Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are excellent service dogs for military, police and other authorities. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective. They are also very active and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural instinct to protect themselves can manifest as aggression towards strangers, therefore early training and socialization is essential. They may also display behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions such as tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices can lower the risk of certain health conditions. Breeders with good reputation check parents to ensure they are not passing on preventable diseases, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
All puppies, regardless of their breeding history should be thoroughly examined by a vet prior to when they are taken to their new homes. This allows the vets to identify any health issues and treat them as soon as they can to reduce the risk of complications and increase outcomes.
When it concerns the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinary visits are vital. Regular veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and other preventive measures will allow your pet to live a a long, happy life.
Certain health issues that are that are specific to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, autoimmune disease, epilepsy/seizure disorders and bleeding conditions. Many of these conditions can be managed or prevented by following a balanced diet avoidance of sweets and table foods and taking preventive medication at the earliest possible time.
All dogs are susceptible to gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. This is often caused by eating the wrong type of food, food allergies and the underlying medical condition. A high-quality commercial food frequent urination, regular the consumption of water and limiting sweets are often helpful with digestive issues.
German Shepherds have deep, narrow chests, which can make them prone to bloating, also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This condition is caused by the stomach filling with gas and twists on itself, severing blood flow and potentially resulting in death within a few hours if not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching but not swallowing. They can also be characterized by an enlarged stomach, irritability, and a lack of energy. The use of preventive surgery to fixate or suture the stomach in place may reduce the chance of developing this deadly illness.
Dental disease is another common problem that affects all dogs, but in particular German Shepherds. Untreated tartar can lead to gum disease and infection at the roots of teeth. At some point the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and costly treatment, which can be a burden for your pet emotionally as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs which have been extensively used as protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, active and extremely trained. They are ideal for those who have plenty of time available to train or exercising, as well as cleaning the shed fur. They are also good for those who wish to have a loyal high-performing friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd dog is a extremely reliable companion and an best choice for many family members, including children and older adults. They are protective of their beloved ones and may not be comfortable with strangers. They are most comfortable with fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also require a lot of mental stimulation, so a good variety of games and puzzles is essential to keep them interested.
Find an German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and wants to develop a relationship with you. They will be able to show you the mother, litter and their health history and the environment in which they were raised, and answer all your questions. They can tell you about the socialization of their puppies and how they compare to their siblings.
Be cautious of puppies that are available from pet stores, as they are more likely to come from mills than reputable breeders. They are typically bred for profits and could be afflicted with serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock in order to prevent hereditary diseases and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
Regardless of how you select your puppy, it's important to start training early on. Teach basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. Learn to leash-train so that your German Shepherd will be calm when you are out and about. They are curious, which is why early obedience training is crucial to prevent them from chasing after anything that moves. Doing some recall exercises is an excellent way to get them involved in their natural herding instincts, too.
Spend time with them when they're young so they can be taught to love you. This is particularly important as they have a crucial socialization period from about 16 weeks old, following which they could be less open to new people, experiences and places.
Care
No matter where you purchase your German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes annual veterinary visits and vaccinations, as well as preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments, pet food, and a yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the additional costs for dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training. These costs could add up to a few thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Find a breeder that adheres to high standards and follows good breeding methods. Ask the breeder to provide documentation of hip and elbow dysplasia screenings for the father and mother and for temperament testing of the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. These individuals are familiar with animals, and they know a great deal about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct may make him want to chase and jump over people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce reinrassiger schäferhund to all the members of your family as he grows. German Shepherds are very attached to their family members and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental disease. It starts with tartar buildup, and then progresses into gum inflammation, and roots of teeth. It's a problem that is common and can lead to tooth loss and serious complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a different issue particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer that develops blood-rich tumors, which are typically found in the spleen and the heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone and intestinal.
If you're unable to pay for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you might be able to get one from a shelter. Shelter staff can assist you to select a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle and has a good temperament. Adopting a dog may be less expensive than buying one, and adoption costs typically include medical exams as well as vaccinations, spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can also offer advice on how to prepare your home for a dog for example, making sure your home is safe and clearing away anything that could be chewed or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs, and it's crucial to find a way to channel their energy. If they aren't given enough physical exercise, this can lead to them becoming restless and directing their energy into undesirable things like digging up the yard, or chewing on things that are within reach.
You can also expose them to various types of people, places, and situations when they are young. This will help them realize that not everyone is a threat. You can accomplish this by taking them on walks and to parks, having them engage in the time with your neighbors or going to places they've not been before.
Apart from going out and having a good time It's also a good idea to include obedience training into your workout sessions. This can be as simple as teaching them to sit and remain on their mats, however it can be as advanced as doing heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility or flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also aid in improving their mental skills. Start slowly so as not to overload the puppy. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This could lead to heat-related illnesses in young dogs.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. It is essential for them to get some physical exercise and to explore the world outside of their home. It's essential to take them to various places to discover new sounds and experiences.