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Congratulations on purchasing your Iccara German
Shepherd Dog (GSD). Whether you are continuing your “love affair”
with this magnificent dog or it is your first GSD we hope this will
be a mutually fulfilling and rewarding journey.
Firstly, a
little about ourselves. We at Iccara have been breeding GSD’s (also
sometimes known as Alsatians, this name being temporarily adopted in
UK during the WW) for nearly 30 years, since the lifting of the ban
in WA. We were amongst the first enthusiasts to import a puppy at
that time. In the “bad old days” all GSD’s had to be sterilised
before importation into WA, usually from the Eastern States,
although people bringing in their pets from overseas also had to
sterilise. The Government believed that they would breed with Dingos
and produce a “superdog”. Happily, after a lot of hard work and
lobbying from GSD lovers in WA the ban was lifted.
We were
active in both show and obedience in the early days with Hazel being
an obedience judge, as well as a veterinary nurse. Now we devote our
time to showing and breeding, allowing our puppies to reach their
potential in the obedience ring with their new handlers and owners.
We are fortunate that our breeding program has allowed us to make
many friends and achieve many awards, including winning the National
Breeders Trophy in Adelaide & Brisbane.
Years ago
when puppies were sterilised young (usually 6 weeks) to allow entry
into WA, the whole look of the dog was altered, causing them to grow
quite tall and long legged, due to the lack of hormones. GSD’s have
a maximum and minimum size, and are only categorised as a medium
size dog. Some lines are larger than others but to maintain the
agility and endurance needed to fulfil their working ability as a
herding dog, the size must not be too big and the bone too strong.
It is common to see GSD’s kept too heavy as puppies. Even some vets
will say that a puppy is the right weight when in fact he is too
heavy. An adult bitch weighs approx 27kg, an adult male approx 37kg.
It is essential that he not be kept overweight at any time in his
life. If in doubt, please come and see us, we will be
honest!!!
We take
all care and only breed from “A” (hip passed) “Z” (elbow passed)
stock. Despite these precautions GSD’s, like many other breeds have
a genetic predisposition towards hip and elbow dysplasia. If pups
are fed an incorrect diet their growth plates and joints can be
adversely affected. This can also be caused by allowing your puppy
to exercise inappropriately, allowing him to jump or climb onto/off
of heights, even small ones like steps, or to chase frisbees, balls
etc. They should not be allowed to play roughly with older dogs, or
even children!! Long runs are also out. New research has shown that
sterilisation prior to 12 months can also cause joint problems due
to hormones that affect growth not being present after this
procedure. Do not sterilise before 12 months.
Correct
care of your puppy in his early months when his bones and joints are
soft and developing will make all the difference to him as an adult.
.Please
adhere to this diet sheet. Ring us if you have any questions at all.
If you have any concerns please address them before the end of your
complimentary insurance period. Please make an appointment with Dr
Steve Metcalfe at Applecross Veterinary Clinic (phone 9364 7666 -
details on your vaccination card).
FEEDING: You have been given a pack of Natural Balance dry food
to take home so you can continue to feed him what he is used to
here. Please continue with this food, we have found it to produce
the correct growth and is exceptionally good for coats and joints as
it is very high in omega rich oils. He will be able to stay on this
all his life. There are various mixes for your dogs’ lifestyle. The
Super Premium/High Energy is for your puppy and active dogs.
Mix 1½
cups Natural Balance with
1 cup raw minced mutton. This should feed an
average 8-week-old puppy for two meals. Do not leave food down all
day. Give puppy 10mins to finish then remove leftovers to deter
fussy eaters. Puppy can be offered a raw chicken wing at bedtime (a
frame as he gets older). He will get enough calcium required from
this if kept on this diet. Ensure clean water is available always.
If you cannot find Natural Balance in shops it is available by
delivery, just phone 9335 8200 or order on line at www.naturalbalance.net.au
Gradually
increase dry food but do not increase meat. As your puppy recovers
from the stress of leaving his littermates and starts to eat well,
the meat should be ceased altogether. Supplement with
glucosamine/chondroitin and fish oil from 8 weeks to aid the
integrity of his joints and help delay the onset of arthritis. An
average male needs approx 4 cups of food per day, a female approx 3
cups. Of course, this will depend on metabolism/ activity levels
etc. Also, puppies go through growth spurts and may need more at
this time, only to be reduced shortly after as they slow down their
growth rate again. Until your dog has stopped growing you will be
constantly adjusting their diet, and you will probably find they
will need more food in winter as adults.
Your puppy
may go off his food when he first goes home, as he has lost the
competition of his littermates. He may also have loose motions due
to change of water, but he should be bright and happy, not quiet and
depressed. Any variation to the diet can cause diarrhoea, even
leading to more serious gastro-enteritis. Do not tempt your puppy
with titbits. As he settles in and becomes regular, a cooked egg,
rice, pasta or vegies may be offered.
Do not
allow your puppy to come into contact with other dogs, or walk him
in public until 10 days after his 12 weeks vaccination. He is not
protected until then.
Puppies go
through different growing stages where their feet, ears etc may look
too big. His feet may go flat and hind legs look weak. These are
normal growing stages, rather like the gangly knock kneed stage
adolescent teenagers go through!!
VACCINATING:
Your puppy requires another vaccination at 12 weeks and then
annually.
WORMING:
Your puppy’s mother was vaccinated with Dectomax to prevent worms
and mites. Your puppy was wormed just prior to leaving the kennel.
He will not need worming until 12 weeks, then 3 monthly. We suggest
discussing this with your vet at the 12-week vacc stage as new
products are constantly coming on the market.
GENERAL:
Spray ears every morning with insect repellent to prevent fly bites.
Discuss flea control with your vet if necessary. Your puppy will not
have fleas when you take him home. If ears have not moved by 4
months contact us.
RAW
brisket bones are excellent for cleaning teeth and aid with
teething. From 8-20 weeks puppies completely change all their teeth
and love to chew - especially YOU. This is the most common “problem”
call we have. Your puppy is not being “savage” but may be trying to
establish dominancy. DO NOT hit him with a rolled up newspaper. Your
tone of voice is your strongest weapon. Hold puppy by the ruff of
the neck, just below the ears, look him straight in the eye and tell
him NO in a firm voice that he will eventually associate with
anything wrong he may be doing. If this does not work we suggest
mixing vinegar (or citronella) with water in a spray bottle and
spraying pup wen they become naughty
Don’t
house train your puppy onto paper; you will only have to retrain him
later. When he wakes, or has eaten he will want to relieve himself.
Take him outside to his “spot” and stay with him. I use the words
“hurry up” as encouragement. He will soon condition himself to
“going” on these words. When he “performs” PRAISE HIM.
Your puppy
will almost certainly “grow into” questions at times. Please do not
hesitate to contact us with any queries whatsoever. Photos and
comments are always appreciated for our “brag book” and web site.
HAPPY SHEPHERDING
Larry, Sue, Hazel & Sophie
are bred to all Aust relevant codes of
ethics and recommended breeding practices. |
