What is there not to love with dogs? Big dog breeds, particularly German shepherds, are a good addition, especially in an already growing family with kids. If you have recently brought a German shepherd puppy in your home, here are some tips to help you have a smooth ride as you adjust to each other.
German shepherds are usually seen as police dogs or guard dogs because of their agility, apart from their remarkable intelligence. By nature, they can be wary and aggressive, but this can be controlled if they are trained early on. Hence, while they have a notable speed and endurance characteristics, caring for them also requires a lot from their owners.
Diet and Health Care
For humans, processed food is generally not advisable for long time consumption. This goes true for dogs and your German Shepherd in particular. Ideally, the diet of a German Shepherd should closely simulate what he will have in the wild. But of course, this is not always reasonable, hence choose the most appropriate dog food by considering what it is made of from the nutritional facts on its label. Pups have fast growth, which entails the need for you to regularly monitor their diet and food intake.
Feed your pups as frequently as four times a day and remember to take his food bowl after feeding. The frequency of his meals generally decreases as your pup grows, which is why it is important to take him to the veterinarian regularly to know if he is within his ideal weight. Keep in mind that German shepherds are prone to bone and pancreatic diseases, so ensure that your pup gets the proper exercise as early as his early years.
Grooming
German shepherds shed regularly so to maintain his mane, brush him a couple of times a week. However, German shepherds tend to shed all their hair, particularly during spring or fall. During this time, brush your dog daily to avoid large clumps. You would be surprised that a German shepherd only requires bathing no more than twice per month. This is because frequent bathing may cause your pup’s skin to dry, which eventually leads to dandruff and itching. Use the appropriate dog shampoo in bathing your pup. Clean your dog’s ears a couple of times a week and check whether his ears stand up straight as they normally would. You can use a soft damp cloth to wipe his ear flap, as long as the visible ear canal.
Training and Exercise
As soon as you get your pup, familiarize yourself to him by letting him smell your scent. Encourage him to sleep, especially if you have just brought him home. Introduce him to all the people you interact with, such that he will not see them as a threat later on. While you might have an instant connection and bond right away, your dog is prone to develop an anti-social behavior without ample exposure to friendly strangers.
Puppies have small bladders, thus your pup will need to go pee every two hours on average. As they get older. German shepherds have the capability to hold their pee up to eight hours. When you notice your pup going in circles while sniffing, the tendency is he needs to go relieve himself.
You can train the pup yourself or hire the services of a reputable and reliable dog trainer. The articles contributed by the dog lovers and writers at Canine Weekly can help you self-train your pup. Nevertheless, it is best that he undergoes and obedience training under the age of six months, well because as they say, it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. It is important to continue his training long after his initial obedience training is done. To do this, you can integrate played in his training. Try a puppy hide and seek while progressively hiding in a location harder to find each time. Alternatively, you can play an object hide and seek to help your pup learn and discern various distinct smells. Training your pup or teaching him tricks requires patience, but you will be surprised that German shepherds have amazing skills in retaining even advanced lessons.
While German shepherds can be content as indoor animals, it is best if they are given a space where they are able to roam freely. German shepherds need to be active because of their high-energy. While a regular walk may be deemed sufficient for a pup, this may no longer be enough while your German shepherds grow.
Owning a dog is a big responsibility. Caring for it goes beyond being able to provide him with food and shelter. In parallel, you must be able and willing to give your dog love, care and attention, much like what a human needs. Follow some of the tips mentioned above, especially if you have just recently added a German shepherd puppy in your family.