How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require regular walks, playtime, and other activities. They should be socialised with other pets, household pets and children from a young age to avoid aggression or dominance problems later on in life.
Do your homework on the breeder of your puppy as well as its lineage. As with all dogs, they could inherit genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that thrive in the face of challenges. They are loyal and respectful however, they can also be cautious of strangers. They may be extremely protective and may bark at people, cars or other dogs when they feel their family members are in danger.
They are extremely well-trained and can learn quickly. This makes them a preferred choice for police work, military roles and search-and rescue missions. They're also great companions since they enjoy the outdoors, are energetic and possess a refined spirit of stoicism that is not found in other breeds.
This breed excels in dog-related sports like agility, obedience, tracking tests, Schutzhund and obedience. But they're just as satisfied with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing fetch. They excel in dog sports like agility, obedience and tracking tests. They also love obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. Being able to work gives them purpose and stimulates their minds and bodies.
Due to their herding heritage, German Shepherds have an intense desire to hunt and are susceptible to excessive vocalization when they are bored. If not managed properly it can lead to undesirable behavior. It is essential to interact with and stimulate your dog at an early age to keep them happy and active.
German Shepherds are intelligent and obedient. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are easy to train. They can be stubborn, however they need an obedient but firm hand with training to prevent them from becoming frustrated or overwhelmed. It is recommended to employ a professional trainer for training.
German Shepherds are a very loyal and loving breed that loves the attention of their families. They're active and require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If you're thinking of adopting one be honest with yourself about how much time you can dedicate to their needs and ensuring they're not left unattended. If left alone for too long, they could easily become destructive or suffer from depression and anxiety. To avoid this, do not leave your German Shepherd unattended for more than a couple of hours at a time and then gradually build up to longer durations of time.
Health
German Shepherds are healthy dogs particularly when they're bred responsibly by breeders who are responsible. These breeders screen their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma and other ailments that are specific to the breed. This is the reason it's essential to buy only from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will give their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
Because of their instinct to herd GSDs require lots of exercise and attention to stay happy. They should get at least two hours of daily exercise, which should include walks and off-lead time in an area that is safe. The ultimate workout can be achieved by adding training to the mix. Having enough space for them to play and roam can also help lower the stress levels.
As with other large breeds of dogs, GSDs are prone to arthritis as they get older. This could cause them to limp or have a bunny-hop gait. If this occurs you should consult your vet to find the best treatment plan. It could mean changing your diet, supplements, or surgery depending on how severe the disease is.
Another condition that is common to German Shepherds is degenerative myelopathy which causes weakness in the hind legs. Fortunately, physical therapy can slow this disease's progression.
Hip dysplasia can be described as a condition where the socket and ball joints of German Shepherds don't fit properly. This can result in pain, difficulty standing and in more serious cases, paralysis. If your dog suffers from this condition, your veterinarian will recommend a different exercise routine and a healthier diet to ease symptoms.
German Shepherds may also develop cancer, including lung, bone and abdominal cancers. These cancers can cause weakness, weight loss vomiting, diarrhea and a loss of appetite.
Lastly, German Shepherds can have an overactive thyroid which is a hormone imbalance. This can cause them to urinate more often, have difficulty breathing, and then become extremely tired. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog's stethoscope, or take an X-ray in order to determine if this is the case. Your doctor will prescribe medication to control the condition if your dog suffers from it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly adept at training and can respond well to early training. They quickly learn and love working with their handlers. This makes them a preferred breed for military, police, and security work. They are also a popular companion for families with children. Like all dogs, they need plenty of exercise to help burn off their energy. Make sure you have the space and time to provide your German Shepherd with the mental and physical stimulation that it requires daily.
Make sure to verify the reputation of the breeder before you purchase a German Shepherd. Look for a responsible breeder that checks their parents to avoid passing on health issues that are preventable, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. You should also inquire about the ancestry of the puppies and adults.
If you're looking for a German Shepherd to work as an aid dog or to compete in IPO trials, select one from the working lines. They have been trained in obedience tracking, protection, and obedience training. You can find breeders who are working line throughout North America and Europe. They sell pups and "started" dogs that have had extensive obedience, protection, tracking, and aggression training. These puppies and dogs can be expensive up to $20,000.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure you can afford it. The first year of ownership will cost nearly $3,500, including pet food, veterinary care grooming appointments, pet insurance. You will spend between $500 and $1500 per year on your dog's maintenance and health. If you're not able to afford to buy a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.
When selecting the right German shepherd, consider their size and strength. They're not good for all families and may not be able to get along with smaller pets. They need to be kept active to avoid boredom, which could lead to destructive behaviour. If you do not have the time or space to give a German Shepherd with the exercise it requires, think about a different breed. The ideal German Shepherd will be a loyal and loving family member for a long time to come.
Care
German Shepherds are huge, strong dogs that require daily exercise to get rid of all their energy. This is why it's important to ensure that you have the time and space for this dog prior to making the decision to adopt it. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt are also susceptible to separation anxiety, so it's important to start socializing and training them from a young ages.
They are vocal due to their herding history and need to communicate in a safe environment. To avoid this from developing into an aggressive behaviour, it's essential to take part in dog obedience classes or hire a professional dog trainer for your German Shepherd right from the beginning of their life.
You must be ready to commit for a long time whether you choose to train your German Shepherd yourself or hire a professional dog trainer. German Shepherds can live for an average of 10-12 years. You'll have to be committed to making your new dog part 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 is on the packaging. It is however, helpful to ask your veterinarian how much your dog is required to eat each day. You should also avoid giving your German Shepherd any treats that are more than 10% of their daily calorie allowance.
Like any dog German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues. The elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy/seizures, degenerative myelopathy and bleeding disorders are all commonly encountered in this breed. Reputable breeders will check their dogs for these conditions to decrease the risk of passing these genetic diseases to their pups.
This breed is also at a higher-than-average risk of bloat. Because they are a barrel-chested breed they are more likely to develop this condition, which is deadly if not treated promptly. It is essential to be aware with the signs of bloat so you know when it's time to take your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.