How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require daily walks, playtime, and other activities. They should be socialized with other pets, household pets and children from an early age to avoid aggression or dominance issues later on in life.
Always investigate your breeder and the your puppy's lineage. Like all dogs, they may inherit genetic disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia or Bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who thrive on the challenges. They are loyal and obeying however, they can also be cautious of strangers. They are often extremely cautious and can bark at cars, other dogs, or people when they feel their family is in danger.
They are extremely well-trained and are quick to learn. This makes them a preferred choice for military, police roles and search-and rescue missions. They also make excellent companions because they love being active in the outdoors and have a shrewd sense of the stoicism that is uncommon in other breeds.
The physical and mental strength of this herding breed makes them a natural athlete, and they do best in an environment where they can use their energy. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience and tracking tests, Schutzhund, and obedience however they're equally happy with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing with fetch. Having a job to do provides them with a purpose and stimulates their minds and bodies.
Due to their herding background German Shepherds possess an intense prey drive and are susceptible to a loud voice when they're bored. If not properly managed, this can lead to unintentional behavior. It is important to interact with and engage your dog from an early age to keep them occupied and active.
German Shepherds are smart and well-behaved. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are easy to train. They aren't always easy to handle, however they need a firm, but gentle touch when it comes to training to stop them from becoming frustrated or overwhelmed. It is recommended that you engage a professional trainer to assist you with training.
German Shepherds are a affectionate and loving breed that thrives on playing and attention from their families. They are very active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If you're planning to adopt one, be honest with yourself about the amount of time you can dedicate to their needs and ensuring they're not neglected. If they're left alone for too long, it could cause destructive behavior or anxiety and depression. To avoid this, do not leave your German Shepherd in a secluded area for more than a few hours at a time and then gradually build gradually to longer durations of time.
Health
German Shepherds are healthy dogs, especially when they're raised responsibly by responsible breeders. These breeders screen their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, as well as other health conditions that are specific to the breed. This is why it's important to only buy from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will provide their puppies with regular health checks throughout their lives.
Due to their herding instincts GSDs require lots of exercise and attention to keep them happy. They should be exercising for at minimum two hours every day, which includes walks and off-lead time in a secure location. In addition, training will provide them with the ultimate workout. Ensuring that they have enough space to play and move around will also help reduce stress levels.
As they age, GSDs could develop arthritis. This can cause them to limp or exhibit a bouncy gait. If this occurs, talk to your vet for the best treatment strategy. Depending on the severity of the problem it may be necessary to make a change in diet or supplements.
Degenerative myelopathy is a different German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Fortunately deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung can slow the progression of this disease.
A few German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia, which means their ball and socket joint isn't a good fit. This can result in discomfort, difficulty standing, and in more severe cases, paralysis. Your vet may suggest that your dog modify his exercise routine and adopt a more nutritious diet in order to reduce the symptoms.
German Shepherds may also develop cancer, specifically bone, lung, and abdominal cancers. The symptoms of these cancers could include an appetite loss, weakness, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
German Shepherds might also have an overactive thyroid which is a hormone imbalance. This can cause them to vomit more frequently, have trouble breathing, and eventually become tired. Your veterinarian will look for this symptom by listening to your dog's heart using a stethoscope, and then taking an X-ray. Your doctor will prescribe medication to control this condition if your dog has it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trained and are well-suited to early training. They are quick to learn and enjoy working with their handlers. This makes them a popular breed for police, military and security work. Families with kids also love them. Like all dogs however, they require a great deal of exercise to get rid of their energy. Make sure you have the space and time to give your German Shepherd with the mental and physical stimulation it requires on a daily basis.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing is reputable. Find a responsible breeder of German Shepherds who monitors their parents in order to prevent the transmission of health problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. You should also inquire about the ancestry and age of the puppies.
If you're in search of a German Shepherd to work as a service dog or participate in IPO trials, select one of the working lines. These dogs have been through obedience training, tracking, and security training. Working-line breeders are available in North America and Europe. These breeders sell puppies and "started" dogs who have been thoroughly trained in obedience tracking, tracking, protection and aggression. The puppies and dogs cost as much as $20,000 per dog.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure you have the money to purchase it. You will spend nearly $3,500 in the first year, including pet food and veterinary treatment. You can expect to spend between $500 and $1500 a year on your dog's maintenance and health. If you're not able to afford to buy a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.
When you are choosing a German Shepherd, keep in mind their size and strength. They're not suitable for all families, and they may not be a good fit with smaller animals. They must be kept active to avoid boredom which can lead to destructive behavior. If you do not have the time or space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it needs, think about another breed. The right German Shepherd will be a loyal and affectionate family member for many years to be.
Care
German Shepherds are large, strong dogs that require daily exercise to get rid of all their energy. It is important to ensure that you have the time and space required for this breed before adopting. They are also susceptible to separation anxieties, so it's important to start socializing and training at a young age.
Due to their herding heritage, these dogs are very vocal and require to be given the opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment. To prevent this from escalating into an aggressive behaviour it is crucial to take part in dog obedience classes or hire a professional dog trainer for your German Shepherd from the very beginning of their lives.
You should be prepared to commit to a long-term relationship regardless of whether you choose to teach your German Shepherd yourself or hire a professional dog trainer. German Shepherds can live for an average of 10-12 years. You'll need to be committed to making your new dog part of your family.
They should be fed a commercial food of high quality that is designed to meet their size and age. The recommended serving size will be on the label, but it is also beneficial to consult your veterinarian regarding the amount your dog should eat daily. You should not offer your German Shepherd treats that exceed 10% of their daily allowance.
Like any dog German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy/seizures, degenerative myelopathy and bleeding disorders are all frequently seen in this breed. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for any signs of illness in order to reduce the risk of passing genetic diseases their pups.
This breed also has an increased risk of developing bloat. This is due to the fact that they are a barrel chested breed. If not treated quickly the condition could become fatal. It is important to be familiar with the signs of bloat so you know when it's time to bring your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.