are quick to act to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing as well as security and search and rescue. A good method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will give him mental stimulation and let him socialize with dogs. This is a great method to keep your dog in good behavior puppy and teach him basic commands. A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, thick and straight coat that's harsh in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat can differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.