Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A favorite choice for military, police and other service dogs, German Shepherds are highly intelligent, secure and loyal. They are also extremely active and require lots of stimulation and exercise.
Their natural instinct to protect themselves can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers, therefore early training and socialization are crucial. They can also display compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive actions like tail chasing.
schäferhund beschützerinstinkt are generally healthy, but good breeding practices can reduce the chance of developing certain health issues. Reputable breeders screen parents to prevent passing on preventable diseases like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
All puppies, regardless of breeding history should be thoroughly inspected by a vet before they are released to their new homes. This allows the vets to determine any health issues and treat them as quickly as possible in order to reduce the risk of complications and increase results.
When it is about the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinary visits are vital. Routine veterinary examinations along with vaccinations and other preventive steps can help your pet live a long and healthy life.
Certain health issues specifically for German Shepherds are the autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma seizures, epilepsy and other bleeding disorders. These conditions can be controlled and prevented by consuming the right diet, avoiding table food and treats, and beginning preventive treatment as soon as is possible.
A common health problem that affects all dogs is gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. This is often caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies or underlying medical conditions. A commercial food that is of high quality frequent urination, regular the consumption of water and limiting sweets can help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds have narrow, deep chests, which cause them to bloat, also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a condition that is caused by gas that is absorbed by the stomach and then twists around itself, severing the blood supply and resulting in death if not treated. The symptoms of GDV include retching or trying to heave but not swallowing, a swollen abdomen, lethargy, restlessness and lying in a prayer position with the head lowered. The use of preventive surgery to tack or suture the stomach in place may reduce the chance of contracting this deadly disease.
German Shepherds are not immune to dental disease. Untreated tartar can lead to gum disease and infections at the root of teeth. Eventually you German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and expensive treatment, which can be hard on 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, energetic and extremely trainable. They are an ideal fit for active people with plenty of time to training, exercise and cleaning up shed hair. They are also a great fit for people who want an extremely reliable, trustworthy friend.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable pet for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They can be protective of their family members and remain aloof towards strangers. They are most comfortable with consistent, fair and firm training methods. They also require a lot of stimulation in their minds, so it is essential to provide a variety puzzles and training games.
When you are looking for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who cares about the quality of their puppies and is eager to communicate with you. They should be able to show you their litter and mother, their health history, the environment where they were raised, and answer your questions. They will be able tell you about the socialization of their pups and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies from pet stores, as they are more likely to come from breeders who are reputable. They are usually bred for the sake of profit and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock to prevent hereditary disease and other health issues that can arise in the pups.
No matter how you choose your puppy, it is important to begin training as early as possible. Introduce basic commands such as sit, stay and down. Also train your dog on leash to ensure that your German Shepherd is calm when they are out and about. Training for obedience in the beginning is crucial to prevent them from chasing everything that moves. Recall exercises are an excellent way to stimulate their natural herding instincts, as well.
Spend a lot of time with them when they're young, so that they can begin to appreciate you. This is particularly important as they experience a critical socialization period from about 16 weeks of age, after which they may be less receptive to new people, experiences and places.
Care
No matter where you buy your German Shepherd from, he'll need a lifetime of attention. This includes vaccinations, preventive medicine and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll be required to pay for pet food, grooming appointments and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Think about the additional costs associated with dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training, which could add up to a few thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Find a breeder that has high standards and has 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.
Consult with veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. They are knowledgeable about animals and know the basics about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct could cause him to want to chase and jump on people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce your family members as you grow. German Shepherds have strong bonds with their families and need a lot of interaction.
Dogs are prone to dental disease. It starts with tartar buildup, and then progresses to infection of the gums and the roots of teeth. It's a condition that's common and can lead to tooth loss and serious complications such as kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Cancer is a different issue particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer that forms blood-rich tumors, which are typically found in the spleen or heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone and intestinal.
Retrieving an German Shepherd from shelters is an option for those who can't afford the expense of buying a purebred dog. The shelter's staff can help you select a dog who has good temperament and that will fit with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog can also be cheaper than purchasing one, and adoption fees usually include medical examinations, vaccines and spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can give you advice on preparing your home for a dog for example, making sure your home is safe and putting away anything that could be chewed on or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be very active and it is essential to provide them with an opportunity to release their energy. If they don't get enough physical activity this can lead to them becoming restless and redirecting their energy to something unintentional such as digging through the yard or chewing at whatever is in reach.
It's important to expose them to a variety of people, places, and situations while they're young, since it will help them realize that not everyone is a potential threat. This can be done by taking walks on the street or in parks, interacting with neighbors during play sessions or even taking them to places they've never been before (as as they're secure).
Apart from going out and socializing It's also a good idea to incorporate obedience training into exercises. It can be as simple as teaching children to sit and stay on their mats, however it could be as complex as doing heelwork with them or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility and flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also aid in improving their mental capabilities. Make sure you begin gradually with these exercises to ensure you don't stress your pup. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This could result in illnesses related to heat in puppies.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. This is important to give them physical exercise and to explore the world beyond their own. It is a good idea to vary where you go during these walks so that they see new environments and are exposed to the sounds in the wonderful world they live in.