Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A top choice for military, police and other service dogs, German Shepherds are highly intelligent, protective and loyal. They're also extremely active, requiring plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural defense mechanisms can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers, therefore early training and socialization is essential. They can also exhibit behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, but good breeding practices may reduce the risk of certain health issues. Reputable breeders check parents to ensure they are not passing on diseases that could be prevented, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
Regardless of their breeding history, all puppies should be examined by a vet before they leave for their new homes. This helps the veterinarian determine and address any health issues as soon as possible to minimize complications and improve the outcome.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are vital for the health of your German Shepherd. Routine veterinary examinations as well as vaccinations and other preventive measures can help your dog live a long and healthy life.
German Shepherds are prone to autoimmune diseases, hemangiosarcoma, and epilepsy/seizure disorder. They may also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. Many of these conditions can be managed or prevented by following a balanced diet by avoiding sweets and table foods and introducing preventive medication at the earliest possible time.
All dogs are susceptible to digestive issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. It can be caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies and the underlying medical condition. Commercially produced high-quality foods and frequent urination, as well as water consumption and limiting sweets can help ease digestive issues.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (also known as gastric volvulus, or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This is a condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow, and possibly leading to death within a few hours if it is not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching, but not swallowing. They also have an enlarged stomach, irritability and lethargy. A preventive procedure that sutures or tacks the stomach in place will reduce the risk of this deadly disease.
German Shepherds are not immune to dental diseases. If left untreated, tartar build-up can cause gum disease and infection of the roots of the teeth. Eventually the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and expensive treatment, which could be difficult for your pet emotionally and financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs which have been extensively used as protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, active and highly trained. They are a good fit for active people with plenty of time to devote to training, exercise and cleaning up shed hair. They are also a good option for those looking for an extremely reliable, trustworthy friend.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes children and older adults. They are protective of their loved family members and can be shy with strangers. They respond best to fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also require plenty of stimulation in their minds, so it is essential to provide a variety of puzzles and training games.
If you are shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who is concerned about the quality of their pups and wants to connect with you. They should show you the litter and mother and their health history, the environment where they were raised and be able to answer your questions. They can inform you about the socialization of the pups and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be cautious of puppies that are available at pet stores, since they are more likely to be from mills than reputable breeders. They are typically bred to make the sake of profit and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder checks their breeding stock to prevent hereditary diseases and other health issues that can arise in the puppies.
It is essential to begin training your puppy as quickly as possible, no matter which puppy you choose. Learn the basics of commands such as sit down, stay and sit. Also do some leash training so your German Shepherd is calm when they are out and about. Training for obedience in the beginning is crucial to stop them from chasing anything that moves. You can also engage their natural instincts to herd by engaging them in recall exercises.
Make sure you spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd while they are young so that they learn to love being with you. This is particularly important as they experience a critical socialization phase from around 16 weeks old, following which they might be less receptive to new experiences, people and places.
Care
No matter where you purchase the German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes annual visits to the vet as well as vaccinations and preventive medication ($700-$1200 annually). You'll have to pay for pet food, grooming appointments, and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the costs associated with dog walking and boarding, as well as professional obedience training. These can add up to thousands of dollars over the course of the life of your puppy.
Find a breeder that has high standards and uses good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for evidence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for the father and mother as well as temperament tests for the litter.
Talk to veterinarians and local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. They are knowledgeable about animals, and they are aware of a great deal about ethical breeders.
Although a German shepherd's herding instinct may cause him to jump and chase others, he will respond to training and discipline. Introduce your family members to him as he grows. German Shepherds are very close to their families and need lots of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental diseases. It begins with tartar buildup before progressing to infection of the gums, and roots of teeth. It's a problem that is common and can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications such as kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Cancer is another issue and is a major concern in dogs of a certain age. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops blood-rich tumors that are usually found in the spleen and heart. Other cancers include lung, bone, and the intestinal.
The option of rescuing a German Shepherd from a shelter is an alternative for those who are unable to afford to pay the cost of buying a purebred dog. The staff at the shelter can help you select a dog with an excellent temperament and is compatible with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog can be less expensive than buying one. Adoption fees usually include initial medical examinations and vaccinations, as well as spaying or neutering. schäferhunde kaufen at the shelter can also offer advice on how to prepare your home to accommodate a dog. For instance, they can tell you what items should be put away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be very active and it is important to give them a way to let their energy go. If they don't get enough exercise it could result in them becoming restless and redirecting that energy into something undesirable like digging through the yard or chewing at whatever is in reach.
You can also expose them to different types of people, places, and situations when they are young. This will help them to understand that not everyone is a threat. This can be accomplished by taking walks on the street and in parks, engaging with neighbors during play sessions, and even taking them to places they've never been before (as as they're secure).
Aside from getting out and having a good time It's also a great idea to incorporate obedience training into exercise sessions. It can be as simple as teaching them to sit and remain on their mats, but it could be as complex as doing heelwork or playing games of recall.
Dog sports like agility or flyball are excellent for your German Shepherd pup and can also help improve their mental abilities. Start slowly so as not to overexert the puppy. Avoid exercising your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This can lead to diseases caused by heat in young dogs.
Aside from these kinds of activities, it's recommended to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. This is important for them to get some physical activity and to discover the world beyond their own. It is important to take them to various places so they can experience new sounds and environments.