How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require daily walks, playtime and other activities. They should be socialized with other pets household pets, children and other dogs from an early age to avoid aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Do your research on the breeder of your puppy as well as its lineage. Like all dogs, they may inherit genetic disorders like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who thrive on challenges. They're loyal and respectful, but also wary of strangers. They may be extremely guarded and can bark at cars, other dogs, or people when they feel that their family is in danger.
These powerful dogs are highly-trained and can learn quickly. This makes them a popular selection for military, police roles, and search and rescue missions. They're also great companions due to their love of the outdoors, are athletic and possess a refined spirit of stoicism that is not found in other breeds.
The physical and mental acuity of this herding breed makes them excellent athletes and they thrive in a setting in which they can utilize their energy. They excel in dog sports like obedience, agility and tracking tests, Schutzhund, and obedience however they're equally content with a regular exercise that includes long walks or playing with fetch. A job gives them purpose, and stimulates both their bodies and minds.
German Shepherds are susceptible to excessively vocalizing when bored or excited because of their herding background. If not properly managed, this can lead to unintentional behavior. It is essential to engage and stimulate your dog from an early age to keep them happy and active.
German Shepherds are intelligent and obedient. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are a breeze to train. They aren't always easy to handle, however, and need a firm but gentle hand with training to prevent them from becoming frustrated or overwhelmed. It is recommended that you engage a professional trainer to assist you with training.
German Shepherds are affectionate and loyal dogs who thrive on the attention and playtime they receive from their family members. They are active and require lots of mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you plan to adopt an animal, be honest about how much time and care you're willing to devote to their needs. If they're left on their own too long, it can result in destructive behavior or anxiety and depression. To avoid this, don't leave your German shepherd for more than just a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the amount of time.
go to the website are extremely healthy dogs, especially when they are bred by responsible breeders. Breeders who test their dogs for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as hemangiosarcoma, as well as other breed-specific health issues. This is why it's crucial to only buy from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will offer their puppies regular check-ups on their health throughout their lives.
GSDs are herding dogs and require plenty of exercise and attention to be content. They should get at minimum two hours of daily exercise, which should include walks and off-lead time a safe area. The best workout can be achieved by adding training. Ensuring that they have enough space to play and move around will also reduce their stress levels.
As they age, GSDs may develop arthritis. This can cause them to slouch or exhibit a bunny hop gait. If this happens then consult your veterinarian to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This could involve changes in diet supplements, surgery, or dependent on how severe the illness is.
Another condition that is common to German Shepherds is degenerative myelopathy which causes weakness in the hind legs. Physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.
Hip dysplasia is a disorder in which the socket and ball joints of some German Shepherds are not fitting properly. This can lead to discomfort, difficulty standing, and in more serious cases the condition can cause paralysis. If your dog is suffering from this condition, your veterinarian will recommend a different exercise regimen and a healthier diet to ease symptoms.
German Shepherds can also develop cancer, particularly bone, lung, and abdominal cancers. These cancers can cause weakness and weight loss vomiting, diarrhea and a loss of appetite.
Lastly, German Shepherds can have an overactive thyroid which is a hormonal imbalance. This can cause them to vomit more often, have difficulty breathing, and become very tired. Your veterinarian will look for this sign by listening to your dog's heart with a stethoscope and doing an X-ray. If your dog is suffering from this condition, your vet will prescribe medications to treat it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trained and respond well to early training. They are quick to learn and love working with their owners. This makes them a popular breed for military, police, and protection work. They are also a preferred companion for families with children. As with all dogs, however, they require plenty of exercise to get rid of their energy. Make sure you have the time and space to provide your German Shepherd with the physical and mental stimulation it requires on a daily basis.
Before purchasing a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing with is reliable. Find a responsible breeder of German Shepherds who checks their parents to prevent the transmission of health problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. 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 participate in IPO trials, select one from the working lines. They have been trained in obedience training, tracking, and security training. You can find working-line breeders in North America and Europe. These breeders sell puppies and "started" dogs that have been extensively trained in obedience, tracking, protection and aggression. The puppies and dogs are pricey, up to $20,000.
Be sure you can afford a German Shepherd before purchasing one. You will spend nearly $3,500 in the first year, which includes the cost of pet food and vet care. In the following years, you should expect to shell out an additional $500-$1,500 per year to ensure your dog's health maintenance and health. If you're unable to afford to buy a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a rescue or shelter organization.
When choosing when choosing a German Shepherd, bear in mind their size and strength. They aren't ideal for all families and may not be a good fit with smaller animals. They also need a lot of exercise to avoid being bored, which could result in destructive behaviors. If you don't have the time nor space to provide a German Shepherd with the exercise it requires, think about an alternative breed. The right German Shepherd will be a loyal and affectionate family member for many years to come.
Care
German Shepherds are large, robust dogs that require regular exercise to get rid of all their energy. This is the reason it's essential to ensure you have the time and space for your dog prior to adopting it. These dogs are also susceptible to separation anxieties, so it's essential to start with them and socializing them from a young ages.
These dogs are vocal because of their herding background and need to express themselves in a secure environment. It is crucial to enroll your German Shepherd in obedience classes from the start of their lives.
You must be ready to commit for a long time, whether you decide to teach your German Shepherd yourself or hire an experienced dog trainer. The life expectancy for the German Shepherd is between 10 and 12 years, so you'll have to commit to making your new dog a part of your family for the long run.
The dogs must be fed a high-quality commercial food that is formulated for their size and age. The recommended serving size will be on the package, however it is also helpful to talk to your veterinarian about how much your dog needs to eat each day. It is not recommended to give your German Shepherd any treats that are more than 10% of their daily allowance.
Like any dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to certain health conditions. This breed is prone to elbow and hip dysplasias, degenerative myelopathy, and epilepsy/seizures. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for any signs of illness in order to reduce the chance of passing genetic illnesses their pups.
Additionally this breed is also at a greater risk for bloat than other dogs. This is because they have a chest-shaped breed. If not treated promptly the condition could be fatal. It's important to be familiar with the signs of bloat so you know when it's time for you to take your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.