10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Regarding Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds in America. They are excellent working dogs and family pets.
German Shepherd puppies have thick double coats that shed a lot during the summer and spring. Regularly brushing with a deshedding tool or undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keeps the coat shiny and healthy.
Health
German Shepherds have a few health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for health issues to avoid passing hereditary diseases to their pups, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. deutscher schäferhund pflege are frequent problems in large breeds of dog. Other health issues include digestive disorders, bloat and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological conditions can affect your GSD. Degenerative Myelopathy is one such disorder that causes a drunken gait. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the vertebrae within the neck, which pinches the nerves that transmit signals to your dog's hind legs. The signs start with instabilities of the hindquarters and progress to paralysis, incontinence and loss of mobility. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medications as well as rehabilitation programs that include exercise, and surgery.
German Shepherds can suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an autoimmune corneal condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated properly. Your dog will need regular ocular examinations with a veterinarian to determine the severity of these conditions.
German Shepherds are susceptible to heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other ailments. They'll require a nutritious diet that is supportive of heart health by providing a mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the heart of your puppy using a stethoscope as part of his annual physical exam.
German Shepherd puppies and adolescent German Shepherds should receive moderate exercise, like frequent walks and (if appropriate) play with other puppies in a safe and secure space. They should not run especially close to bikes or joggers as they can damage the growth of bones and ligaments. Depending on their energy level, adult German Shepherds will require a couple of hours of exercise every day to stay fit. Insurance for pets is a great investment in the well-being of your German Shepherd because it will provide veterinary care for injuries and illnesses that arise unexpectedly. Insurance for pets gives you and your veterinarian peace of mind which allows you to concentrate entirely on the care of your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, fast learners, and highly capable of being trained. They take their work seriously, whether they are guard dogs, police officers or service animals. They thrive when their energy, intelligence and dedication to work are given a outlet. These pups, like all breeds, require continual and intense training to keep an affable, obedient manner and to be alert.
The whole family should be involved in the training of the German shepherd. This is a very familial breed and will form an enduring bond with the principal handler. It is essential to start training your puppy as early as you can to ensure that he will grow to be a good behaved pet.

German shepherd puppies are very quick to learn and master new commands quickly. Their intelligence can lead to stubbornness, however, if not properly directed. In-depth and targeted puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can help your GSD stay focused on the task at hand and reduce any destructive behavior that could arise as a result of their natural instincts and tendencies.
GSDs are often wary of people outside their immediate family. They need to be socialized at an early age to lessen their potential for aggression and inappropriate social behavior. They also are prone to hunting and prey drive that can become exaggerated when not properly managed with frequent ongoing positive socialization.
GSDs can bark or lunge in response to a vehicle passing by or pedestrians walking on a path or through parks. While this may be a problem for some but it's actually a normal behavior and should be encouraged because it will teach your German Shepherd that there are other people and pets to interact with. In turn they will discover that being around other humans and animals is enjoyable and not dangerous or scary.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies have a short socialization window, during which they learn about the world and form connections that affect how they perceive new experiences - usually for the rest of their lives. It is essential to expose 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 building your pup's self-confidence to meet new people and things.
It is important to share these experiences with them in a controlled, safe environment where they will feel comfortable and not threatened. If they feel scared they might interpret the experience with being scared and become fearful for life. You should also protect them from making the error of encouraging to encourage or comfort them when they're scared. This could be seen as rewarding fearful behaviour and can cause a lifetime fear.
Start by taking note of a few items on your GSD puppy's list of socialization. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
This isn't only about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to calm down and concentrate on you when a dog is around. This will aid them in becoming a calm and peaceful pet as they get older.
Find dog-friendly cafes, restaurants or shops and take your puppy for a cake and coffee date! This is a great chance to reinforce the settle-training you've been doing and also introduce them to new sights as well as sounds, smells, and textures that can help them to accept the world around them when they reach the age of.
Use in a vehicle. German Shepherds aren't generally at ease in cars and, therefore, if you make them comfortable driving early on, it will simplify your road trips.
Check off a few items from your GSD puppy's list of socialization by taking them to the vet or train shop, hairdresser or a garden centre. This will help them get at ease in these environments as adults and could be a good opportunity to work on recall games.
Exercise
Your German Shepherd puppy needs plenty of exercise, in addition to a balanced diet. It should be done in moderation, since excessive exercise can cause damage to the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. For example running, jumping and playing for a long time can strain the joints of a puppy's growing ligaments. This can cause issues later on in life.
The amount of drive in your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it needs. As a breed that works, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having a higher level of drive than some other breeds. They were designed to manage animals. Therefore, they have an instinct for herding and an eagerness to do the job at hand.
They are highly trainable and fast learners due to their breeding to be work-oriented. They are also instinctual guard dogs, with a keen awareness of danger and will act quickly to defend their loved ones. They are also excellent service dogs that can assist police with drug sniffing, security and search and rescue.
Enrolling your German Shepherd puppy in obedience classes is a great way to get him the exercise he requires. This will provide him with mental stimulation and also the chance to meet other dogs. This is a great method to reinforce good behavior in your pup and teach him some basic commands.
A German Shepherd that is properly breed will have a thick, straight, and clear coat. The fur can be harsh in some areas but soft in other. The length of the coat may vary from dog to pup but will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The color of the coat will also vary from pup to pup but most German Shepherds have a black or dark brown coat that has a white chest.