Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A top choice for military, police and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, protective and loyal. They are also very active and require lots of stimulation and exercise.
Early training and socialization is essential because their natural protectiveness can manifest as aggression towards strangers. They may also exhibit compulsions such as repetitive behaviors such as tail chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs However, good breeding practices can help lower the risk of certain diseases. Breeders who are reputable check parents to ensure they are not passing on preventable diseases, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
All puppies, regardless of breeding history should be thoroughly examined by a vet before they are sent to their new homes. This allows the vet to determine and address any health issues as early as possible to minimize complications and improve the outcomes.
Regular visits to the vet are crucial to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. deutschen schäferhund kaufen , vaccinations, and other preventive measures can help your dog lead a long and happy life.
Some health concerns that are specific to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, autoimmune disease, seizures, epilepsy and other bleeding disorders. Many of these ailments can be managed or prevented by choosing the right diet avoidance of treats and table food, and starting preventive medications as early as possible.
A common health issue that can affect all dogs is gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. It can be caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies and underlying medical conditions. A commercial food that is of high quality regular urination, water consumption and limiting treats can help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat (also known as gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This is a condition that occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and twists on itself, preventing blood flow and result in death within a few hours if not treated. Symptoms of GDV include the tendency to retch or try to heave but not swallowing, a swollen abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and lying in a prayer position with the head lowered. Preventive surgery that sutures or tacks the stomach in place will reduce the risk of this deadly disease.
German Shepherds are not immune to the effects of dental disease. If not treated tartar build-up could lead to gum disease and infection of the root of the teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth, or require expensive and long-term treatment. This can be financially and emotionally challenging for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively used for service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are athletic, active and extremely capable of training. They are great for people who have plenty of time available to devote to training, exercise and cleaning the shed fur. They are also ideal for those who wish to have a reliable and highly skilled companion.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable pet for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They can be protective of their family members and remain aloof towards strangers. These dogs are most effective by using fair, firm and regular training methods. They also require plenty of stimulation in their minds, so it is essential to offer a variety of games and puzzles for training.
When you are looking for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who cares about the quality of their puppies and is eager to communicate with you. They will be able to show you the mother, litter as well as their health history as well as the environment in which they were raised and answer all your questions. They should also be able tell you how the pups were raised and how they compare to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies available from pet stores, as they are more likely to come from breeders who are reputable. They are usually produced to earn money, and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will test their breeding stock to prevent hereditary illnesses and other health issues from occurring in the puppies.
It is crucial to begin training your puppy as quickly as you can, regardless of which puppy you choose. Introduce basic commands such as sit down, stay and sit. Also train your dog on leash so your German Shepherd is at peace when you are out and about. Training in obedience early is essential to prevent them from chasing anything that moves. You can also engage their natural instinct to herd by performing some recall exercises.
Make sure you spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so that they learn to love being with you. This is crucial because the socialization period lasts until they reach 16 weeks old. After that, they may become less open to new people as well as new places, experiences, and environments.
Care
Regardless of where you purchase the German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes vaccinations, preventive medicine and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). Additionally, you'll need to purchase grooming appointments along with pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the additional costs for dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training. This could add up to thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Find a breeder that maintains high standards, and has good breeding methods. Ask the breeder for documentation of elbow dysplasia and hip screenings for the mother and father and for temperament testing of the litter.
Consult with veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. These people are familiar with animals, and they know the basics about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct could make him want to chase and jump over people, he will respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to all members of your family as he grows. German Shepherds are very attached to their family members and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease. It begins with tartar buildup and progresses into gum inflammation and the teeth's roots. It's a common issue that can lead to loss of teeth as well as serious complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is a concern for dogs that are old. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces blood-rich tumors is most often found in the spleen and the heart. Other cancers include lung bone, and the intestinal.
Retrieving the German Shepherd from shelters is an alternative for those who are unable to afford to pay the cost of purchasing a purebred puppy. Shelter staff can help you choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and has a positive temperament. Adopting a dog can be cheaper than purchasing one. Adoption fees usually include medical exams at the beginning and vaccinations, as well as spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can also provide advice on how to prepare your home for a new puppy by making sure your home is secure and removing any items that could be chewed or eaten.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs, and it's crucial to have an outlet for their energy. If they aren't given enough physical exercise, this can result in them becoming bored and putting their energy to undesirable activities, such as digging up the yard or chewing on everything that is in their reach.
You can also expose them to a variety of individuals, places and situations when they are young. This will help them understand that there is no danger to everyone. This can be accomplished by taking walks on the street or in parks, interacting with neighbors during play sessions, and even taking them to places they've never been before (as as they're safe).
Aside from getting out and socializing It's also a great idea to incorporate obedience training into exercises. This can be as simple as teaching them to sit and stay on their mats, but it can be as advanced as doing heelwork or playing games of recall.
Dog sports like agility and flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also aid in improving their mental abilities. Be sure to start off slow with these types of exercises to ensure you don't stress your pup. Avoid exercising your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This could lead to illnesses related to heat in puppies.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. They need this to get exercise and explore the world beyond their home. It's a good idea to vary where you go on your walks to ensure that they experience new surroundings and are exposed to the many sounds in the wonderful world they live in.