German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They are great for working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and summer months due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keeps the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds may have a few health issues, but they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will check their dogs for health issues to ensure that they do not pass hereditary diseases to their puppies, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These are common problems in large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat and digestive disorders.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disease that causes a drunken gait. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that send signals to your 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 that may include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can be found to help your dog live longer and more comfortably.
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 will require regular eye examinations with your vet to assess these conditions.
Like many other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to suffer from heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that supports the health of their heart with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian can assess the heart of your puppy using the help of a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.
Puppies and teens with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be achieved by taking them for multiple walks, and (if appropriate) playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. They should avoid running in close proximity to cyclist or jogger as this could damage their growing bones and ligaments. Depending on their level of energy, adult German Shepherds will need a few hours of exercise a day to keep their fitness. Insurance for pets is a great investment in your German Shepherd's well-being as it will help to pay for veterinary treatment for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. It also provides peace of mind to you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the best care for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners, and extremely capable of being trained. They take their jobs very serious, whether they're guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and drive are given a outlet. But, like any breed dogs, these puppies require a great deal of and ongoing training to keep their compliant, friendly demeanor as well as their enhanced sense of alertness and protectiveness.
The entire family should participate in the training of a German shepherd. This breed is very family-oriented and will form a tight relationship with the handler who is their primary. It is essential to begin with your puppy as soon as possible so that he can grow up to be a well behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to learn new commands and learn them quickly. However, their high level of intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if not properly channeled. Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that can help your GSD remain focused on their task and minimize any destructive behaviors as a result their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs are usually 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 also tend to hunting and prey-drive, which can be overemphasized if they are not appropriately socialized.
GSDs may engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a passing vehicle or pedestrians walking on the road or in parks. While this may be a problem for some, it's an acceptable behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and people in the vicinity. As a result, they will learn that being around other people as well as animals is fun and not a danger.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short time of socialization in which they are exposed to about the world around them and make connections that affect how they perceive new experiences, often throughout their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations as early on as possible.
Your breeder should have begun this for you, however when you bring your puppy home, it is your responsibility to carry on the process, gaining your pup's confidence to meet new people and things.
It is important to share these experiences with them in a controlled, safe environment where they feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel scared, they may associate the experience as being scared and then become frightened for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect from the common error of trying to sooth, encourage or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior which is which is a sure way to trigger the habit of having phobias for life.
Start by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy's checklist of socialization. Here are some ideas to get you started:
This isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them how to relax and focus on you even when another dog is in the vicinity. This helps them be an empathetic, calm pet when they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great opportunity to reinforce your settle-training and introduce your puppy to new sights and sounds scents, textures, and smells. This will help them adjust to the outside world after they have grown.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds are not known for their comfort in cars So getting them familiar with a car in the beginning can make your road trips much more enjoyable!
Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser, vet, or garden centre. This will help your GSD puppy get comfortable in these settings as an adult and could be a great time to work on retrieval games.
Exercise
Alongside a balanced diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It should be done in moderation, as excessive exercise can cause damage to the bones of puppies. Jumping, running, and lots of play, for example, can stress the growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can cause issues as an adult.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it requires. German Shepherds are prone to have a higher level of drive than other breeds. They were bred to herd animals. As such, they will have an instinct for herding and a desire to complete the job in hand.
Because they were bred for work quickly, they are quick to learn and highly capable of being trained. They are also guard dogs with an acute 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.
A good method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he needs is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to interact with other dogs. This is a great way to encourage good behavior in your pup and teach him some basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be hard in some places but soft in others. The length of the coat can vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The color can also differ from pup to pup, however, most German Shepherds will have a black or dark brown coat with a white chest.
