How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require daily walks as well as playtime and other activities. They should be socialised with other dogs as well as household pets and children at an early age to prevent aggression or dominance issues later on in life.
Always make sure you study your breeder and puppy's lineage. As with all dogs, they can inherit genetic diseases like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs with a keen mind that thrive in new challenges. They are loyal and obeying however, they can also be cautious of strangers. They are often extremely cautious and bark at other dogs, cars or even people when they feel that their family is in danger.
These powerful dogs are highly adept at training and are quick to learn, which makes them popular for police work, military roles, search and rescue missions and service jobs. They are also good companions, as they enjoy 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 make them natural athletes and they excel in an environment where they can use their energy. They excel at dog sports like agility, obedience, and tracker tests. They also enjoy obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. Being able to work gives them purpose and helps to stimulate their minds and bodies.
Because of their herding heritage German Shepherds possess an intense desire to hunt and are prone to a loud voice when they're bored. If not properly managed it can lead to unintentional behavior. It is essential to engage and stimulate your dog at an early age to keep them happy and active.
German Shepherds are very smart and obedient, so they're easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. While they can be stubborn and require a firm, but gentle training method to avoid them becoming angry or overwhelmed, they're easy to train. It is recommended to employ a professional trainer for training.
German Shepherds are loving and loyal dogs who thrive on the love and attention they receive from their families. They are active and require a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you plan to adopt a pet, be honest about how much time and attention you can devote to their needs. If left alone for too long, they can quickly become destructive or suffer from anxiety and depression. To avoid this, don't leave your German shepherd unattended for more than a few minutes at one time. Gradually increase the duration.
Health
German Shepherds are healthy dogs especially when they're bred in a responsible manner by responsible breeders. Breeders who test their dogs for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia along with hemangiosarcoma as well as other breed-specific health conditions. This is the reason it's essential to buy only from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will offer their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
GSDs are herding animals and require plenty of exercise and attention to be happy. They should be exercising for at minimum two hours every day, which includes walks and time off-lead in a safe place. Adding in training on top will provide them with the best exercise. Having enough space for them to play and roam can also help lower the stress levels.
As they age, GSDs may develop arthritis. This can cause them to limp or even have a bouncy gait. If this happens then consult your vet for a treatment strategy. This may involve changes in diet supplements, surgery, or depending on how severe the disease is.
Degenerative myelopathy is yet another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Fortunately physical therapy can slow this disease's progression.
Some German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia, which means their ball and socket joint doesn't fit together well. This can cause pain, difficulty in standing and in more severe cases, paralysis. If your dog is suffering from this condition, your veterinarian will suggest a different exercise regimen and a healthier diet to reduce symptoms.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancer, particularly abdominal, lung and bone cancers. These cancers can lead to weakness as well as weight loss vomiting, diarrhea and a decrease in appetite.
German Shepherds could also suffer from an overactive thyroid that is a hormonal imbalance. This can cause them to vomit more frequently, have trouble breathing, and eventually become exhausted. Your vet will check for this sign by listening to the heartbeat of your dog by using a stethoscope or an X-ray. If your dog has this condition, your vet will prescribe medication to treat it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and are well-suited to early training. They are quick to learn and enjoy working with their owners. This makes them a preferred breed for law enforcement, and protection work. They are also a favorite family pet for families with children. Like all dogs, they need to be exercised frequently to burn off the energy. Make sure you have the space and time to give your German Shepherd with the physical and mental stimulation that it requires daily.
Make sure to verify the reputation of the breeder prior to you purchase a German Shepherd. Look for a responsible German Shepherd breeder who checks their parents in order to avoid the transmission of health problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. You should also ask about the ancestry and ancestry of the puppies and adults.
If you are looking for a German Shepherd that can be trained to be an aid dog, or even compete in IPO competitions, then go for a working line. These dogs have been through obedience training, tracking, and security training. You can find working line breeders throughout North America and Europe. They sell pups and "started" dogs, which have received extensive training in obedience protection, tracking, and aggression training. These puppies and dogs can cost as much as $20,000 per dog.
Be sure you can afford the cost of a German Shepherd before purchasing one. You will spend nearly $3,500 in the first year, which includes the cost of pet food and vet care. You will spend between $500 and $1500 a year on maintaining your dog's health. If you're unable to buy a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from shelters.
When selecting when choosing related resource site , bear in mind their size and strength. They're not ideal for all families and may not be compatible with smaller pets. They also require plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored, which could cause destructive behavior. If you don't have the time nor space to provide a German Shepherd with the exercise it needs, consider the possibility of a different breed. The best German shepherd will be a loyal family member for years to be.
Care
German Shepherds are a huge robust breed that requires daily exercise to get rid of their energy. This is why it's crucial to make sure you have enough time and space for this dog prior to making the decision to adopt it. In addition, these breeds tend to be anxious about separation therefore it is essential for them to get consistent training and socialization at a young age.
Because of their herding background they are vocal and must be allowed to be vocal in a safe environment. It is essential to enroll your German Shepherd in obedience classes from the start of their lives.
You must be ready to commit for a long time whether you choose to teach your German Shepherd yourself or hire an experienced dog trainer. German Shepherds can live for an average of 10-12 years. You'll need to commit to making your new dog a member of your family.
The dogs are recommended to be fed commercial food of high quality that is designed to meet their size and age. The recommended serving size will be on the package, however it is also beneficial to talk with your veterinarian about how much your dog needs to eat each day. You should not offer your German Shepherd treats that exceed 10 percent of their daily allowance.
Like any dog, German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions. This breed is prone to elbow dysplasias and hip dysplasias, degenerative myelopathy and seizures/epilepsy. Breeders who are reputable will test their dogs to minimize the chance of passing genetic diseases on to their pups.
Lastly the breed is at a higher risk of developing bloat than other breeds. It is because they are an elongated chest. If not treated quickly the condition could become fatal. It's important to be familiar with the signs of bloat so you know when it's time to take your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.