How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require regular walks, playtime, and other activities. They should be socialized with other dogs as well as household pets and children from an early age to prevent aggression or dominance problems later in life.
Do your homework on the breeder of your puppy and its lineage. Like all dogs, they can inherit genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive in challenges. They are loyal and respectful However, they can be wary of strangers. They can be extremely cautious and bark at people, cars, or other dogs when they believe their family is threatened.
These powerful dogs are highly-trained and learn quickly. This makes them a popular selection for military, police roles, and search and rescue missions. They also make excellent companions, as they enjoy being active in the outdoors and have a shrewd sense of stoicism that is rare in other breeds.
The intelligence and physical prowess of this breed make them natural athletes and they thrive in a setting in which they can utilize their energy. They excel in dog-related sports such as obedience, agility and tracker tests. They also enjoy obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. A job gives them purpose and also stimulates their minds and bodies.
schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen to their herding background German Shepherds have a strong prey drive and can be prone to over-vocalizing when excited or bored. This can lead to undesirable behaviors if not managed well and it's crucial to socialize your dog at an early age and give them mental stimulation to keep them engaged and content.
German Shepherds are intelligent and obedient. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen are responsive to positive reinforcement and are easy to train. They can be stubborn, though they require an obedient but firm hand in order to keep them from becoming angry or overwhelmed. It's recommended that you get an expert trainer to assist with your training.
German Shepherds are loyal and loving dogs that thrive on the love and attention they receive from their families. They're active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If you're thinking of adopting one be honest with yourself about how much time you can dedicate to their needs and ensure they aren't neglected. If left alone for long enough, they could easily become destructive or develop anxiety and depression. To avoid this, don't leave your German shepherd alone for longer than just a few minutes at an time. Gradually increase the amount of time.
Health
German Shepherds are extremely healthy dogs, especially when they are breeding by responsible breeders. Breeders who test their dogs for elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, as well as hemangiosarcoma and other breed-specific health issues. This is the reason it's essential to only buy from a reliable breeder. A reputable breeder will give their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
Due to their herding instincts GSDs require a lot of exercise and attention to ensure they are happy. They need at least two hours of exercise per day that includes walks and off-lead time an area that is safe. The ultimate workout can be achieved 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 dogs GSDs are susceptible to arthritis as they get older. This can cause them to slouch, or have a bouncy gait. If this happens you should consult your veterinarian to determine an appropriate treatment strategy. This could involve changes in diet, supplements, or surgery depending on how serious the disease is.
Degenerative myelopathy is another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Physical therapy can help slow the progression of this condition.
A few German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia, meaning their socket joint doesn't fit together well. This can result in discomfort, difficulty standing, or, in more severe cases it can lead to paralysis. Your vet may suggest that your dog change his exercise routine and adopt a more nutritious diet to ease the symptoms.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancer, particularly lung, bone and abdominal cancers. Symptoms of these cancers may include weakness, loss of appetite as well as weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
German Shepherds could also suffer from an overactive Thyroid, which is a hormonal imbalance. This can make them frequently urinate, suffer from breathing issues, and become exhausted. Your vet will be able to detect this symptom by listening to your dog's heart using a stethoscope, and then taking an X-ray. If your dog has this condition, your doctor will prescribe medications to treat it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trained and adapt well to training in the beginning. They are quick to learn and love working with their owners. This makes them a very popular breed for police, military and security work. They are also a preferred pet for families with children. Like all dogs, they require to be exercised frequently to burn off the energy. Make sure you have the space and time to give your German Shepherd with the mental and physical stimulation it needs daily.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing is reputable. Choose a responsible breeder who screens their parents to ensure they don't pass on preventable health issues like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Also, inquire about the ancestry and age of the puppies.
If you're looking for a German Shepherd to work as a service dog or compete in IPO trials, select one from working lines. These dogs have been through obedience training, tracking, and security training. You can find breeders who are working line throughout North America and Europe. They offer puppies and "started" dogs that have been through extensive training in obedience protection, tracking, and aggression training. These puppies and dogs are pricey, up to $20,000.
Before purchasing a German Shepherd, make sure you can afford it. The first year of ownership will cost around $3500, which includes pet food, veterinary treatment grooming appointments, as well as insurance for your pet. You could expect to spend between $500 to $1500 annually on your dog's maintenance and health. If you can't afford to purchase a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from an animal shelter.
When choosing a German shepherd, consider their size and strength. They're not good for all families and could not be able to get along with smaller animals. They also require a lot of exercise to avoid getting bored, which could cause destructive behavior. If you do not have the time or space to give a German Shepherd with the exercise it needs, consider a different breed. The right German shepherd will be a loyal family member for a long time to come.
Care
German Shepherds are a large and strong breed that needs regular exercise to burn off their energy. It is crucial to ensure that you have the time and space needed for this breed prior to adopting. In addition, these breeds are prone to separation anxiety therefore it is essential for them to get consistent training and socialization at a young age.
These dogs are vocal due to their herding history and need to be heard in a safe environment. It is essential to enroll your German Shepherd in obedience classes at the beginning of their lives.
You must be ready to commit for a long time whether you choose 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 be committed to making your new dog part of your family.
They are recommended to be fed commercial food of high quality that is formulated according to their size and age. The recommended serving size will be on the package, however it is also advisable to talk with your veterinarian on the amount your dog needs to eat each day. You should also avoid giving your German Shepherd any treats more than 10% of their daily calorie allowance.
German Shepherds, just like all breeds of dog are susceptible to a variety of health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy/seizures, and bleeding disorders are all often observed in this breed. Breeders with a good reputation will test their dogs in order to reduce the risk of passing genetic diseases to their puppies.
This breed also has a higher-than-average risk of bloat. Because they are a barrel-chested breed they are more likely to develop this condition, which is dangerous if not treated promptly. It's important to be familiar about the signs and symptoms of bloat to know when it's time to take your German Shepherd to the emergency vet.