How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require daily walks, playtime, and other activities. They should be socialised with other pets household pets, children and other dogs at an early age to prevent aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Always be sure to research your breeder and your puppy's lineage. Like all dogs, they may inherit genetic diseases such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, or Bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who thrive on the challenges. They're loyal and obedient but they are also cautious of strangers. They can be overly protective and may bark at people, cars or other dogs if they think they're being threatened by their family.
These dogs are extremely trainable and learn quickly, which makes them a popular choice for police work, military roles, search-and-rescue missions and service jobs. They are also excellent companions as they love being active in the outdoors and have a dignified sense the stoicism that is uncommon in other breeds.
go to the website excels in dog-related sports like obedience, agility testing, tracking tests, Schutzhund and obedience. However, they're equally happy with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing with fetch. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, tracking tests, Schutzhund, and obedience however they're equally happy with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing fetch. Being able to work gives them a sense of purpose and stimulates their minds and bodies.
German Shepherds are susceptible to excessively vocalizing when they are bored or excited because of their herding background. This can result in unwanted behavior if they are not properly controlled and it's crucial to get your dog socialized from an early age and keep them engaged and mentally stimulated to keep them busy and content.
German Shepherds are intelligent and well-behaved. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are a breeze to train. They aren't always easy to handle, however, and need an obedient but firm hand with training to prevent them from becoming frustrated or overwhelmed. It is recommended to engage a professional trainer to assist you with training.
German Shepherds are a very loving and loyal breed that thrives on attention and playtime with their families. They are active and require lots of mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you're planning to adopt an animal, be honest about the amount of time and attention you're willing to devote to their needs. If they are left alone too long, it can cause destructive behavior, anxiety or depression. To avoid this, you should not leave your German shepherd unattended for more than a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the duration.
Health
German Shepherds are very healthy dogs, particularly when they're bred by responsible breeders. Breeders who test their dogs for elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, as well as hemangiosarcoma and other breed-specific health issues. It's for this reason that it is crucial to purchase only from a reputable seller. A good breeder will also give their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
Because of their herding instinct GSDs require a lot of exercise and care to ensure they are happy. They must be exercising at minimum two hours every day, which includes walks and time off-leads in a secure location. Training on top will give them the best exercise. Being able to have enough space to play and roam can also help lower the stress levels.
As they age, GSDs may develop arthritis. This can cause them to slouch, or have a bunny hop gait. If this happens then consult your veterinarian to determine an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the issue it may be necessary to make a change in diet or supplements.
Another common ailment that affects German Shepherds is degenerative myelopathy, which causes weakness in the hind legs. Fortunately physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the socket and ball joints of some German Shepherds are not fitting together correctly. This can cause discomfort, difficulty standing, and in more serious cases the condition can cause paralysis. If your dog suffers from this condition, your vet will recommend a new exercise routine and a better diet to ease symptoms.
German Shepherds are also vulnerable to cancer, especially the abdominal, lung, and bone cancers. The signs of cancer may include weakening of the stomach, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea.
German Shepherds might also have an overactive Thyroid which is a hormone imbalance. This can cause them to frequently urinate, suffer from breathing issues, and also be very tired. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog's stethoscope or perform an X-ray to check for this symptom. If your dog has this condition, your vet will prescribe medications to treat it.
Training
German Shepherds are extremely trainable and respond well even 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 children also love them. Like all dogs, they need to be exercised regularly in order to eliminate the energy. You must have the time and space to give your German Shepherd the daily mental and physical stimulation it requires.
Be sure to check the reputation of the breeder prior to you buy a German Shepherd. Choose a responsible German Shepherd breeder who monitors their parents to stop the transmission of health issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Also, inquire about the ancestry and age of the puppies.
If you are looking for a German Shepherd that can be trained to be a service dog, or compete in IPO competitions, then you should choose the working line. These dogs have been taught obedience, tracking, and protection. You can find working line breeders throughout North America and Europe. These breeders sell puppies and "started" dog who have been thoroughly trained in obedience tracking, protection, and aggression. The puppies and dogs cost as much as $20,000 per dog.
Be sure you can afford the cost of a German Shepherd before purchasing one. The first year of ownership will cost you around $3500, which includes pet food, veterinary care grooming appointments, as well as pet insurance. Then, expect to spend an additional $500-$1,500 per year for your dog's health and care. If you aren't able to purchase a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from a shelter.
When choosing a German shepherd, consider their size and strength. They are not ideal for all families and they might not be a good fit with smaller dogs. They need to be kept active to avoid boredom which could lead to destructive behavior. If you don't have the time nor space to give a German Shepherd with the exercise it requires, think about a different breed. The right German Shepherd will be a loyal and loving family member for years to be.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds are big strong dogs that require daily exercise to exhaust all their energy. It is essential to ensure you have the time and space needed for this breed prior to adopting. These dogs are also susceptible to separation anxiety, which is why it's essential to start socializing and training them from a young ages.
Due to their herding heritage they are vocal and must be allowed to communicate in a secure environment. To stop this from turning into a violent behavior, it's essential to sign up for dog obedience classes or employ a professional dog trainer for your German Shepherd right from the beginning of their life.
You should be prepared to commit for a long time regardless of whether you choose to teach your German Shepherd yourself or hire an experienced dog trainer. German Shepherds can live for an average of 10-12 years. You'll need to be committed to making your new dog a part of your family.
They should be fed a high-quality commercial diet that is formulated to suit their size and age. The recommended serving size is stated on the packaging. However, it's helpful to ask your veterinarian how much your dog is required to eat each day. You should not offer your German Shepherd treats that exceed 10% of their daily allowance.
Like all dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues. The elbow and hip dysplasia, seizures/epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy and bleeding disorders are commonly seen in this breed. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for these conditions to reduce the chance of passing on genetic diseases to their pups.
This breed is also at a higher-than-average risk of bloat. It is because they are a chest-shaped breed. If not treated promptly the condition could become fatal. It is essential to know the symptoms of bloat to be aware of the best time to bring your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.