How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require regular walks, playtime, and other activities. They should also be socialised from a young age with other pets and dogs in the household to prevent aggression or dominance issues later on in life.
Do your homework on the breeder of your puppy and its lineage. Like all dogs, they may inherit genetic diseases like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, or Bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs with a keen mind that thrive in new challenges. They're loyal and obedient but they're also wary of strangers. They can be overly cautious and bark at cars, people or other dogs if they feel their family is threatened.
These powerful dogs are highly-trained and learn quickly. This makes them a popular selection for military, police roles, and search-and-rescue missions. They're also well-suited to be companions since they enjoy the outdoors, are athletic, and exhibit a dignified spirit of stoicism that is not seen in other breeds.
The intelligence and physical prowess of this breed make them natural athletes and they thrive in an environment where they can use their energy. They excel in dog sports like obedience, agility and tracker tests. They also enjoy obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. The fact that they have a job 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 handled properly, so it's important to socialize your dog at an early age and keep them engaged and mentally stimulated to keep them busy and happy.
German Shepherds are extremely smart and obedient, which makes them easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. Although they can be stubborn and require a firm but gentle training method to avoid them becoming angry or overwhelmed, they are easy to train. It is recommended to employ a professional trainer for training.
German Shepherds are loyal and loving dogs who thrive on the attention and playtime they receive from their family members. They're active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep them healthy and happy. If you plan to adopt an animal, be honest about how much time and attention you can devote to their requirements. If left unattended for too long, they can quickly become destructive or suffer from depression and anxiety. To avoid this, don't leave your German Shepherd alone for more than a couple of hours at a stretch, and start by building up to longer durations of time.
Health
German Shepherds are extremely healthy dogs, especially when they are produced by breeders who are responsible. Breeders who test their dogs for elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, as well as hemangiosarcoma, as well as other breed-specific health issues. This is why 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 need lots of attention and exercise to stay happy. They must be exercising at least two hours a day, which includes walks and off-lead time in a secure area. The ultimate workout will be achieved by adding training to the mix. Providing them with enough space to play and roam will also reduce their stress levels.
As they age, GSDs can develop arthritis. This could cause them to limp or have the bunny-hop gait. If this occurs then consult your veterinarian to determine a treatment strategy. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may require a change in diet or supplements.
Degenerative myelopathy is yet another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Fortunately physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.
Some German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia. This means their socket and ball joint isn't a good fit. This can result in discomfort, difficulty standing, or, in more severe cases it can lead to paralysis. If your dog has 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, particularly bone, lung and abdominal cancers. These cancers can cause weakness, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting and a decrease in appetite.
Finally, German Shepherds could have an overactive thyroid which is a hormone imbalance. This can make them frequently urinate, suffer from breathing issues, and become extremely tired. Your vet will examine your dog's stethoscope or perform an X-ray to determine if this is the case. Your doctor will prescribe medication to treat this condition if your dog is suffering from 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 very popular breed for military, police, and protection work. Families with children also adore them. Like Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen , they require a great deal of exercise to burn off their energy. You must have the time and the space to give your German Shepherd the daily mental and physical stimulation it needs.
Before you buy a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing is reputable. Choose a responsible breeder of German Shepherds who screens their parents in order to prevent the transmission of health issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. Also, inquire about the background and age of the puppies.
If you are looking for a German Shepherd that can be trained to become an aid dog, or participate in IPO competitions, then choose an IPO line. They have been trained in obedience tracking, protection, and obedience training. You can find working-line breeders in North America and Europe. These breeders sell puppies and "started" dogs who have been thoroughly trained in obedience tracking, protection, and aggression. The puppies and dogs are pricey up to $20,000.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure you have the money to purchase it. You'll spend about $3,500 in the first year, including the cost of pet food and vet care. You can expect to spend between $500 to $1500 annually on maintaining your dog's health. If you're unable afford to buy a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.
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 pets. They also require plenty of exercise to avoid getting bored, which can lead to destructive behaviors. If you don't 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 many years to be.
Care
German Shepherds are a huge and strong breed that needs regular exercise to burn off their energy. This is why it's crucial to ensure that you have the time and space for your dog prior to taking it home. These dogs are also prone to separation anxieties, so it's crucial to begin socializing and training them from a young ages.
Due to their herding heritage they are vocal and must be given the opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment. It is essential to enroll your German Shepherd in obedience classes from the start of their lives.
You must be prepared to commit for a long time whether you choose to learn to train your German Shepherd yourself or hire a professional dog trainer. German Shepherds can live for an average of 10-12 years. You'll need to be committed to making your new dog a member of your family.
They should be fed a high-quality commercial diet that is specifically designed to their size and age. The recommended serving size is on the label. However, it's a good idea to ask your veterinarian how much your dog needs to eat each day. You should also avoid giving your German Shepherd any treats more than 10% of their daily calorie allowance.
Like any dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to certain health conditions. The elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy/seizures, degenerative myelopathy and bleeding disorders are often seen in this breed. Breeders who are trustworthy will screen their dogs to decrease the risk of passing genetic diseases their pups.
Additionally the breed is also at a greater risk of developing bloat than 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 about the signs and symptoms of bloat so you know when it's time to take your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.