How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require daily walks, playtime and other activities. They should be socialised with other dogs as well as household pets and children from an early age to prevent aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Do your research about the breeder of your puppy and its lineage. Like all dogs, they can inherit genetic diseases like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive when faced with challenges. They're loyal and obeying, but they're also wary of strangers. They may be extremely cautious and bark at cars, people or other dogs when they think their family is threatened.
reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund are extremely well-trained and learn quickly. This makes them a preferred choice for military, police roles, and search-and-rescue missions. They are also good companions as they love the outdoors, are active and possess a refined sense of stoicism that is rare in other breeds.
This breed excels in dog-related sports like agility, obedience testing, tracking tests, Schutzhund and obedience. But they're equally happy with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing fetch. They excel in dog sports like agility, obedience tests, tracking, Schutzhund, and obedience, but they're just as content with a regular exercise that includes long walks or playing games of fetch. Being able to work gives them purpose and energizes their minds as well as bodies.
German Shepherds are prone to excessive vocalization when bored or excited due to their herding background. This can lead to unwanted behaviors if not handled properly, so it's important to get your dog socialized from a young age and give them mental stimulation to keep them active and content.
German Shepherds are intelligent and well-behaved. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are a breeze to train. They can be stubborn, though they need a firm but gentle hand with training to prevent them from becoming angry or overwhelmed. It is recommended that you hire a professional trainer for training.
German Shepherds are a very loving and loyal breed that thrives on playing and attention from their families. They are active and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If you're considering adopting one be honest with yourself about the amount of time you'll need to dedicate to their needs and making sure they're not neglected. If they're left on their own for too long, it could result in destructive behavior, anxiety, and depression. To avoid this, do not leave your German Shepherd in a secluded area for more than a couple of hours at a stretch, and begin by gradually building up to longer periods of time.
Health
German Shepherds are extremely healthy dogs, particularly when they are breeding by responsible breeders. Breeders check their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, as well as other ailments that are specific to the breed. This is why it's so important to only purchase from a trusted seller. A reputable breeder will give their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
Because of their herding instinct GSDs require lots of exercise and care to keep them happy. They need at least two hours of exercise each day that includes walks and off-lead time in a secure area. Adding in training on top will provide them with the most intense exercise. Making sure they have enough space to play and move around will also help reduce stress levels.
Like many other large dogs, GSDs are prone to arthritis as they get older. This can cause them to slouch or exhibit the bunny hop. Talk to your vet to determine the best treatment plan. This could involve changing your diet, supplements, or surgery depending on how severe the illness is.
Degenerative myelopathy is a different German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Physical therapy can slow the progression of this condition.
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the socket and ball joints of some German Shepherds don't fit properly. This can cause pain, difficulty in standing, or in the more severe cases the condition can cause paralysis. Your veterinarian will suggest that your dog change its exercise routine and adopt a healthier diet to lessen the symptoms.
German Shepherds are also vulnerable to cancer, particularly bone, lung and abdominal cancers. These cancers can lead to weakness as well as weight loss as well as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Finally, German Shepherds could have an overactive thyroid, which can cause a hormonal imbalance. This can cause them to urinate more frequently, have trouble breathing, and eventually become tired. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog's stethoscope, or take an X-ray in order to identify this symptom. If your dog is suffering from this condition, your doctor will prescribe medication to treat it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trained and respond well to early training. They learn quickly and enjoy working with their handlers. This makes them a very popular breed for police, military, and protection work. They are also a popular family pet for families with children. Like all dogs, however, they require a great deal of exercise to burn off their energy. Make sure you have the space and time to give your German Shepherd with the mental and physical stimulation it needs daily.
Be sure to investigate the reputation of the breeder before you buy a German Shepherd. Find a responsible breeder of German Shepherds who monitors their parents in order to prevent the transmission of health problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. Also, inquire about the ancestry and age of the puppies.
If you're looking for a German Shepherd that can be trained to be an aid dog, or compete in IPO competitions, then you should choose a working line. These dogs have been conditioned in obedience, tracking and protection. Breeders who work-line are located in North America and Europe. Breeders offer puppies and "started" dog that have been trained extensively in obedience tracking, tracking, protection and aggression. The dogs and puppies are expensive, up to $20,000.
Be sure you can afford a German Shepherd before purchasing one. The first year of ownership will cost you nearly $3,500, including food for your pet, veterinary care, grooming appointments, and pet insurance. You could expect to spend between $500 and $1500 a year on maintaining your dog's health. If you're unable to afford a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.
When choosing a German shepherd, think about their size and strength. They're not suitable for all families and could not be able to get along with smaller pets. They also need a lot of exercise to avoid being bored, which can cause destructive behavior. If you don't have the time or the space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it requires, consider another breed. The ideal German Shepherd will be a loyal and affectionate family member for a long time to be.
Care
German Shepherds are large robust dogs that require regular exercise to burn off all their energy. This is the reason it's essential to ensure you have the time and space for this dog prior to taking it home. These dogs are also susceptible to separation anxiety, so it's important to start socializing and training from an early age.
They are vocal due to their herding heritage and require the opportunity to communicate in a safe environment. To prevent this from escalating into an aggressive behavior it is crucial to sign up for dog obedience classes or employ an experienced dog trainer for your German Shepherd right from the beginning of their life.
You must be prepared to commit to a long-term relationship, whether you decide to train your German Shepherd yourself or hire a professional dog trainer. The life expectancy for the German Shepherd is 10-12 years, which means that you'll need to be committed to making your new pet a part of your family for the long haul.
They should be fed a commercial dog food of a high-quality that is designed to meet their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the package, however it is also beneficial to talk to your veterinarian regarding the amount your dog needs to eat each day. You should not offer your German Shepherd treats that exceed 10 percent of their daily allowance.
German Shepherds, just like any other dog breed, are susceptible to certain health issues. This breed is prone to elbow dysplasias and hip dysplasias, degenerative myelopathy, and seizures/epilepsy. Breeders who are trustworthy will screen their dogs to decrease the risk of passing genetic diseases to their pups.
This breed also has a higher-than-average risk of bloat. As a barrel-chested breed, they are more prone to develop this condition, which is deadly if not treated promptly. It is 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.