Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds make excellent service dogs for the military, police and other governmental agencies. They are intelligent and loyal, as well as secure. They're also extremely active, and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural defense mechanisms can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers, therefore early training and socialization are crucial. They may also display compulsive behaviors like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices can reduce the risk of certain health conditions. Reputable breeders screen parents to prevent passing on preventable diseases like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy puppies.
All puppies, regardless of breeding history should be thoroughly examined by a vet before they are released to their new homes. This allows vets to determine any health issues and treat them as soon as possible in order to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
When it concerns the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular vet visits are essential. Routine veterinary exams, vaccinations, and other preventive treatments can ensure that your pet enjoys a a long, happy life.
German Shepherds are at risk for autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma and seizures/epilepsy. They may also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. Many of these conditions are treatable or preventable by following a balanced diet, avoiding treats and table food and introducing preventive medication as early as possible.
A common health issue that affects all dogs is gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This could be caused by eating the wrong food, or food allergies or underlying medical conditions. A high-quality commercial food frequent urination, regular the consumption of water and limiting sweets can help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds have narrow, deep chests, which can make them prone to bloating and gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a condition that occurs when gas fills the stomach and it turns around itself, severing the blood supply and eventually resulting in death if not treated. The symptoms of GDV include the tendency to retch or try to heave but not swallowing, an enlarged abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and lying in a prayer position with the head down. A preventive procedure that tacks or sutures the stomach to reduce the risk of contracting this devastating disease.
German Shepherds aren't immune to dental disease. In the absence of treatment, tartar can cause gum disease and infection at the root of teeth. Eventually the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and costly treatment. This can be hard for your pet emotionally as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been extensively used as service, protection and police dogs. They are athletic, active and highly trained. They are great for people who have plenty of time available to train, exercise and cleaning the shed fur. They are also good for people who want to have a trustworthy high-performing friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They are protective of their beloved family members and can be shy with strangers. They respond best to consistent, fair and firm training methods. They also require a lot of stimulation in their minds, so it is important to offer a variety of games and puzzles for training.
Find an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to develop an ongoing relationship with you. They should be able to show you their litter and their mother as well as their health history, their environment that they were raised in, and answer your questions. They will be able tell you about the socialization of the puppies and how they compare to their siblings.
Be cautious of puppies that are available at pet stores, since they are more likely to be from mills rather than breeders that are reputable. They are usually produced to earn money and may have serious issues genetically. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to prevent hereditary disease and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
Regardless of how you select your puppy, it is important to begin training as early as possible. Teach basic commands like sit, stay and down. Learn to leash-train so that your German Shepherd will be calm when you are out and about. They are curious, which is why early obedience training is crucial to stop them from running after anything that moves. Engaging in some recall exercises is a great way to engage their natural herding instincts as well.
Spend a lot of time with them while they're young so they can be taught to love you. This is important because the socialization period lasts until they are 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people as well as new places, experiences, and environments.
Care
No matter where you buy your German Shepherd, he will require ongoing care. This includes annual veterinary visits, vaccinations and preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). Additionally, you'll need to purchase grooming appointments, pet food, and a yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the additional costs for dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training, which can add up to a few thousand dollars over your puppy's lifetime.
Look for a breeder who maintains high standards, and follows good breeding methods. Ask the breeder to provide documentation of elbow and hip dysplasia screenings for the father and mother and temperament tests for the litter.
Ask veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog trainers and groomers for recommendations. These people regularly interact with animals and are aware of the importance of ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might make him want to chase and leap on people, he'll respond well to discipline and training. Introduce your family members to him as you grow. German Shepherds are extremely attached to their families and require lots of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease. It starts with tartar buildup before progressing to infection of the gums, and roots of teeth. It's a frequent problem that can lead to loss of teeth and severe complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a major concern for dogs who are older. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that causes blood-rich tumors, which are typically found in the spleen and heart. Other kinds of cancers include bone, lung and intestinal.
Retrieving a German Shepherd from shelters is an alternative for those who cannot afford the expense of buying a purebred puppy. The shelter's staff can help you select a dog who has an excellent temperament and is compatible with your lifestyle. Adopting schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause can be cheaper than purchasing one. Adoption fees usually include initial medical exams and vaccinations, aswell as spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can also offer advice on how to prepare your home to accommodate a dog. For example they can advise you on which items to put away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs and it's important to have a outlet for their energy. If they don't get enough physical activity, it can result in them being bored and redirecting that energy into something undesirable, like digging up the yard or chewing on whatever is in reach.
It's also a good idea to expose them to a variety of different people, places and situations when they're young, since it will help them realize that not everyone is a threat. This can be done by walking in the street and in parks, engaging with neighbors during playtime, and even taking them to places they haven't been before (as long as they are safe).
It's a good idea, in addition to going out and socializing to incorporate obedience-training during workouts. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to stay on his mat. It could be as complicated as doing heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility or flyball are excellent for your German Shepherd pup and can also aid in improving their mental skills. Make sure you start off slowly with these kinds of activities so you don't overexert your pup. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This could lead to diseases caused by heat in young dogs.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. This is important to allow them to engage in physical activity and to discover the world beyond their own. It's a good idea to change the places you go on your walks to ensure that they see new environments and are exposed to the many sounds in the wonderful world that they live in.