How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require regular walks as well as playtime and other activities. They should be socialized with other dogs, household pets and children at an early age to avoid aggression or dominance problems later in life.
Do your research on the breeder of your puppy and its lineage. Like all dogs, they could inherit genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia or Bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs with a keen mind who thrive on the challenges. They're loyal and obeying, but also wary of strangers. They are often extremely cautious and can bark at cars, other dogs or even people when they feel their family is in danger.
These dogs are highly trained and are quick to learn. This makes them a preferred choice for military, police roles and search-and rescue missions. They're also excellent companions because they love the outdoors, are energetic, and exhibit a dignified spirit of stoicism that is not seen in other breeds.
The physical and mental strength of this breed make them excellent athletes and they excel in an environment where they can make use of their energy. They excel at dog sports such as agility, obedience and tracker tests. They also enjoy obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. A job gives them purpose, and stimulates both their bodies and minds.
Due to their herding background, German Shepherds have an intense desire to hunt and are susceptible to over-vocalizing when excited or bored. This can lead to unwanted behaviors if not handled properly, so it's important to get your dog socialized at an early age and give them mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy.
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and obedient, so they're easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. Although they can be stubborn and require a firm, but gentle approach to training to prevent them from becoming frustrated or overwhelmed, they are easy to train. It is recommended that you engage a professional trainer to assist you with training.
German Shepherds are a affectionate and loving breed that thrives on playing and attention from their families. They are active and require lots of mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you're considering adopting a pet, you must be honest about how much time and attention you're willing to devote to their requirements. If they're left alone too long, it can cause destructive behavior, anxiety or depression. To avoid this, do not leave your German Shepherd alone for more than a few hours at a time, and begin by gradually building up to longer periods of time.
Health
German Shepherds are very healthy dogs, particularly when they are breeding by responsible breeders. Breeders who test their dogs for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as hemangiosarcoma and other breed-specific health conditions. This is the reason it's essential to only buy from a reliable breeder. A reputable breeder will offer their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
Due to their instinct to herd GSDs require lots of exercise and care to stay happy. They need at minimum two hours of exercise each day that includes walks and off-lead time a safe area. The ultimate workout will be accomplished by adding training to the mix. Being able to have enough space to play and roam will also help reduce their stress levels.
As they age, GSDs may develop arthritis. This may cause them to stumble or develop a bunny-hop walk. Talk to your vet to determine the best treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the problem, this may require changes in diet or supplements.
Degenerative myelopathy is yet another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Fortunately physical therapy can help slow this disease's progression.
Some German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia, meaning their socket joint isn't fitting well. This can lead to pain, difficulty standing and in more severe cases, paralysis. If your dog suffers from this condition, your vet will recommend a different exercise routine and a better diet to ease symptoms.
German Shepherds can also develop cancer, specifically bone, lung and abdominal cancers. Symptoms of these cancers may include an appetite loss, weakness, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Lastly, German Shepherds can have an overactive thyroid which can cause a hormonal imbalance. This can cause them to vomit more frequently, have trouble breathing, and eventually become exhausted. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog's stethoscope and/or perform an X-ray to determine if this is the case. Your vet will prescribe medication to manage this condition if your dog suffers from it.
Training
German Shepherds are extremely trainable and respond well even to training in the beginning. They learn quickly and enjoy working with their handlers. 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 burn off the energy. Make sure you have the space and time to provide your German Shepherd with the mental and physical stimulation it needs 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 ensure they don't pass on health issues that are preventable, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. It is also important to inquire about the ancestry of puppies and the adults.
If you're in search of a German Shepherd to work as a service dog or participate in IPO trials, choose one from working lines. These dogs have received obedience training, tracking, and security training. Working-line breeders are available in North America and Europe. Breeders offer puppies and "started" dog that have been trained extensively in obedience, tracking, protection and aggression. The puppies and dogs are pricey and can cost up to $20,000.
Make sure you can afford a German Shepherd before purchasing one. You'll spend about $3,500 in the first year, including the cost of pet food and vet care. In the following years, you should expect to shell out an additional $500-$1,500 per year to ensure your dog's health and maintenance. If you aren't able to purchase a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from an animal shelter.
When choosing when choosing a German Shepherd, bear in mind their size and strength. They aren't suitable for every family and may not get along well with smaller dogs. They also need a lot of exercise to avoid being bored, which could cause destructive behavior. If you don't have the time or space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it requires, consider another breed. The best German Shepherd will be a loyal and loving family member for many years to be.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds are huge, robust dogs that require regular exercise to burn off all their energy. This is why it's crucial to make sure you have enough time and space for this dog prior to adopting it. Additionally, these dogs are susceptible to separation anxiety therefore it is essential for them to receive consistent training and socialization at an early age.
Because of schäferhund kaufen welpe herding background, these dogs are very vocal dogs and need to be given the opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment. It is important to enroll your German Shepherd in obedience classes from the start of their lives.
You should be prepared to commit for a long time whether you choose to teach 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 commit to making your new dog a member of your family.
The dogs are recommended to be fed commercial food of high quality that is formulated according to their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the packaging. However, it's a good idea to ask your veterinarian how much your dog is required to eat daily. You should not give your German Shepherd treats that exceed 10 percent of their daily allowance.
German Shepherds, just like all breeds of dog are prone to certain health problems. This breed is susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasias as well as degenerative myelopathy and seizures/epilepsy. Breeders who are reputable will screen their dogs to decrease the risk of passing on genetic diseases to their pups.
Additionally, this breed is at a greater risk of developing bloat than the other breeds. As a barrel-chested breed, they are more likely to develop this condition, which is dangerous if not treated promptly. It's important to be familiar with the symptoms of bloat, so you can determine when it's time to bring your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.