14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most well-known breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets as well as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reduces shed and keeps the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are afflicted with a few health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will screen their dogs to prevent passing hereditary diseases to their pups like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders and food sensitivities, or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. It happens when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs start with hindquarters instability and can progress to paralysis incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery, are available to help your dog live longer and live more comfortably.
German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an autoimmune corneal condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated appropriately. These conditions will require regular eye examinations by your veterinarian.
German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other illnesses. They'll require a nutritious diet that supports the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can evaluate your puppy's heart and lungs with a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be accomplished by taking them on numerous walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies within an area that is safe and secure. They should avoid running, particularly beside bikes or joggers as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy Adult German Shepherds will need a few hours of exercise each day to maintain fitness. Insurance for pets is an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, fast learners, and extremely adept at training. They take their work seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs, or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are allowed to shine. However, just like all breeds dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to keep their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of alertness and protection.
Training a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve the entire family. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a tight bond with its primary handler. It is crucial to start with your puppy as soon as possible so that he will grow into a well behaved companion.
German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands quickly. Their high intelligence can cause stubbornness, however, if it is not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program designed to assist your GSD stay focused on their task and reduce destructive behavior due to their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are prone to be cautious of those who aren't members of their immediate family. They require socialization early to limit the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting that can become exaggerated if not properly managed with regular positive socialization.
For example there are many GSDs who bark or lunge at vehicles passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for some, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It can teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. In turn, they will learn that being around other people and animals is enjoyable and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window that allows them to learn about the world and form connections that influence how they see new experiences, often throughout their lives. Therefore, it's important to expose them to new people and situations as early on as possible.
Your breeder should have started this for you, however when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process, building your pup's confidence to meet new things and people.
The most important thing is to introduce them to these experiences in a safe and controlled environment in which they can develop their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel afraid they might interpret the experience as being scared and become fearful for life. You also need to protect from the common blunders of trying to soothe or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as rewarding their fearful behaviour - which is a sure way to trigger a lifetime of phobias.
Start by taking note of some items on your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to settle down and pay attention to you when a dog is around. This will help them become a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.
Find places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for an afternoon tea and cake! altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de is a great opportunity to reinforce the training in settle you've been practicing and also introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can help them accept the world outside when they are fully grown.
Drive in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally comfortable in cars and, therefore, if you get them used to driving from a young age it can make your road trips easier.
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's socialization list by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdressers or garden centre. This will allow them to become comfortable in these settings as adults and could be an ideal chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, this must be managed with care as over exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of puppies. For instance running, jumping, and playing a lot can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can cause issues later on in life.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were designed to herd livestock. They will therefore possess a strong urge to herd and be determined to finish the task.
Because they were bred for work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and extremely capable of being trained. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and are able to respond 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 high-profile locations.
Enrolling 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 and also the chance to meet other dogs. This is a great method to encourage good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur may be rough in certain areas but soft in other. The length of the hair will differ from dog to dog but is usually between 4 to 6 inches. The coloring will also vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.