How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require daily walks as well as playtime and other activities. They should be socialized with other dogs, household pets and children from a young age to prevent aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Do your research about the breeder of your puppy and its lineage. As with all dogs, they may inherit genetic diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that thrive on challenges. They're loyal and obeying, but they're also wary of strangers. They may be extremely cautious and bark at cars, people or other dogs if they think their family is threatened.
These powerful dogs are trainable and learn quickly they are a popular choice for police work, military roles, search-and-rescue mission and service jobs. They're also well-suited to be companions since they enjoy the outdoors, are energetic, and exhibit a dignified sense of stoicism rarely found in other breeds.
The physical and mental acuity of this herding breed make them excellent athletes and they excel in an environment in which they can utilize their energy. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and tracking tests. They also enjoy obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. A job gives them purpose and helps stimulate their minds and bodies.
German Shepherds are susceptible to excessively vocalizing when they are excited or bored because of their herding background. This can result in unwanted behavior if they are not properly controlled, so it's important to socialize your dog from an early age and provide mental stimulation to keep them busy and content.
German Shepherds are extremely smart and obedient, so they're easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. They can be stubborn, however they require a firm, but gentle touch with training to prevent them from becoming stressed or overwhelmed. It is recommended that you employ a professional trainer for training.
German Shepherds are a affectionate and loving breed that loves attention and playtime with their families. They are active and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. If you're planning to adopt one be honest with yourself about how much time you'll need to dedicate to their needs and ensure they aren't neglected. If left unattended for too long, they can quickly become destructive or develop anxiety and depression. To avoid this, you should not leave your German shepherd unattended for more than just a few minutes at one time. Gradually increase the time.
Health
German Shepherds are healthy dogs especially when they're bred in a responsible manner by responsible breeders. These breeders screen their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, as well as other ailments that are specific to the breed. It's for this reason that it's crucial to only purchase from a trusted seller. A reputable breeder will offer their puppies regular check-ups on their health throughout their lives.
GSDs are herding dogs. They require lots of attention and exercise to stay happy. They should be exercising for at minimum two hours per day, which includes walks and off-lead time in a secure location. In addition, training will provide them with the ultimate workout. The space they have to play and roam around will also help reduce their stress levels.
As with other large dogs, GSDs are prone to arthritis as they grow older. This can cause them to limp, or have a bouncy gait. Consult your vet to determine the most effective treatment plan. This could involve a change in diet or supplements, or even surgery dependent on how severe the disease is.
Another condition that is common to German Shepherds is degenerative myelopathy which causes weakness in the hind legs. Fortunately physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.
Some German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia. This means their ball and socket joint doesn't fit together well. This can lead to pain, difficulty in standing, or in more severe cases, paralysis. If your dog suffers from this condition, your veterinarian will recommend a different exercise routine and a better diet to lessen the symptoms.
German Shepherds are also vulnerable to cancer, especially the abdominal, lung, and bone cancers. The symptoms of these cancers could include weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Finally, German Shepherds could have an overactive thyroid, which is a hormonal imbalance. This can cause them to urinate more frequently, have trouble breathing, and become very exhausted. Your veterinarian will look for this sign by listening to the heartbeat of your dog by using a stethoscope or an X-ray. Your doctor will prescribe medication to control this condition if your dog has it.
Training
German Shepherds are extremely adept at training and can respond well to early training. They are quick to learn and enjoy working with their handlers. This makes them a preferred breed for military, law enforcement, and protection work. Families with kids also love them. Like all dogs they require plenty of exercise to help burn off their energy. You should have the time and the space to provide your German Shepherd the daily physical and mental stimulation it requires.
Before purchasing a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing with is reliable. Choose a responsible German Shepherd breeder who monitors their parents to prevent the transmission of health issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. Also, inquire about the ancestry and age of the puppies.
If you want a German Shepherd that can be trained to be a service dog or even compete in IPO competitions, then choose the working line. These dogs have received obedience, tracking, and protection training. You can find working line breeders throughout North America and Europe. Breeders offer puppies and "started" dogs who have been thoroughly trained in obedience tracking, protection, and aggression. The dogs and puppies are expensive, up to $20,000.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure you have the money to purchase it. The first year of ownership will cost nearly $3,500, including food for your pet, veterinary care grooming appointments, insurance for your pet. You can expect to spend between $500 and $1500 a year on your dog's maintenance and health. If you're unable to afford a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.
When choosing a German shepherd, take into consideration their size and strength. They're not suitable for all families and might not be able to get along with smaller animals. They also require a lot of exercise to avoid becoming bored, which could cause destructive behavior. If you do not have the time or the space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it requires, think about a different breed. The right German Shepherd will be a loyal and affectionate family member for years to come.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds are a huge robust breed that requires daily exercise to get rid of their energy. It is important to ensure that you have the space and time required for this breed before adopting. These dogs are also prone to separation anxiety, which is why it's important to start with them and socializing at a young age.
Due to their herding heritage they are vocal dogs and need to be allowed to communicate in a secure environment. To prevent this from escalating into a violent behavior, it's essential to sign up for dog obedience classes or employ a professional dog trainer for your German Shepherd from the very beginning of their life.
If you decide to train your German Shepherd or enlist the assistance of an experienced dog trainer, you should be prepared for a long commitment. The life expectancy for the German Shepherd is 10-12 years, which means you'll need to commit to making your new dog part of your family for the long run.
These dogs need to be fed a high-quality commercial dog food designed to suit their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the label, but it is also advisable to consult your veterinarian about how much your dog should eat daily. Also, you should not feed your German Shepherd any treats more than 10 percent of their daily calories allowance.
her comment is here , as with any other breed of dog, are susceptible to certain health problems. This breed is susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasias, degenerative myelopathy, and seizures and epilepsy. Reputable breeders will test their dogs to decrease the risk of passing on these genetic diseases to their puppies.
Additionally this breed is at a greater risk of developing bloat than other breeds. This is due to the fact that they are a chest-shaped breed. If not treated quickly, this condition can be fatal. It is crucial to be aware of the signs of bloat and be aware of when to take your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.