How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds need daily walks, playtime and other activities. They should also be socialized from a young age with other dogs and household pets to help prevent aggression or dominance issues later on in the course of their lives.
Do your research about the breeder of your puppy as well as its lineage. Like all dogs, they can inherit genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, or the bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs with a keen mind who thrive on challenges. They're loyal and obedient but they're also wary of strangers. They may be extremely protective and may bark at cars, people or other dogs when they believe their family members are in danger.
These powerful dogs are highly trainable and learn quickly, which makes them popular for police work, military roles, search-and-rescue mission and other service-related tasks. They're also well-suited to be companions due to their love of the outdoors, are energetic and possess a refined spirit of stoicism that is not found in other breeds.
The intelligence and physical prowess of this herding breed makes them a natural athlete and they thrive in an environment where they can use their energy. They excel in dog-related sports such as obedience, agility and tracking tests. They also love obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. Having a job to do gives them purpose and helps to stimulate their minds and bodies.
Because of their herding heritage German Shepherds possess an intense prey drive and are susceptible to a loud voice when they're bored. This can lead to undesirable behavior if they are not properly controlled, so it's important to socialize your dog from a young age and keep them engaged and mentally stimulated to keep them engaged and content.
German Shepherds are intelligent and well-behaved. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are easy to train. They can be stubborn, though, and need a firm, but gentle touch when it comes to training to stop them from becoming stressed or overwhelmed. It is recommended that you hire a professional trainer to help with training.
German Shepherds are a loyal and loving breed that loves playing and attention from their families. They are active and require lots of mental stimulation and exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you're planning to adopt an animal, be honest about the amount of time and attention you're willing to give them needs. If left unattended for too long, they could quickly become destructive or develop depression and anxiety. To avoid this, don't leave your German Shepherd alone for more than a few hours at a time and start by building gradually to longer periods of time.
Health
German Shepherds are very healthy dogs, especially when they are bred by responsible breeders. Breeders who test their dogs for elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, along with hemangiosarcoma as well as other breed-specific health conditions. This is why it's important to buy only from a reliable breeder. A reputable breeder will offer their puppies regular check-ups on their health throughout their lives.
Because of their instinct to herd GSDs require lots of exercise and attention to keep them happy. They should be exercising for at least two hours a day, which includes walks and time off-lead in a safe place. The best workout can be accomplished by adding training to the mix. Ensuring that they have enough space to play and move around will also help reduce stress levels.
As with other large breeds of dogs, GSDs are prone to arthritis as they get older. This can cause them to limp, or have a bouncy gait. Consult your vet to determine the best treatment plan. Based on the severity of the problem it may be necessary to make a change in diet or supplements.
Another condition that is common to German Shepherds is degenerative myelopathy which causes weakness in the hind legs. Fortunately physical therapy can slow this disease's progression.
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the socket and ball joints of some German Shepherds don't fit together correctly. This can lead to discomfort, difficulty standing, and in more severe cases the condition can cause paralysis. Your vet may suggest that your dog alter its exercise routine and adopt a healthier diet to lessen the symptoms.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancer, specifically bone, lung and abdominal cancers. The symptoms of these cancers could include weakening of the stomach, loss of appetite and weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Lastly, German Shepherds can suffer from an overactive thyroid, which can cause a hormonal imbalance. This could cause them to urinate more often, have breathing issues, and also be very tired. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog's stethoscope and/or perform an X-ray to check for this symptom. If your dog has this condition, your vet will prescribe medication to treat it.
Training
German Shepherds are extremely adept at training and can respond well to early training. They are quick to learn and enjoy working with their handlers. This makes them a very popular breed for police, military, and protection work. Families with children also love them. Like all dogs, they require to be exercised regularly to burn off the energy. You must have the time and space to give your German Shepherd the daily mental and physical stimulation it requires.
Before you buy a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing with is reputable. Find a responsible breeder of German Shepherds who screens their parents to stop the transmission of health issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. Also, inquire about the background and age of the puppies.
If you want a German Shepherd that can be trained to become a service dog, or even compete in IPO competitions, then you should choose the working line. They have been trained in obedience training, tracking, and security training. You can find working line breeders throughout North America and Europe. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen sell puppies and "started" dog that have been extensively trained in obedience tracking, protection, and aggression. The dogs and puppies are expensive and can cost up to $20,000.
Make sure you have the money to afford the cost of a German Shepherd before purchasing one. You'll spend about $3,500 in the first year, which includes the cost of pet food and vet care. You could expect to spend between $500 to $1500 annually on your dog's maintenance and health. If you aren't able to purchase a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from a shelter.
When choosing when choosing a German shepherd, take into consideration their size and strength. They aren't suitable for every family and they might not be compatible with smaller animals. They need to be kept active to avoid boredom which can lead them to destructive behaviour. If you do not have the time or the space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it needs, think about another breed. The best German Shepherd will be a loyal, loving family member for a long time to be.
Care
German Shepherds are a huge and strong breed that needs regular exercise to exhaust their energy. This is the reason it's essential to make sure you have the time and space for your dog prior to adopting it. In addition, these dogs are susceptible to separation anxiety so it is crucial for them to get consistent training and socialization at an early age.
The German Shepherds are vocal due to their herding heritage and require the opportunity to be heard in a safe environment. german shepherd kaufen is crucial to enroll your German Shepherd in obedience classes 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 long commitment. German Shepherds have an average lifespan of 10-12 years. You'll have to be committed to making your new dog a member of your family.
They are recommended to be fed commercial dog food of a high-quality that is designed to meet their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the packaging, but it is also advisable to consult your veterinarian regarding the amount your dog needs to eat each day. You should not offer your German Shepherd treats that exceed 10% of their daily allowance.
German Shepherds, just like all breeds of dog, are susceptible to certain health problems. The elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy/seizures, and bleeding disorders are frequently seen in this breed. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for these conditions to minimize the chances of passing on these genetic diseases to their puppies.
Lastly this breed is also at a greater risk of developing bloat than other dogs. As a barrel-chested breed, they are more likely to develop this condition, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. It's important to be familiar with the signs of bloat, so you can determine when it's time to bring your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.