How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require daily walks as well as playtime and other activities. They should also be socialized from an early age with other pets and dogs in the household to help prevent aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Always be sure to research your breeder and your puppy's lineage. Like all dogs, they could inherit genetic diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia or bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that thrive in the face of challenges. They are loyal and obedient however, they can also be wary of strangers. They are often extremely cautious and even bark at other dogs, cars or other people if they feel their family is in danger.
These dogs are highly trained and can learn quickly. This makes them a favorite choice for military, police roles, and search and rescue missions. They're also excellent companions due to their love of the outdoors, are athletic, and exhibit a dignified attitude that isn't found in other breeds.
This breed excels in dog sports like agility, obedience testing, tracking tests, Schutzhund and obedience. But they're just as satisfied with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing with fetch. They excel in dog sports like obedience, agility and tracking tests, Schutzhund, and obedience, but they're just as satisfied with a routine workout that includes long walks or playing with fetch. A job is a source of motivation and helps stimulate their minds and bodies.
Due to their herding background, German Shepherds have an intense desire to hunt and can be prone to over-vocalizing when excited or bored. This can lead to undesirable 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 busy and content.
German Shepherds are smart and respectful. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are easy to train. They aren't always easy to handle, however they need a firm, but gentle touch in order to keep them from becoming angry or overwhelmed. It's recommended that you get an expert trainer to assist in your training.
German Shepherds are a loyal and loving breed that loves the attention of their families. They're active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy. If you plan to adopt an animal, be honest about how much time and care you're willing to devote to their needs. If left unattended for too long, they can quickly become destructive or develop depression and anxiety. To avoid this, don't leave your German Shepherd in a secluded area for longer than a few hours at a time and then gradually build up to longer durations of time.
Health
German Shepherds are very healthy, especially when they are breeding by responsible breeders. Breeders who test their dogs for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as hemangiosarcoma and other breed-specific health conditions. This is why it's so important to only purchase from a trusted seller. A good breeder will give their puppies regular checks on their health throughout their lives.
Due to their herding instinct GSDs require a lot of exercise and attention to ensure they are happy. They should be exercising for at minimum two hours per day, including walks and time off-leads in a secure area. Adding in training on top will give them the most intense exercise. Ensuring that they have enough space to play and move around will also reduce their stress levels.
Like many other large dogs GSDs are susceptible to arthritis as they grow older. This could cause them to limp or have a bunny-hop gait. Talk to your vet to determine the most effective treatment strategy. This may involve a change in diet or supplements, or even surgery depending on how serious the illness is.
Degenerative myelopathy is another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Physical therapy can aid in slowing the progression of this disease.
Some German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia. This means their ball and socket joint isn't a good fit. This can cause pain, difficulty standing, and in more severe cases the condition can cause paralysis. Your vet will recommend that your dog alter its exercise routine and adopt a more nutritious diet to ease the symptoms.
German Shepherds may also develop cancer, specifically lung, bone and abdominal cancers. The signs of cancer may include an appetite loss, weakness and weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
German Shepherds could also suffer from an overactive thyroid that is a hormonal imbalance. This can make them frequently urinate, suffer from breathing problems, and be exhausted. Your vet will check for this symptoms by monitoring your dog's heart with a stethoscope and doing an X-ray. Your doctor will prescribe medication to manage this condition if your dog has it.
Training
German Shepherds are very adept at training and can respond well to training in the beginning. They are quick to learn and love working with their owners. This makes them a sought-after breed for police, military and security work. Families with kids also love them. Like all dogs, they have to be exercised regularly to eliminate the energy. Make sure you have the space and time to give your German Shepherd with the mental and physical stimulation that it requires daily.
Be sure to check the reputation of the breeder prior to you purchase a German Shepherd. Look for a responsible breeder who screens 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 the adults.
If you're in search of a German Shepherd to work as a service dog or compete in IPO trials, pick one from the working lines. These dogs have been trained in obedience, tracking, and protection. Breeders who work-line are located in North America and Europe. These breeders sell puppies and "started" dogs that have been trained extensively in obedience, tracking, protection and aggression. These puppies and dogs can be expensive and can cost up to $20,000.
Before purchasing a German Shepherd, make sure you can afford it. It will cost you nearly $3500 in the first year, including the cost of pet food and vet care. You could expect to spend between $500 and $1500 a year on your dog's maintenance and health. If you're unable to afford a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a rescue or shelter organization.
When selecting when choosing a German shepherd, think about their size and strength. They are not suitable for every family and may not be a good fit with smaller dogs. They need to be kept active to avoid boredom which can lead them to destructive behaviour. If you do not have the time or space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it requires, think about a different breed. The right German Shepherd will be a loyal and loving family member for a long time to be.
Care
German Shepherds are a big robust breed that requires regular exercise to get rid of their energy. This is the reason it's essential to ensure that you have enough time and space for this dog prior to adopting it. These dogs are also prone to separation anxieties, so it's essential to start socializing and training from an early age.
These dogs are vocal due to their herding history and need the chance to communicate in a safe environment. It is crucial to enroll your German Shepherd in dog obedience classes from the start of their lives.
If you decide to train your German Shepherd or enlist the assistance of a professional dog trainer, you should be prepared for a lengthy commitment. The life expectancy for the German Shepherd is 10-12 years, which means that you'll need to commit to making your new dog an integral part of your family for the long run.
These dogs need to be fed a high-quality commercial diet that is specifically designed to suit their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the packaging, but it is also helpful to consult your veterinarian on the amount your dog can eat per day. You should also avoid giving your German Shepherd any treats more than 10 percent of their daily calorie allowance.
Like any dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to certain health conditions. Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia epilepsy/seizures, degenerative myelopathy and bleeding disorders are often observed in this breed. Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen who are trustworthy will test their dogs in order to reduce the risk of passing genetic diseases their pups.
This breed is also at an increased risk of developing bloat. This is due to the fact that they are an elongated chest. If not treated swiftly the condition could be fatal. It is crucial to be aware of the signs of bloat so that you be aware of when to take your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.