How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require daily walks as well as playtime and other activities. They should also be socialised from an early age with other pets and dogs in the household to prevent aggression or dominance issues later on in life.
Do your research about the breeder of your puppy as well as its lineage. Like all dogs, they could inherit genetic diseases such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive in the challenges. They're loyal and obedient but they're also wary of strangers. They are often extremely cautious and even bark at cars, other dogs or even people when they feel that their family is in danger.
These powerful dogs are trainable and learn quickly they are an ideal choice for police work, military roles, search and rescue missions and other service-related tasks. They are also excellent companions, as they enjoy being active in the outdoors and possess a refined sense of stoicism that is rare in other breeds.
This breed excels in dog-related sports like agility, obedience, tracking tests, Schutzhund and obedience. But they're just as happy with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing fetch. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, tracking tests, Schutzhund, and obedience however, they're equally satisfied with a routine workout that includes long walks or playing games of fetch. Having a job to do provides them with a purpose and helps to stimulate their minds and bodies.
German Shepherds are prone to excessively vocalizing when they are bored or excited because of their herding background. This can lead to undesirable behavior if they are not properly controlled It is therefore essential to get your dog socialized from a young age and give them mental stimulation to keep them engaged and content.
German Shepherds are smart and respectful. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are easy to train. Though they aren't always easy to train and require a firm, but gentle approach to training to avoid them becoming angry or overwhelmed, they're easy to train. It's recommended that you get a professional trainer to help with your training.
German Shepherds are a very loyal and loving breed that enjoys playing and attention from their families. They are active and require lots of mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you plan to adopt a pet, you must be honest about how much time and care you're willing to give them needs. If left unattended for long enough, they could easily become destructive or suffer from anxiety and depression. To avoid this, do not leave your German Shepherd unattended for more than a few hours at a stretch, and start by building gradually to longer periods of time.
Health
German Shepherds are healthy dogs, particularly when they're bred responsibly by breeders who are responsible. Breeders check their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma and other diseases that are specific to the breed. This is why it's crucial to purchase from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will provide their puppies with regular health checks throughout their lives.
GSDs are herding animals and need lots of attention and exercise to keep them content. They should be exercising at minimum two hours per day, which includes walks and time off-lead in a safe place. The ultimate workout can be accomplished by adding training. Providing them with enough space to play and move around will also reduce their stress levels.
As they age, GSDs can develop arthritis. This could cause them to limp or have a bunny-hop gait. If this happens, talk to your vet for an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may require changes in diet or supplements.
Degenerative myelopathy is yet another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Fortunately physical therapy can help slow the progression of this condition.
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that occurs when the ball and socket joints of German Shepherds do not fit properly. This can lead to pain, difficulty standing and in more severe cases, paralysis. Your vet may suggest that your dog alter its exercise routine and adopt a more nutritious diet in order to reduce the symptoms.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancer, specifically bone, lung and abdominal cancers. The signs of cancer may include an appetite loss, weakness, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Finally, German Shepherds could have an overactive thyroid, which is a hormonal imbalance. This can cause them to vomit more often, have difficulty breathing, and then become extremely tired. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog's stethoscope and/or perform an X-ray in order to determine if this is the case. Your doctor will prescribe medication to treat the condition if your dog has it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trained and respond well to early training. They are quick to learn and enjoy working with their owners. This makes them a popular breed for police, military, and protection work. They are also a popular pet for families with children. Like all dogs, they have to be exercised regularly in order to eliminate the energy. You should have the time and the space to give your German Shepherd the daily physical and mental stimulation it requires.
Before you buy a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing is reputable. Find a responsible German Shepherd breeder who checks their parents to avoid the transmission of health issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. You should also inquire about the ancestry and age of the puppies.
If you're looking for a German Shepherd that can be trained to become a service dog, or participate in IPO competitions, then go for the working line. They have been taught obedience, tracking and security. There are working line breeders throughout North America and Europe. They sell pups and "started" dogs, which have had extensive obedience protection, tracking, and aggression training. These puppies and dogs can be expensive and can cost up to $20,000.
Before purchasing a German Shepherd, make sure you can afford it. The first year of ownership will cost you close to $3500, which includes pet food, veterinary care, grooming appointments, and pet insurance. In the following years, you should expect to shell out another $500 to $1500 each year to ensure your dog's health and care. If you aren't able to buy a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from shelters.
When selecting when choosing a German shepherd, consider their size and strength. They are not suitable for every family, and they may not be compatible with smaller pets. Learn Additional Here require plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored, which can result in destructive behaviors. If you don't have the time nor space to give a German Shepherd with the exercise it requires, think about a different breed. The best German Shepherd will be a loyal, loving family member for many years to be.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds are a big robust breed that requires plenty of exercise every day to burn off their energy. It is important to ensure you have the time and space required for this breed before adopting. In addition, these breeds are susceptible to separation anxiety therefore it is essential for them to receive consistent training and socialization starting from a young age.
Due to their herding background they are vocal dogs and need to be given the opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment. To avoid this from developing into a violent behavior, it's essential to enroll in dog obedience classes or employ a professional dog trainer for your German Shepherd right from the beginning of their lives.
You must be ready to commit to a long-term relationship regardless of whether you choose to learn to train your German Shepherd yourself or hire an experienced dog trainer. German Shepherds live an average of 10-12 years. You'll need to make your new dog a member of your family.
They are recommended to be fed commercial dog food of a high-quality that is designed according to their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the packaging, but it is also helpful to talk with your veterinarian about how much your dog should eat daily. 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 as well as degenerative myelopathy and seizures and epilepsy. Breeders who are trustworthy will screen their dogs to minimize the chance of passing genetic diseases on to their pups.
Lastly this breed is at a greater risk of developing bloat than other dogs. It is because they are a chest-shaped breed. If not treated quickly, this condition can be fatal. It is crucial to be aware of the signs of bloat so that you be aware of the best time to bring your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.