How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require daily walks, playtime and other activities. They should also be socialized from an early age with other dogs and household pets to prevent aggression or dominance issues later on in life.
Do your research on the breeder of your puppy as well as its lineage. Like all dogs, they could inherit genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia or the bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive in the face of challenges. They are loyal and obedient However, they can be wary of strangers. They may be extremely protective and may bark at cars, people or other dogs if they feel they're being threatened by their family.
They are extremely well-trained and are quick to learn. This makes them a popular selection for police work, military roles and search-and rescue missions. They also make excellent companions because they love being active in the outdoors and possess a refined sense of stoicism that is rare in other breeds.
The physical and mental strength of this herding breed makes them natural athletes, and they do best in a setting where they can make use of their energy. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience and tracking tests, Schutzhund, and obedience however, they're equally happy with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing games of fetch. The fact that they have a job gives them purpose and energizes their minds as well as bodies.
German Shepherds are prone to excessively vocalizing when they are excited or bored because of their herding background. This can lead to unwanted behaviors if not managed well It is therefore essential to introduce your dog to new people at an early age and give them mental stimulation to keep them active and happy.
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and obedient. They're easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. They can be stubborn, though, and need an obedient but firm hand with training to prevent them from becoming stressed or overwhelmed. It is recommended that you hire a professional trainer to help with training.
German Shepherds are a very loyal and loving breed that loves attention and playtime with their families. They are active and require a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to remain happy and healthy. If you're planning to adopt one, be honest with yourself about how much time you can dedicate to their needs and making sure they're not neglected. If they are left on their own for too long, they can easily become destructive or suffer from anxiety and depression. To avoid this, don't leave your German shepherd unattended for more than just a few minutes at one time. Gradually increase the duration.
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 hip and elbow dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, and other ailments 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 and need lots of attention and exercise to keep them happy. They should be exercising at minimum two hours per day, including walks and time off-lead in a secure area. In addition, training will provide them with the best workout. Having enough space for them to play and roam around will also help reduce their stress levels.
Like other large breeds of dogs, GSDs are prone to arthritis as they grow older. This could cause them to limp or exhibit the bunny hop. Talk to your vet to determine the best treatment strategy. Depending on the severity of the condition this could require changes in diet or supplements.
Degenerative myelopathy is another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Physical therapy can aid in slowing the progression of this disease.
A few German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia. This means their socket and ball joint isn't fitting well. This can lead to pain, difficulty standing, and in more severe cases the condition can cause paralysis. If your dog has this condition, your vet will suggest a different exercise routine and a healthier diet to reduce symptoms.
German Shepherds may also develop cancer, specifically lung, bone, and abdominal cancers. The symptoms of these cancers could include weakening of the stomach, loss of appetite and vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea.
German Shepherds could also suffer from an overactive Thyroid which is a hormone imbalance. This can cause them to vomit more frequently, have trouble breathing, and then become extremely tired. Your vet will examine your dog's stethoscope and/or perform an X-ray in order to check for this symptom. If your dog has this condition, your vet will prescribe medications to control it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trained and are well-suited to early training. They are quick to learn and enjoy working with their owners. This makes them a sought-after breed for military, police and security work. They are also a preferred family pet for families with children. Like all dogs, they require to be exercised frequently to eliminate the energy. You should have the time and space to provide your German Shepherd the daily mental and physical stimulation it needs.
Be sure to check the reputation of the breeder prior to you purchase a German Shepherd. Look for a responsible breeder who screens their parents to prevent passing on diseases that could be prevented, like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. You should also inquire about the origins and the age of the puppies.
If you're looking for a German Shepherd to work as a service dog or compete in IPO trials, pick one from working lines. These dogs have been trained in obedience, tracking, and protection. Working-line breeders are available in North America and Europe. They sell pups and "started" dogs, which have been through extensive training in obedience, protection, tracking, and aggression training. The dogs and puppies are expensive up to $20,000.
Make sure you can afford the cost of a German Shepherd before purchasing one. You will spend nearly $3,500 in the first year, which includes pet food and veterinary treatment. In the following years, you should expect to shell out another $500-$1,500 each year to ensure your dog's health and care. If you're unable to afford to buy a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.
When you are choosing when choosing a German Shepherd, keep in mind their size and strength. They're not suitable for all families and may not be compatible with smaller pets. They also require plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored, which could cause destructive behavior. If you do not have the time or space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it requires, think about a different breed. The right German shepherd will be a faithful family member for years to be.
Care
German Shepherds are large strong dogs that require daily exercise to get rid of all their energy. This is why it's important to make sure you have enough time and space for your dog prior to making the decision to adopt it. These dogs are also prone to separation anxiety, which is why it's important to start socializing and training from an early age.
They are vocal because of their herding background and need to be heard in a safe environment. To prevent this from escalating into an aggressive behaviour it is crucial to take part in dog obedience classes or employ a professional dog trainer for your German Shepherd from the very beginning of their life.
You should be prepared to commit for a long time regardless of whether you choose to train your German Shepherd yourself or hire an experienced dog trainer. German Shepherds have an average lifespan of 10-12 years. You'll have to make your new dog a member of your family.
The dogs must be fed a high-quality commercial food that is formulated to suit their size and age. The recommended serving size will be on the packaging, but it is also helpful to talk with your veterinarian on the amount your dog needs to eat each day. It is also recommended to not give your German Shepherd any treats that exceed more than 10 percent of their daily calories allowance.
Like all dogs, German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues. This breed is particularly susceptible to elbow dysplasias and hip dysplasias, deutscher schäferhund Kaufen schweiz degenerative myelopathy, and seizures and epilepsy. Breeders with good reputation will check their dogs for these conditions to reduce the chance of passing on these genetic diseases on to their puppies.
Lastly, this breed is at a greater risk for bloat than other breeds. This is because they have a chest-shaped breed. If not treated swiftly the condition could be fatal. It's important to be familiar with the symptoms of bloat so you know when it's time to take your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.