Getting to know your German Shepherd.
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world; there most defining attribute is their character, they are loyal, confident and have the ability to learn the commands very quickly.
GSD’s are happiest when they have something to do; this could be training, playing, service work or being in a family environment. However, GSD’s are balls of energy so it is essential for owners to devote lots of time to train, socialise and love their new companion; in return he will put his life on the line to protect his much loved family members.
A German Shepherds Health and Life expectancy.
Health has a major impact on a GSD’s quality of life. it’s important to pick the right breeder. The health and welfare is our number one priority.
All health checks of the male and female have a genetic importance before breeding, resulting in the quality of our puppies; this will go a long way towards German Shepherds having a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years.
As German Shepherds inherit the desirable features they can also inherit the undesirable which is why it is so important to under go health checks, when buying a puppy a good breeder will be more than happy to provide you with the health checks mum and dad have had.
I will be writing a blog on the health checks shortly.
German Shepherds and Family
It’s essential to socialise your puppy with their family members first, GSD’s
will grow to love and respect the house rules, if given the time and patience. This can be achieved by allowing all family members to feed and water their new companion.
German Shepherds are playful characters but they play with their mouths and paws so it is crucial to teach him the boundaries of play. A GSD will never intentionally harm a child but he could injure them by jumping or nipping too hard; to prevent this supervise the play
sessions and teach your puppy good manners.
It is essential that your puppy has a crate where he can escape all family members as he needs to eat and sleep uninterrupted.
Exercising your puppy.
Only exercise your puppy for no more than fifteen minutes a day; it is extremely important not to over exercise your pup as th eir bones and joints are fast growing and can’t under go a great deal of stress until they’re fully grown, so I wouldn’t allow your pup to run up and great deal of stress until they’re fully grown, so I wouldn’t allow your pup to run up and down the stairs, jump on and off of the couch or play ball or Frisbee for hours.down the stairs, jump on and off of the couch or play ball or Frisbee for hours.
Top Exercising Tips
- Make time for daily training and play sessions.Make time for daily training and play sessions.
- Make your pup work for his food. Use his food to train him.
- When it’s hot, save exercise for early mornings and late evenings.
- Do Not throw his ball or other toy constantly if he shows signs of over–exertion.exertion.
- Make sure he has constant access to water.
Written by Libbie-May Yates