The Biggest Problem With Purebred German Shepherd And How You Can Fix It

How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are among the most well-known breeds 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. Brushing frequently with a deshedding rake, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed, and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.

Health

German Shepherds have some health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders screen their dogs for hereditary diseases, like elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common problems in large dog breeds. Other health issues include digestive disorders.

Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one of the diseases that can cause a drunken gait. This occurs when the vertebrae of the neck narrow, pinching nerves which send signals to the dog's hind legs. The signs begin with a shaky appearance of the hind quarters and develop into weakness and paralysis, incontinence and loss of movement. There are a variety of treatments available, including medications as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise and surgery.

Eye problems that can affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not managed properly. Your dog should undergo regular ocular examinations with your veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.

German Shepherds are at risk of heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and other diseases. They require a balanced diet that is supportive of heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy's heart and lungs by using a stethoscope during the yearly physical examination.

Adolescent and puppy German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, like multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure and secure area. It is best to avoid running especially close to the bicycle or jogger as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds should exercise a few hours a day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance is a good investment in the health of your German Shepherd as it will help pay for veterinary care for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. It also provides peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality care for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and extremely capable of being trained. They take their jobs seriously as guard dogs police officers, service animals and so much more. They thrive when given an outlet for their intelligence, energy and work ethic. These pups, like all breeds, require continual and extensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.

Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should involve the entire family. This is a very familial breed that will develop bonds with their principal handler. It is essential to begin training as early as you can to ensure that your puppy will be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.

German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and can learn quickly. However, their high level of ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly directed. Intensive and targeted puppy training programs, like Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid your GSD remain focused on the task at hand and diminish any destructive behaviors that might arise as a result of their natural instincts and inclinations.

GSDs are typically wary of people outside their immediate family and need to be socialized at an early age to limit their risk of aggression and entzüCkendescäferhundwelpen inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey-drive which can be overemphasized if they are not properly socialized.

GSDs may be agitated or bark in response to a passing vehicle or other people walking along the road or in parks. Although this could be a problem for certain people, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. They will learn that interaction with other animals and people isn't dangerous or frightening.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization that allows them to learn about the world and form connections that affect how they see new experiences - often for the rest of their lives. It is important to introduce them to new situations and people as soon as possible.

After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility for continuing the process and developing your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and experiences.

It is important to present these experiences to them in a controlled, safe environment that makes them feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll associate the experience with being scared and could be afraid of the specific thing for the rest of their lives. You should also protect them from making the error of encouraging, encouraging or soothing those who are scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and create a lifetime phobia.

Start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

It's not just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you even when another dog is nearby. This helps them to be an empathetic, calm pet when they get older.

Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy out on a coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the training in settle you have been doing and introduce them to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures that can help them accept the world around them once they're fully grown.

Drive in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in cars and, therefore, if you get them used to driving early on, it can make your road trips easier.

Tick a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or a garden centre. This will help them become at ease in these environments as adults and can be an excellent chance to practice recall games.

Exercise

Alongside a balanced diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. However, it is important to be managed with care as over exercise can cause damage to the skeletal structure of puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play, for example, can stress the growing puppy's ligaments and joints. This could cause problems later in life.

The puppy's natural drive will determine the amount of energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. They were designed to manage animals. As such, they will have a strong herding instinct and a desire to complete the job in hand.

Since they were bred to work, they are quick learners and extremely capable of training. They are also natural guard dogs with a keen sense of danger, and can quickly react to protect their loved ones. They are also great service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing security, search and rescue.

An effective method to ensure that your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to be social with dogs. This is a great way to encourage good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.

A German Shepherd that is properly bred will have a dense straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in others. The length of the hair may vary from one dog to the next, but will be usually between 4 and 6 inches. The color can also differ from pup to pup, but the majority of German Shepherds sport dark brown or black coat, with a chest of white.