What Freud Can Teach Us About Purebred German Shepherd
How to Care For a Purebred German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are a very popular breed in America. They are great for pets for families and as working dogs.
German Shepherd puppies shed heavily in the spring and in the summer due to their thick double coats. Brushing regularly with a deshedding tool, or an undercoat rake can help reduce shed and keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Health
German Shepherds have some health issues, but are generally healthy and intelligent dogs. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing on hereditary diseases to their puppies such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These are common problems with large breeds of dogs. Other health issues include bloat, digestive disorders, and food sensitivities or allergies.
Hereditary neurological diseases may affect your GSD and can cause Degenerative Myelopathy. It causes an unsteady drunken-like gait caused by spinal cord disease. The cervical vertebrae narrow, pinching nerves that transmit signals to dog's hind legs. The signs begin with instabilities of the hindquarters and then progress to paralysis, incontinence, and loss of mobility. Treatments, which may involve medication, rehabilitation exercise programs or surgery can help your dog live longer and live a more comfortable life.
German Shepherds may suffer from glaucoma or Pannus. It is an immune-mediated corneal condition that can cause blindness if not treated properly. These conditions require regular ocular exams by your veterinarian.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to be afflicted with heart disease and the condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. A balanced diet that is rich in omega fats, balanced vitamins and an array of foods that support the health of your heart is essential. Your veterinarian can examine your puppy's heart with a stethoscope as part of 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 within an area that is safe and secure. It is best to avoid running, especially next to a cyclist or jogger, as this can damage their ligaments and bones as they grow. Adult German Shepherds should be active for a few hours each day, based on their energy levels. Insurance for pets is an excellent investment for your German Shepherd, as it will cover any unexpected injuries or illnesses. It also provides peace of mind for you and your veterinarian, so you can concentrate on providing the highest quality treatment for your dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, quick learners and extremely capable of being trained. They take their jobs very seriously, whether they're guard dogs police officers, guard dogs or service animals. They thrive when their intelligence, energy and drive are given a outlet. They, like all breeds, require continual and intense training to keep an easy, calm demeanor and to be alert.
Training for a German Shepherd is a collaborative effort and should involve the entire family. This is a very familial breed that forms a strong bond with the main handler. It is important to start training your puppy as early as possible so that he will grow into a well behaved pet.
German shepherd puppies are quick to master new commands and can learn quickly. Nevertheless, their high intelligence can also lead to stubbornness if not properly directed. A thorough and specific puppy training programs, such as Dog Training Elite's Breed Specific Training, can aid 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 typically cautious of people who are not part of their immediate family and need to be socialized from an early age to lessen their risk of aggressive behavior and inappropriate social behavior. They are also prone towards prey-drive and hunting, which can be overemphasized if they are not properly socialized.
For instance some GSDs engage in a barking or snarling attack on a vehicle passing by or at people on a trail or walking through the park. While this may be a problem to some, it is actually a normal behavior that should be encouraged. It will teach your German Shepherd there are other pets and other people around. As a result they will be taught that being around other people as well as animals is fun and not scary or dangerous.
Socialization
German Shepherd puppies are socialized for a short period of time. Through this time they get to know their world and form connections that affect the way they see new experiences. This can last for the duration of their lives. So, it is important to expose them to new people and situations as early on as possible.
Once you bring your puppy home, it's your responsibility to continue the process and developing your puppy's confidence in himself to interact with new people and objects.
The key is to expose them to these experiences in a secure and controlled environment in which they can build their confidence and not feel intimidated or overwhelmed. If they feel scared or scared, they'll be able to connect 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 error of trying to sooth or encourage them when they're scared since this could be seen as a way to reward their fearful behavior and a sure way to create the habit of having phobias for life.
Start by ticking a few things off your GSD puppy's socialization checklist. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
This isn't just about your puppy playing with other dogs. It's about teaching them to relax and focus on you when another dog is nearby. This will help them become a calm and relaxed family dog as they grow older.
Find places that are dog-friendly, such as restaurants, cafes or shops and bring your pup for a coffee and cake date! This is a great way to reinforce your settle training and introduce your puppy to new sounds, sights, smells, and textures. This will help them to accept the outside world once they are grown.
Drive in a car - German Shepherds aren't 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 the hairdresser or vet centre. This will allow your puppy to be comfortable in these places as an adult and can be a great way to play retrieval games.
In addition to a good diet In addition to a healthy diet, your German Shepherd puppy will need plenty of exercise. It is important to do this in a controlled manner, as too much exercise can harm the structure of the skeletal system of puppies. For example running, jumping, and playing for a long time can strain a growing puppy's joints and ligaments. This can lead to problems as an adult.
The drive level of your puppy will determine the amount of energy and exercise it will require. As a working breed, the German Shepherd is predisposed to having more drive than some other breeds. They were bred to manage animals. They will have a strong instinct to herd and will be eager to finish the job.
Because they were bred for work and learn quickly, they are fast learners and highly capable of training. They are also naturally guard dogs with an acute sense of danger and are quick to act to protect their family members. This is why they make excellent service dogs, aiding police with drug sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue and providing security at banks and other high-profile locations.
One method to help your German Shepherd puppy get the exercise he requires is to enroll him in obedience classes. This will provide him with mental stimulation as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. This is also a great opportunity to reinforce positive behavior in your puppy and teach him the basics of commands that will be useful later on.
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 will typically be between 4-6 inches long. The color will also differ from puppy to puppy, however the majority of German Shepherds are black or dark brown with white belly and chest.