Loyal, courageous, intelligent and easily trainable, the German shepherd dogs are mainly used for catching anti-social elements by the police. This breed of dogs is also the perfect example of an ideal family guard dog. Pet lovers who like to make this beautiful and intelligent dog a proud member of their family should first understand how to do effective caring for a German Shepherd. Proper care for this breed of dogs requires obedience training, early socialization and attention to the common health issues. In this article, we will explain you easy but effective procedures that help you for effective caring of your German shepherd puppy.

1.Dog proof you home

Before buying a German shepherd puppy, you should make sure to dog proof your home and garden. By doing this, you will provide safe and environment to your canine companion. You should also provide a suitable environment remembering the factors like comfort and amusement of your dog. It is also important that you give your puppy with time to let him understand his pack members- you and your family. It is totally your responsibility to make your canine companion feel comfortable at his new home

2.Provide proper training

Puppies are quite easy to train and they also never show the characteristics of rebellious adult dog, therefore, it is advised to start training at an early stage. You should enroll your young puppy in obedience training before six months of age and continue with the specialized training or advanced obedience as the puppy matures. German shepherd puppies are quite good in retaining specialized lessons and can easily learn to follow the scent of lost people or sniff out contraband as easily as it can learn to catch a Frisbee or fetch a ball.

You should also toilet train your canine companion after it reaches five weeks of age. It gives your puppy enough time to identify with the surroundings and absorb the training. You should take your puppy outside every morning to urinate and defecate, as it will build strong habits and understanding. Until the training is complete, you should keep newspaper down in the house.

3. Balanced diet

German shepherd puppies should be provided with a balanced and healthy diet. Owners should mostly give these dogs dry food so as to avoid any tooth problems. You can also feed your dogs with commercially dog foods, but make sure that the brand chosen is filled with all the essential nutrients and proteins. Being active, these dogs tend to get thirsty very fast; therefore, it is good to provide these dogs with fresh and clean drinking water. One more thing to remember is that this breed of dogs needs a cool and a shady area for proper breeding. An ideal food chart for your German shepherd puppy is as follows:

4.German shepherd health issues

There are many health issues that affect the German shepherd dog. Unethical and unsound breeding this dog contributes to many of these health issues; therefore, it is advised to bring your dog from the reputed breeders. Further, you should ask health records for the parents of dogs, include records of joint testing.

The most common health issues in this breed of dogs are Bloat, Hip Dysplsia, Gastric Disorders, Panosteitis, Eye Diseases and Spinal Paralysis. These dogs are also prone to developing joint and bone conditions, pancreas problems and cancer. The types of cancer that affect this breed of dogs typically target the lymphatic system, the bones, the skin or the capillaries.

When the German shepherd is young, frequent checkup to the vet's clinic will ensure protection from the various dog illnesses. You should strictly follow all the guidelines provided by your vet regarding this breed of dogs.

5.Grooming

Grooming of German shepherd puppies is easy. You should brush these dogs at least twice weekly throughout the year, as they shed lightly all year long. These dogs shed their entire coat twice a year (during the spring and fall). During the shedding seasons, these dogs require brushing once or twice a day so as to avoid matting.

Bathe your German shepherd puppy at the completion of each shedding season and throughout the year. Bathing is necessary to keep the coat of these dogs clean. Avoid bathing more than twice per month because too frequent bathing can leave the skin of your dog dry and lead to dandruff and itching. You should use only a shampoo made specifically for the dogs.

You should clean the ears of dog twice a week. The ears, which stand upright, can easily collect dust, airborne pollens and dirt, which can lead to ear infections and irritation. A gentle, but thorough wiping of the visible ear canal and inner ear flap with a soft damp cloth is necessary.