How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require regular walks, playtime, and other activities. They should be socialised with other dogs, household pets and children from an early age to avoid aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Always be sure to investigate your breeder and the puppy's lineage. Like all dogs, they can inherit genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who thrive on new challenges. They are loyal and obeying, but they can be cautious of strangers. They can be extremely protective and may bark at cars, people or other dogs when they think their family members are in danger.
These powerful dogs are highly capable of being trained and can learn quickly and quickly, which makes them an ideal choice for police work, military roles, search-and-rescue mission and other service-related tasks. They're also excellent companions due to their love of the outdoors, are active and possess a refined spirit of stoicism that is not found in other breeds.
This breed excels in dog sports such as agility, obedience testing, tracking tests, Schutzhund and obedience. But schäferhund beschützerinstinkt as content with a regular exercise that includes long walks or playing fetch. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience and tracking tests, Schutzhund, and obedience, but they're just as satisfied with a routine workout that includes long walks or playing fetch. Being able to work gives them purpose and stimulates their minds and bodies.
German Shepherds are susceptible to excessive vocalization when bored or excited due to their herding background. This can lead to unwanted behaviors if not managed well, so it's important to socialize your dog at an early age and provide mental stimulation to keep them active and content.
German Shepherds are intelligent and obedient. They are responsive to positive reinforcement and are easy to train. They can be stubborn, though they require an obedient but firm hand when it comes to training to stop them from becoming angry or overwhelmed. It is recommended to hire a professional trainer to help with training.
German Shepherds are a loyal and loving breed that thrives on the attention of their families. They are active and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. If you're considering adopting a pet, you must be honest about how much time and attention you're willing to devote to their needs. If they are left on their own for too long, they could quickly become destructive or suffer from anxiety and depression. To avoid this, don't leave your German shepherd alone for longer than a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the time.
Health
German Shepherds are healthy dogs, especially when they're bred in a responsible manner by breeders who are responsible. Breeders check their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, and other diseases that are specific to the breed. It's for this reason that it's crucial to purchase only from a trusted seller. A good breeder will give their puppies regular check-ups on their health throughout their lives.
Because of their herding instincts GSDs require lots of exercise and care to keep them happy. They require at least two hours of exercise each day, which should include walks and off-lead time a safe area. Training on top will give them the ultimate exercise. Having enough space for them to roam and play can also help lower their stress levels.
As they age, GSDs could develop arthritis. This can cause them to slouch or exhibit a bunny hop gait. If this occurs, talk to your vet for a treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the condition it may be necessary to make an adjustment in diet or supplements.
Degenerative myelopathy is another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Fortunately, physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.
Hip dysplasia can be described as a condition in which the ball and socket joints of some German Shepherds are not fitting properly. This can result in discomfort, difficulty standing and in the more severe cases, paralysis. If your dog is suffering from this condition, your vet will recommend a different exercise regimen and a healthier diet to lessen the symptoms.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancer, including lung, bone, and abdominal cancers. These cancers can lead to weakness and weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting and a decrease in appetite.
In addition, German Shepherds may suffer from an overactive thyroid, which can cause a hormonal imbalance. This could cause them to frequent urination, have breathing issues, and also be extremely tired. Your vet will examine your dog's stethoscope, or take an X-ray to determine if this is the case. If your dog is suffering from this condition, your vet will prescribe medications to treat it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and respond well to early training. They quickly learn and love working with their handlers. This makes them a popular breed for police, military, and protection work. They are also a preferred companion for families with children. Like all dogs, they need to be exercised frequently to get rid of the energy. Make sure you have the time and space to provide your German Shepherd with the mental and physical stimulation that it requires daily.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing is reputable. Choose a responsible breeder that checks their parents to ensure they don't pass on health issues that are preventable, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. You should also inquire about the background and age of the puppies.
If you want a German Shepherd that can be trained to be an aid dog, or even compete in IPO competitions, then choose a working line. These dogs have been conditioned in obedience, tracking, and protection. Breeders who work-line are located in North America and Europe. Breeders offer puppies and "started" dog that have been trained extensively in obedience, tracking, protection and aggression. These puppies and dogs are pricey up to $20,000.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure you can afford it. You'll spend about $3,500 in the first year, including pet food and veterinary care. You can expect to spend between $500 to $1500 annually on your dog's maintenance and health. If you're unable to purchase a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from a shelter.
When selecting the right German Shepherd, keep in mind their size and strength. They're not suited to all families and could not be able to get along with smaller dogs. They also require a lot of exercise to avoid becoming bored, which can result in destructive behaviors. If you don't have the time or the space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it requires, think about a different breed. The best German Shepherd will be a loyal, loving family member for years to come.
Care
German Shepherds are big strong dogs that require daily exercise to burn off all their energy. This is the reason it's essential to ensure you have enough time and space for this dog before adopting it. These dogs are also prone to separation anxieties, so it's important to start socializing and training at a young age.
Due to their herding background, these dogs are very vocal and must be allowed to communicate in a secure environment. To stop this from turning into an aggressive behaviour, 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 lives.
You must be ready to commit to a long-term relationship whether you choose to learn to train your German Shepherd yourself or hire a professional dog trainer. German Shepherds have an average lifespan of 10-12 years. You'll need to be committed to making your new dog a part of your family.
These dogs need to be fed a high-quality commercial diet designed to their size and age. The recommended serving size is on the packaging. However, it's a good idea to inquire from your veterinarian on how much your dog is required to eat every day. You should not give 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, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy/seizures, and bleeding disorders are commonly observed in this breed. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for any signs of illness to decrease the chance of passing genetic illnesses their pups.
In addition the breed is also at a greater risk of developing bloat than other breeds. This is because they have a barrel chested breed. If not treated quickly the condition could be fatal. It is essential to know the signs of bloat so that you know when to take your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.