How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require regular walks as well as playtime and other activities. They should be socialised with other dogs as well as household pets and children at an early age to prevent aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Always make sure you study your breeder and your puppy's lineage. Like all dogs, they can inherit genetic diseases like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, or the bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive in the face of challenges. They're loyal and obedient but they're also wary of strangers. They may be extremely protective and may bark at cars, people or other dogs when they believe their family members are in danger.
These powerful dogs are highly trainable and learn quickly and quickly, which makes them popular for military, police roles, search-and-rescue missions and other service-related tasks. They're also excellent companions since they enjoy the outdoors, are energetic and possess a refined sense of stoicism rarely seen in other breeds.
The intelligence and physical prowess of this herding breed makes them excellent athletes, and they do best in an environment in which they can utilize their energy. They excel in dog sports like agility, obedience tests, tracking, Schutzhund, and obedience, but they're just as satisfied with a routine workout that includes long walks or playing games of fetch. A job gives them purpose and also stimulates their bodies and minds.
German Shepherds are susceptible to excessively vocalizing when they are bored or excited because of their herding background. If not handled properly, this can lead to undesirable behavior. It is crucial to socialize and stimulate your dog from an early age to keep them happy and active.
German Shepherds are smart and respectful. They are responsive to positive reinforcement and are a breeze to train. While they can be stubborn and require a firm, but gentle approach to training to avoid them becoming angry or overwhelmed, they're easy to train. It is recommended to hire a professional trainer to help in your training.
German Shepherds are a very loyal and loving breed that enjoys the attention of their families. They are very active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. If you plan to adopt a pet, be honest about how much time and attention you're willing to devote to their needs. 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 for more than one or two minutes at a time. Gradually increase the duration.
Health
German Shepherds are extremely healthy dogs, especially when they are produced by breeders who are responsible. These breeders screen their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, as well as other health conditions that are specific to the breed. This is the reason it's essential to purchase from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will offer their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
GSDs are herding dogs. They need lots of attention and exercise to stay content. They should get at minimum two hours of daily exercise which should include walks and off-lead times in a safe area. Training on top will provide them with the best exercise. The space they have to play and roam around will also help reduce their stress levels.
As they age, GSDs can develop arthritis. This may cause them to walk with a limp or a bunny-hop gait. Talk to your vet to determine the best treatment strategy. Depending on the severity of the condition this could require 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 can be described as a condition that occurs when the ball and socket joints of some German Shepherds don't fit together properly. This can cause pain, difficulty standing, and in more severe cases, paralysis. If your dog is suffering from this condition, your vet will suggest a different exercise regimen and a healthier diet to reduce symptoms.
German Shepherds are also vulnerable to cancer, especially 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 hormonal imbalance. This can cause them to frequently urinate, suffer from breathing issues, and also be exhausted. Your vet will listen to your dog's stethoscope and/or perform an X-ray to check for this symptom. If your dog has this condition, your doctor will prescribe medications to treat it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and respond well even to early training. They quickly learn and love working with their handlers. This makes them a sought-after breed for police, military and security work. They are also a preferred pet for families with children. Like all dogs, they require to be exercised frequently to burn off the 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 prior to you purchase a German Shepherd. Find a responsible German Shepherd breeder who monitors their parents in order to prevent the transmission of health problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. You should also ask about the ancestry of the puppies and 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 conditioned in obedience, tracking, and protection. Working-line breeders are available in North America and Europe. They sell pups and "started" dogs that have had extensive training in obedience training, protection, tracking and training for aggression. Recommended Reading and dogs can be expensive, up to $20,000.
Make sure you can afford a German Shepherd before purchasing one. The first year of ownership will cost you close to $3500, which includes pet food, veterinary care, grooming appointments, and pet insurance. You will spend between $500 to $1500 annually on maintaining your dog's health. If you're unable afford to buy a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.
When choosing a German shepherd, consider their size and strength. They're not suited to all families and could not be compatible with smaller pets. They also need a lot of exercise to avoid getting bored, which can lead to destructive behaviors. If you do not have the time or space to give a German Shepherd with the exercise it needs, consider the possibility of a different breed. The right German Shepherd will be a loyal, loving family member for many years to come.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds are huge strong dogs that require daily exercise to get rid of all their energy. It is important to ensure you have the space and time required for this breed prior to adopting. In addition, these dogs are prone to separation anxiety therefore it is essential for them to get consistent training and socialization from an early age.
Due to their herding heritage they are vocal and require to be allowed to express themselves in a safe environment. It is important to enroll your German Shepherd in dog obedience classes right from the beginning of their life.
If you decide to train your German Shepherd or enlist the assistance of a professional dog trainer you must be prepared for a long commitment. German Shepherds have an average lifespan of 10-12 years. You'll need to commit to making your new dog a member of your family.
These dogs need to be fed a high-quality commercial dog food designed to their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the package, however it is also beneficial to talk to your veterinarian about how much your dog needs to eat each day. You should also avoid giving your German Shepherd any treats more than 10 percent of their daily calorie allowance.
German Shepherds, like all breeds of dog are susceptible to a variety of health issues. The elbow and hip dysplasia, seizures/epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy and bleeding disorders are frequently observed in this breed. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for any signs of illness in order to reduce 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 dangerous if not treated promptly. It is essential to be aware about the signs and symptoms of bloat to know when it's time to bring your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.