German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds in America. They make great pets for families and working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the summer and spring. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake helps reduce shedding and keep the coat clean and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with a good reputation check their dogs for hereditary diseases, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes a sluggish drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. This happens when the cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched which send signals to the hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with hindquarters instabilities and progress to paralysis, incontinence, and loss of mobility. Treatments, which may involve medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery, are available to help your dog live longer and live a more comfortable life.
Eye conditions that may affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated corneal condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will require regular eye examinations with your veterinarian to evaluate these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and Entzückendescäferhundwelpen dilatable cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that is supportive of the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart and lungs of your puppy by using a stethoscope during the annual physical examination.German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, such as frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure and secure space. It is best to avoid running close to cyclist or jogger, as this can damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds need to be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Pet insurance is a good investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd as it will help to pay for veterinary treatment for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Pet insurance 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 smart, quick learners and highly capable of being trained. They are very serious about their work - as guard dogs police officers, service animals and many more. They thrive when given an outlet for their intelligence, energy and dedication to work. But, as with all breeds, these pups require extensive and continuous training to maintain their calm, friendly disposition and their increased sense of security and alertness.
The entire family should participate in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very family-oriented breed that will develop an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is important to start training your puppy as early as you can to ensure that he will grow into a well behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and grasp new commands quickly. Their intelligence can lead to a stubbornness however, if it is not properly directed. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a focused and intense puppy training program that will assist your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behaviors because of their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs can be apprehensive of people who are not part of their immediate family. They need to socialized at an early age to limit the risk of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They are also prone to prey drive and hunting which can become exaggerated when not properly managed with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
For example some GSDs be aggressive or bark at vehicles passing by or people on a trail or walking through the park. Although this could be a problem for some, it's actually a very normal behavior that should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are others and animals to interact with. In turn they will discover that being around other humans as well as animals is fun and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period that allows them to learn about the world and form 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 on as possible.
Your breeder should have initiated this for you, however once you have brought your puppy home, it is your responsibility to continue the process, gaining your puppy's confidence in meeting new people and things.
It is essential to share these experiences with them in a controlled, safe environment where they feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened or scared, they'll associate the experience with 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 soothe or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as rewarding their fearful behaviour - a sure way to create a lifetime of phobias.
You can start by ticking off a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Meet other dogs - this isn't just about your puppy having fun with other dogs, it's also about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when a dog is in the vicinity. This will aid them in becoming a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés or even shops to take your pup on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sights and sounds, smells, and textures. This will help them adjust to the world around them once they are grown.
Driving in a car German Shepherds are not known for their ease in cars So getting them familiar with the car early 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 a garden centre. This will help them get comfortable in these settings as adults and can be an ideal chance to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be managed with care as over exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. For instance running, jumping, and playing for a long time can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can lead to problems later on in life.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have higher levels of drive than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they were bred to herd livestock. As such, they will have an innate herding instinct and an eagerness to do the job in hand.
Because they were bred for work quickly, they are quick to learn and are highly capable of being trained. They are also naturally guard dogs with an acute sense of danger, and can quickly react to protect their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing as well as security and search and rescue.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he requires. This will give him mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to socialize with 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 breeding will have a thick straight, clear, and straight coat. The fur may be hard in some places but soft in other. 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 vary from puppy to puppy, but the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with the chest and belly being white.
