Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A favorite option for police, military and other service dogs, German Shepherds are highly intelligent, protective and extremely loyal. They are also very active and require lots of stimulation and exercise.
Socialization and early training are essential because their natural protectiveness can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They can also exhibit behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health however, good breeding practices can lower the risk of certain health issues. Breeders with a good reputation screen their parents to avoid passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
No matter what their breeding background, all puppies should be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian prior to when they leave for their new homes. This allows the vets to detect any health issues and treat them as soon as possible to minimize complications and improve outcomes.
When it is about the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinarian visits are crucial. Regular veterinary exams, vaccinations, and other preventive steps can help your pet live a long and healthy life.
German Shepherds are prone to autoimmune diseases, hemangiosarcoma, and epilepsy/seizure disorder. They may also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. Many of these conditions can be managed or prevented by choosing the right diet avoidance of sweets and table foods and introducing preventive medication as early as possible.
All dogs suffer from digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. This could be due to eating the wrong food, or food allergies or underlying medical conditions. A commercial food that is of high quality regular urination, the consumption of water and limiting sweets are often helpful in addressing digestive issues.
German Shepherds are more prone to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus, or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This condition occurs when gas fills the stomach and twists around itself, severing the blood supply and eventually resulting in death if not treated. Signs of GDV include the tendency to retch or try to heave but not swallowing, a swollen abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and sitting in a prayer posture with the head down. Preventive surgery to suture or tack the stomach in place may reduce the risk of contracting this deadly disease.
Dental disease is another frequent issue that can affect all dogs, but particularly German Shepherds. If not treated tartar build-up could lead to gum disease and infection of the root of the teeth. Eventually you German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and costly treatment, which could be difficult on your pet emotionally and financially.
Training
German Shepherds are widely used for service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are athletic, energetic and extremely capable of training. They are ideal for people who are active and have lots of time to training, exercise and cleaning up hair shed. They are also a good fit for people who want a trustworthy, reliable friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd is a reliable pet for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They are able to protect their family members and remain aloof towards strangers. They are best trained with fair, firm, and regular training methods. They also require lots of mental stimulation, which is why an array of training games and puzzles is important to keep them interested.
Find a German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and is eager to establish an ongoing relationship with you. They should be able to show you the mother, litter and their health history as well as the environment in which they were raised, and answer all your questions. They will be able tell you about the socialization of their pups and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies at pet stores, since they are more likely to come from mills rather than breeders that are reputable. They are typically bred to make money and may be suffering from serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to prevent hereditary diseases and other health issues from occurring in the puppies.
No matter how you choose your puppy, it is important to begin training your puppy early. Introduce basic commands such as sit down, stay and sit. Work on leash-training so that your German Shepherd will remain calm when you are out and about. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause in obedience early is essential to stop them from chasing everything that moves. Engaging in some recall exercises is an excellent way to stimulate their natural herding instincts, as well.
Make sure you spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so they can develop a love for being with you. This is especially important because they experience a critical socialization phase from around 16 weeks old, after which they may be less receptive to new people, experiences and places.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
No matter where you purchase your German Shepherd from, he'll need a lifetime of attention. This includes vaccinations, preventive medications and annual veterinary visits ($700 to $1200 annually). Additionally, you'll need to purchase grooming appointments as well as pet food and a yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the costs associated with dog walking or boarding as well as professional obedience training. These costs can be several thousand dollars over the course of the life of your puppy.
Choose a breeder who adheres to high standards and good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of hip and elbow dysplasia screenings for the father and mother and temperament tests for the litter.
Ask veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. They are often in contact with animals and know the importance of ethical breeders.
Although a German shepherd's herding impulse may cause him to jump and chase people but he will be able to respond to discipline and training. Introduce your family members to him as he grows. German Shepherds have strong bonds with their families and need plenty of interaction.
Dogs are prone to dental disease, which begins with tartar build-up, and then leads to gum disease and the roots of teeth. It's a common issue that can cause loss of teeth and severe complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a problem for older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces blood-rich tumors, is typically located in the spleen and the heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone, and intestinal.
Rescuing a German Shepherd from a shelter is an alternative for those who cannot afford to pay the cost of purchasing a purebred puppy. The staff at the shelter can help you select a dog with an excellent temperament and is compatible with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog may be less expensive than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include initial medical exams including vaccinations, spaying and neutering. The shelter's staff can also provide advice on how to prepare your home for a new puppy for example, making sure your home is secure and removing any items that can be chewed or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to have an outlet for their energy. If they don't get enough physical activity it could result in them becoming restless and redirecting their energy to something unintentional, like digging through the yard or chewing on anything that is within reach.
It's an excellent idea to expose them to a variety of people, places, and situations while they are young, as this will help them understand that not everyone is a threat. You can do this by taking them for walks or to parks, having them engage in the time with your neighbors, or even going to places they've not been before.
It's a good idea, in addition to getting out and socializing, to incorporate obedience training during workouts. It can be as simple as teaching children to sit and stay on their mats, however it can be as advanced as doing heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports such as flyball or agility are an excellent workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Make sure you begin gradually with these exercises to ensure you don't stress your dog. And always remember to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this can lead to heat-related illness in young dogs.
In addition to these activities, it's also a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They need to be involved in active and to discover the world beyond their own home. It is important to take them to different places to experience new sounds and environments.