How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a well-loved breed in America. They are wonderful family pets as well as working dogs.
schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing often with a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can help reduce shed, and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds are smart and generally healthy dogs, but they have a few health issues. Breeders with a good reputation check their dogs for hereditary diseases, like hip and elbow dysplasia. These are frequent problems for large dog breeds. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological disorders can affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy, which can cause a weak, drunken-like gait due to spinal cord disease. It is caused by a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, causing pinching of the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs start with instabilities of the hindquarters and can progress to paralysis incontinence and decreased mobility. Treatments, which may involve medications, rehabilitation exercises, or surgery, are available to ensure that your dog lives longer and more comfortably.
Eye conditions that could affect your German Shepherd are glaucoma and Pannus, an immune-mediated cornea condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly. Your dog will need regular ocular examinations with a vet to assess these conditions.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from heart disease and dilatable cardiomyopathy. They will need a healthy diet that promotes heart health with a blend of omega fats and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using an stethoscope in his annual physical exam.

Puppies and teenagers with German Shepherds need moderate exercise. This can be done by taking them on numerous walks and (if appropriate), playing with other puppies in an area that is safe and secure. It is best to avoid running close to jogger, or a bicycle because it can cause damage to their growing bones and ligaments. Adult German Shepherds need to exercise for a short period of time each day, depending on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is a wise investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for both you and your veterinarian, allowing you to focus on providing the highest quality 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. They, like all breeds, require ongoing and extensive training to maintain an affable, obedient manner and increased alertness.
Training for a German Shepherd is a team effort that should include the entire family. This is a very familial breed that forms a strong bond with the principal handler. It is essential to begin with your puppy as soon as you can to ensure that he can grow to be a good and well-behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and learn quickly. However, their ability to learn can lead to stubbornness if they are not properly channeled. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD remain focused on the task at hand, and diminish any destructive behaviors that may arise due to their natural instincts and inclinations.
GSDs may be wary of people who aren't part of their immediate family. They need to socialized early in order to reduce the possibility of aggression and inappropriate behavior. They also tend to prey-drive and hunting and can become over-emphasized in the absence of being well-socialized.
GSDs may engage in a bark or a lunge when they are responding to a car or pedestrians walking on the road or in the park. Although this could be a problem for certain but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged since it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other animals and people to get along with. In turn they will discover that being around humans and animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a brief socialization period, during which they learn about the world around them and make connections that influence how they see new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. It is crucial to expose them to new situations and people as soon as you can.
After you have brought your puppy home, it's your responsibility to carry on the process and building your puppy's confidence to interact with new people and objects.
It is important to share these experiences with them in a controlled, safe environment that makes them feel safe and not be in danger. If they feel afraid they might associate the experience as being scared and be afraid for their entire lives. Also, you must protect them from the common mistake of trying to sooth or encourage them when they are frightened since this could be seen as a reward for their fearful behavior and which is a sure way to trigger an entire life of phobias.
Begin by completing a few items from your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. 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 when another dog is around. This will aid them in becoming a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Look for pet-friendly restaurants, cafes or shops and take your puppy out for a coffee and cake date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle-training you have been doing and also introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that will help them accept the world outside when they reach the age of.
Car driving - German Shepherds aren't known for their comfort in vehicles So getting them familiar with the car early can make your road trips much easier!
Take a few items off your GSD puppy's list of socialization activities by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or the garden centre. This will allow them to become at ease in these environments as they grow older and is a an excellent occasion to practice recall games.
Exercise
In addition to a good diet Alongside a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. But, this should be balanced as excessive exercise can damage the bones of puppies. For example running, jumping and playing for a long time can put strain on the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can cause issues later in life.
Your puppy's innate level of drive will determine how much energy and exercise they require. As a working breed the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than other breeds. This is because they were bred to help herd livestock. As such, they will have a strong herding instinct and a desire to complete the job at hand.
Because they were bred to work, they are quick learners and are highly capable of training. They are also instinctive guard dogs with a keen awareness of danger and can respond quickly to protect their family members. This is why they are excellent service dogs, aiding police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search & rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile places.
An effective 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 as well as the opportunity to meet 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 bred will have a dense straight, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be rough in certain areas but soft in others. The length of the hair will differ from one dog to the next however, it will usually be between 4 to 6 inches. The color will also vary from pup to pup, however, most German Shepherds will have a black or dark brown coat with a white chest.