German Shepherds are one of the most loved breeds in America. They are great for pets for the family and are great as a working dog.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the summer and spring. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and helps keep the coat looking clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with some health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs to ensure that they do not pass on hereditary diseases to their puppies like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common issues for 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. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves which send signals to the dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hindquarters, and then develop into weakness, paralysis, incontinence, and loss of movement. Treatments, which may involve medication, rehabilitation exercise programs, or surgery can be found to aid your dog to live longer and more comfortably.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that could lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will require regular ocular examinations with your vet to assess these conditions.
As with other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fats balanced vitamins and an array of foods that support heart health is necessary. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart using an stethoscope in his annual physical examination.
Puppies and adolescents German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on multiple walks and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in a safe, enclosed space. They should avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger, as this can damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds must exercise a few hours a day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets can be a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will help pay for any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind for you and your veterinarian which allows you to concentrate on providing the best possible care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent they are quick to learn and highly trainable. They take their job seriously, whether they are guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and work ethic is provided with a means to express it. Like all breeds, require continual and extensive training to maintain a friendly, compliant demeanor and to be alert.
Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve all members of the family. The German Shepherd is a very family-oriented breed and will form a close bond with its primary handler. It is essential to start with your puppy as soon as possible so that he will grow into a well behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if they are not properly controlled. A thorough and specific 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 tendencies.
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 chances of exhibiting aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone to hunting and prey drive, which can be exaggerated if they are not properly controlled with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
For instance some GSDs be aggressive or bark at a vehicle passing by or other people on a path or walking through the park. While this may be a problem to some, 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 interacting with other animals and people is not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization in which they are exposed to about the world and form connections that influence how they perceive new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new environments and people as quickly as you can.
After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and developing your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and objects.
The trick is to introduce them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment in which they can develop their trust and not feel threatened or overwhelmed. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll think of the experience as being afraid and may then be afraid of that particular thing for life. It is also important to shield from the common blunders of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior - a sure way to create the habit of having phobias for life.
Start by taking note of the items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
This isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when a dog is nearby. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm pet, even when they're older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle training and introduce them to new sounds, sights, deutsche schäferhundwelpen (entzckendescferhundwelpen-wec35D.de) smells, and textures. This will allow them to be more comfortable with the world outside after they have grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds aren't renowned for their comfort in cars and so getting them used to being in the car early can make your road trips more enjoyable!
Take your GSD puppy to the hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these settings as adults and can be a good chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. It is important to do this in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can damage the bones of puppies. For example running, jumping and playing a lot can strain the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This could cause problems later on in life.
Your puppy's inherent drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. They were bred to help herd livestock. Therefore, they have an innate herding instinct and a desire to complete the job.
Because they were bred to work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and highly capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and can act quickly to defend their loved ones. This is why they are great service dogs, assisting police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to give him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to interact with other dogs. This is also an excellent opportunity to encourage positive behavior in your puppy and to teach him the basics of commands that will prove useful later on.
A well-bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that is hard in one area with soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat will differ from dog to dog but it will usually be between 4-6 inches long. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.
