If You’ve Just Purchased Purebred German Shepherd … Now What?

How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherds are one of the most well-known breeds in America. They are wonderful family pets and are also great working dogs.

German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed heavily during the spring and summer. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keeps the coat clean and healthy.

Health

German Shepherds may have a few health issues, however they are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders with good reputations will screen their dogs to avoid passing hereditary illnesses to their pups like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These are common issues for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat and digestive issues.

Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD, including Degenerative Myelopathy, which causes an unsteady drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. This occurs when the cervical vertebrae narrow, causing nerves to be pinched that transmit signals to hind legs of the dog. The signs begin with hindquarters instability and then progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. Treatments, which could include medications, rehabilitation exercises or surgery can ensure that your dog lives 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. These conditions require regular ocular examinations by your veterinarian.

German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other diseases. A healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins, as well as an array of foods that support heart health is required. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your puppy’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope during his annual physical exam.

German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should get moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a secure, enclosed area. They should not run, particularly beside bikes or joggers as it can cause damage to the growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise for a short period of time each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets can be an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it can help cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also gives peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, which allows you to concentrate on providing the highest quality treatment for your dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and extremely trainable. They are very serious about their work as guard dogs police officers, service animals and so much more. They thrive when given a place to exercise for their energy, intelligence, and work ethic. These pups, like all breeds, require continual and intensive training to maintain an easy, calm demeanor and to be alert.

Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort and should involve the entire family. It is a very family-oriented breed and will form an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is crucial to begin training as early as possible to ensure that your puppy will be a well-mannered companion in adulthood.

German shepherd puppies are quick to learn and pick up new commands easily. However, their high level of ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if not properly directed. Dog Training Elite’s Breed Specific Training is a specific and intense puppy training program that can aid your GSD remain focused on the task and reduce destructive behavior because of their natural instincts and dispositions.

GSDs are prone to be cautious of people who are not members of their immediate family. They require socialization early so that they can reduce the possibility of aggressive behavior and inconsiderate behavior. They also have a tendency to hunting and prey drive, which can be exaggerated if they are not properly controlled with regular positive socialization.

For instance 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 to 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 be taught that interfacing with other animals and humans is not dangerous or scary.

Socialization

German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a brief period. Through this time they get to know their environment and make connections that influence how they view new experiences. This could last for the rest of their life. It is important to introduce them to new surroundings and people as quickly as you can.

When you bring 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 crucial to share these experiences with them in a safe, controlled environment where they will feel at ease and not be afraid. If they feel threatened or scared, they’ll associate the experience with fear and will eventually be afraid of the particular thing for the rest of their lives. You also need to protect from the common blunders of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened as this can be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior and a sure way to create a lifetime of phobias.

You can begin by ticking a few items off your GSD puppy’s checklist of socialization. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

It’s not just about your puppy having fun with other dogs. It’s about teaching them how to be calm and focus on you even when another dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm, relaxed pet, even when they’re older.

Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafés, or shops to take your puppy on a coffee date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sights and sounds as well as smells and textures. This will assist them adjust to the world outside once they are grown.

Car driving – German Shepherds aren’t renowned for their comfort in vehicles So getting them used to being in a car in the beginning can make your road trips much easier!

Take your GSD puppy to a hairdresser, vet, or EntzüCkende SchäFerhund Welpen garden centre. This will help them become comfortable in these places as adults and can be a good opportunity to work on recall games.

Exercise

Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. However, this must be balanced as excessive exercise can harm the skeletal structure of puppies. For example running, jumping, and playing a lot can put strain on the growing puppy’s joints and ligaments. This can cause issues later in life.

The puppy’s natural drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have a higher degree of drive than other breeds. They were born to help herd livestock. They will therefore have a strong instinct to herd and will be eager to finish the job.

They are highly trainable and quick learners due to their breeding for work. They are also instinctive guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and will respond quickly to protect their family members. They are also great service dogs that aid police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.

Inscribing your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is an excellent way to provide him the exercise he needs. This will provide him with mental stimulation and allow him to socialize with dogs. This is a great method to reinforce good behavior in your dog and teach him basic commands.

A properly bred German Shepherd will have a clear, dense and straight coat that is hard in one place, but soft fur elsewhere. The length of the coat will vary from dog to dog but is usually between 4-6 inches. The color of the coat will vary from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.