Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds make excellent service dogs for the military, police and other authorities. They are intelligent and loyal, as well as guardian. They're also extremely active, requiring plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Early training and socialization is essential because their natural protectiveness can manifest as aggression towards strangers. They may also display compulsions, such as repetitive actions such as tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health, though good breeding practices can help reduce the likelihood of some diseases. Breeders with a good reputation monitor their parents to prevent passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
Whatever their breeding background, all puppies should be carefully inspected by a veterinarian before they go to their new homes. This allows the vet to detect and address any health issues as quickly as possible to minimize complications and improve the outcomes.
Regular visits to the vet are crucial to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary examinations as well as vaccinations and other preventive measures can help your pet lead a long and happy life.
Certain health issues specific to German Shepherds include the autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma seizures and epilepsy disorders, as well as bleeding conditions. A lot of these conditions can be managed or prevented by implementing a healthy diet by avoiding treats and table food and taking preventive medication at the earliest possible time.
All dogs suffer from digestive issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This could be due to eating the wrong food, food allergies or underlying medical conditions. A high-quality commercial food, frequent urination and drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets can help in addressing digestive issues.
German Shepherds have deep, narrow chests, which cause them to bloat which is also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This condition is caused by the stomach filling with gas and twists around itself, cutting off blood flow and potentially leading to death within a matter of hours if it is not treated. GDV symptoms include retching, heaving, but not swallowing. They also include an enlarged stomach, irritability, and a lack of energy. Preventive surgery to fixate or suture the stomach may reduce the risk of developing this deadly illness.
German Shepherds are not immune to dental disease. In the absence of treatment, tartar can cause gum disease and infections at the root of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth or require expensive and extensive treatment. This could be financially and emotionally challenging for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs which have been extensively used as service, protection and police dogs. They are active, athletic and extremely capable of training. They are an ideal fit for those who are very active and have plenty of time to exercise, training and removing hair that has fallen out. They are also a good choice for those who are looking for a highly capable, loyal friend.
A 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 by using fair, firm and consistent training methods. They also require lots of mental stimulation, which is why having a variety of games and puzzles for training is important to keep them engaged.
Find a German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to develop an ongoing relationship with you. They should be able show you the mother, litter, their health background, the environment where they were raised, and answer all your questions. They should also be able tell you how the pups were socialized and how they compare with their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely from mills than breeders with a good reputation. They are typically bred to make profits and could be afflicted with serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will test their breeding stock to avoid hereditary illnesses and other health issues from developing in the pups.
Regardless of how you select your puppy, it is essential to begin training your puppy early. Teach basic commands such as sit down, stay, or sit. Work on leash-training so that your German Shepherd will be calm when you are out and out and about. Early obedience training is important to prevent them from chasing anything that moves. Recall exercises are an excellent way to get them involved in their natural herding instincts, too.
Spend plenty of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so that they can develop a love for being with you. This is particularly important as they experience a critical socialization phase from around 16 weeks of age, after which they may be less receptive to new experiences, people and places.
Care
Regardless of where you buy your German Shepherd, he will require a lifetime of care. This includes annual vet visits, vaccinations and preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments along with pet food and a yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Think about the additional costs associated with dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training, which could add up to thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Look for a breeder that maintains high standards and follows good breeding practices. Request the breeder to provide evidence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for both the mother and the father and temperament tests for the litter.
Ask veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog trainers and groomers for recommendations. These people are familiar with animals and know the basics about breeders who are ethical.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct may make him want to chase and jump on people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce your family members to him as the puppy grows. German Shepherds have strong bonds with their families and require lots of interaction.
Dogs are susceptible to dental diseases, which starts with tartar build-up and progresses to gum disease and the roots of teeth. It's a common problem that can cause loss of teeth and serious complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is another issue and is a major concern in dogs of a certain age. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces blood-rich tumors is usually located in the spleen and heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal.
Retrieving the German Shepherd from a shelter is an alternative for those who are unable to afford the expense of buying a purebred dog. The staff at the shelter can help you choose a dog that has a good temperament and that will fit with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog can also be cheaper than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include initial medical exams, vaccines and spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can also give advice on how you can prepare your home for dogs. For example they can advise you on what items you should put away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be extremely active, and it is important to give them the opportunity to let their energy go. If they don't get enough physical activity it could result in them being restless and redirected the energy into something that isn't desirable like digging around in the yard or chewing at whatever is within reach.
It's an excellent idea to expose them to a range of different people, places, and situations while they're young, since this will help them understand that there isn't always a threat. You can do this by taking them for walks, going to the parks, engaging in the time with your neighbors or taking them somewhere they've never been before.
It's a good idea, in addition to getting out and socializing to incorporate obedience training during exercise sessions. It could be as simple as teaching your dog to stay on his mat. It could be as complicated as heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports such as flyball or agility are an excellent workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also improve their mental abilities as well. Just be sure to start gradually with these exercises to ensure you don't stress your pup. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. deutschen schäferhund kaufen could result in heat-related illnesses in young dogs.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. This is important to give them physical exercise and to explore the world outside their home. It's a good idea to change the places you go on your walks to ensure that they experience new surroundings and are exposed to the many sounds within the world that they live in.