How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require regular walks, playtime, and other activities. They should be socialized with other dogs household pets, children and other dogs from a young age to avoid aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Do your homework on the breeder of your puppy and its lineage. As with all dogs, they may inherit genetic diseases such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that thrive in challenges. They're loyal and obeying, but also wary of strangers. They can be extremely cautious and bark at people, cars or other dogs if they believe they're being threatened by their family.
These powerful dogs are adept at training and are quick to learn, which makes them an ideal choice for police work, military roles, search-and-rescue mission, and service tasks. They also make excellent companions as they love the outdoors, are active and have a dignified sense the stoicism that is uncommon in other breeds.
The physical and mental strength of this herding breed makes them a natural athlete and they thrive in an environment where they can use their energy. They excel at dog sports such as agility, obedience and tracking tests. They also love obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. Being able to work provides them with a purpose and energizes their minds as well as bodies.
Because of their herding heritage, German Shepherds have a strong prey drive and are prone to a loud voice when they're bored. If not properly managed, this can lead to unwanted behavior. It is crucial to interact with and stimulate your dog from an early age to keep them occupied and active.
German Shepherds are intelligent and obedient. They are responsive to positive reinforcement and are a breeze to train. They can be stubborn, however they require a firm but gentle hand when it comes to training to stop them from becoming angry or overwhelmed. It is recommended to employ a professional trainer for training.
German Shepherds are affectionate and loyal dogs who thrive on the attention and playtime they receive from their families. They are very active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If you're planning to adopt an animal, be honest about how much time and attention you're willing to devote to their requirements. If they are left alone too long, it can result in destructive behavior, anxiety or depression. To avoid this, do not leave your German Shepherd alone for longer than a few hours at a time and then gradually build up to longer durations of time.
Health
German Shepherds are very healthy, especially when they're produced 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 buy only from a reliable breeder. A reputable breeder will offer their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
GSDs are herding dogs. They need lots of attention and exercise to be happy. They require at minimum two hours of exercise per day which should include walks and off-lead time in an area that is safe. The best workout can be accomplished by adding training. Having enough space for them to play and roam will also help reduce the stress levels.
Like many other large breeds of dogs GSDs are susceptible to arthritis as they grow older. This can cause them to limp or exhibit the bunny hop. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the condition, this may require an adjustment in diet or supplements.
Another condition that is common to German Shepherds is degenerative myelopathy, which causes weakness in the hind legs. Physical therapy can aid in slowing the progression of this condition.
Hip dysplasia is a disorder in which the ball and socket joints of German Shepherds are not fitting together correctly. This can cause discomfort, difficulty standing and in more severe cases the condition can cause paralysis. Your veterinarian will suggest that your dog modify his exercise routine and adopt a more nutritious diet to ease the symptoms.
German Shepherds may also develop cancer, particularly bone, lung, and abdominal cancers. The signs of cancer may include weakness, loss of appetite and vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea.
German Shepherds could also suffer from an overactive thyroid that is a hormonal imbalance. This can cause them to vomit more frequently, have trouble breathing, and eventually become exhausted. Your vet will check for this symptoms by monitoring your dog's heart with a stethoscope and doing an X-ray. Your vet will prescribe medication to control the condition if your dog is suffering from it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable 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 security work. They are also a popular companion for families with children. Like all dogs, they need to be exercised regularly in order to burn off the energy. You must have the time and the space to provide your German Shepherd the daily physical and mental stimulation that it needs.
Be sure to check the reputation of the breeder before you purchase a German Shepherd. Find a responsible breeder that checks their parents to ensure they don't pass on preventable health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. You should also inquire about the ancestry and age of the puppies.
If reinrassiger schäferhund are looking for a German Shepherd that can be trained to become a service dog, or even compete in IPO competitions, then you should choose an IPO line. They have been conditioned in obedience, tracking and protection. You can find breeders who are working line throughout North America and Europe. These breeders sell puppies and "started" dog who have been thoroughly trained in obedience tracking, protection, and aggression. These puppies and dogs can cost as much as $20,000 per dog.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure you have the money to purchase it. The first year of ownership will cost you nearly $3,500, including food for your pet, veterinary care, grooming appointments, and pet insurance. Then, expect to spend another $500-$1,500 each year to ensure your dog's health maintenance and health. If you can't afford to purchase a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from shelters.
When choosing a German Shepherd, bear in mind their size and strength. They're not suited to all families and might not be able to get along with smaller pets. They must be kept active to avoid boredom which could lead to destructive behaviour. If reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund don't have the time or the space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it requires, think about a different breed. The best German Shepherd will be a loyal and loving family member for a long time to come.
You can also read about how to take care of yourself.
German Shepherds are a big robust breed that requires regular exercise to get rid of their energy. It is essential to ensure that you have the space and time needed for this breed prior to adopting. These dogs are also prone to separation anxieties, so it's essential to start socializing and training from an early age.
The German Shepherds are vocal due to their herding history and need the chance to communicate in a safe environment. To avoid this from developing into a violent behavior it is crucial to take part in dog obedience classes or hire a professional dog trainer for your German Shepherd right from the beginning of their life.
Whether or not you decide to train your German Shepherd or enlist the assistance of a professional dog trainer you must be prepared for a lengthy commitment. German Shepherds live an average of 10-12 years. You'll need to make your new dog a part of your family.
The dogs should be fed a commercial diet of top quality that is formulated according to their size and age. The recommended serving size will be on the label, but it is also advisable to consult your veterinarian about how much your dog can eat per day. You should not offer your German Shepherd any treats that are more than 10% of their daily allowance.
German Shepherds, like any other breed of dog are prone to certain health problems. The elbow and hip dysplasia, seizures/epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy and bleeding disorders are all often encountered in this breed. Breeders with a good reputation will test their dogs to minimize the chance of passing genetic diseases to their puppies.
In addition this breed is at a greater risk for bloat than other breeds. Because they are a barrel-chested breed they are more likely to develop this condition, which is deadly if not treated promptly. It is important to know the symptoms of bloat to know when to take your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.