How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds need daily walks, playtime and other activities. They should be socialised with other dogs household pets, children and other dogs at an early age to avoid aggression or dominance problems later on in life.
Do your homework on the breeder of your puppy and its lineage. Like all dogs, they may inherit genetic diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia or Bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive in challenges. They're loyal and obeying, but they are also cautious of strangers. They can be overly cautious and bark at people, cars, or other dogs when they think their family members are in danger.
These dogs are extremely trainable and learn quickly they are popular for police work, military roles, search and rescue missions and other service-related tasks. They are also good companions, as they enjoy the outdoors, are active and have a dignified sense confidence that is not found in other breeds.
The physical and mental strength of this herding breed make them a natural athlete and they excel in an environment where they can make use of their energy. They excel at dog activities like agility, obedience and tracking tests. They also love obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. Being able to work provides them with a purpose and helps to stimulate their minds and bodies.
Due to their herding heritage German Shepherds have an intense prey drive and can be prone to over-vocalizing when excited or bored. This can result in unwanted behaviors if not handled properly, so it's important to introduce your dog to new people at an early age and keep them engaged and mentally stimulated to keep them active and happy.
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and obedient, which makes them easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. While they aren't always easy to train and require a firm, but gentle method of training to avoid them becoming frustrated or overwhelmed, they're easy to train. It's recommended that you get an expert trainer to assist in your training.
German Shepherds are a loyal and loving breed that thrives on playing and attention from their families. They are very active and require plenty of mental stimulation and exercise to remain happy and healthy. If review considering adopting one, be honest with yourself about how much time you'll have to devote to meeting their needs and making sure they aren't neglected. If they are left on their own for long enough, they could easily become destructive or develop anxiety and depression. To avoid this, don't leave your German Shepherd unattended for longer than a few hours at a time and start by building up to longer durations of time.
Health
German Shepherds are healthy dogs particularly when they're bred responsibly by responsible breeders. Breeders who test their dogs for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as hemangiosarcoma, as well as other breed-specific health issues. This is why it's crucial to only buy from a reliable breeder. A good breeder will give their puppies regular checks on their health throughout their lives.
Due to their herding instincts, GSDs need a lot of exercise and attention to keep them happy. They need at minimum two hours of exercise per day, which should include walks and off-lead time in a secure area. The best workout can be achieved by adding training. Having enough space for them to roam and play will also help reduce their stress levels.
As they age, GSDs can develop arthritis. This could cause them to stumble or develop the bunny-hop gait. Talk to your vet to determine the best treatment plan. It could mean changing your diet or supplements, or even surgery depending on how serious the illness is.
Degenerative myelopathy is a different German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.
Hip dysplasia can be described as a condition that occurs when the ball and socket joints of German Shepherds do not fit together correctly. This can result in discomfort, difficulty standing, and in more severe cases, paralysis. If your dog suffers from this condition, your vet will suggest a different exercise routine and a better diet to reduce symptoms.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancer, specifically bone, lung and abdominal cancers. The signs of cancer may include an appetite loss, weakness, vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea.
In addition, German Shepherds may suffer from an overactive thyroid, which is a hormone imbalance. This can cause them to urinate more often, have difficulty breathing, and eventually become 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. If your dog is suffering from this condition, your vet will prescribe medication to treat it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trained and are well-suited to early training. They are quick to learn and enjoy working with their owners. This makes them a favorite breed for military, law enforcement, and protection work. They are also a favorite pet for families with children. Like all dogs, they require to be exercised regularly to eliminate the energy. Make sure you have the space and time to provide your German Shepherd with the mental and physical stimulation it requires on a daily basis.
Make sure to verify the reputation of the breeder before you buy a German Shepherd. Choose a responsible German Shepherd breeder who checks their parents to stop the transmission of health issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. You should also ask about the ancestry and ancestry of the puppies and adults.
If you're in search of a German Shepherd to work as an aid dog or to compete in IPO trials, pick one from the working lines. These dogs have received obedience, tracking, and protection training. There are breeders who are working line throughout North America and Europe. Breeders offer puppies and "started" dog that have been extensively trained in obedience tracking, protection, and aggression. These puppies and dogs are pricey and can cost up to $20,000.
Be sure you can afford the cost of a German Shepherd before purchasing one. The first year of ownership will cost around $3500, which includes food for your pet, veterinary care grooming appointments, pet insurance. You can expect to spend between $500 to $1500 annually on maintaining your dog's health. If you're not able to afford a German Shepherd, consider adopting from a rescue or shelter organization.
When choosing a German Shepherd, keep in mind their size and strength. They aren't suitable for all families and may not get along well with smaller dogs. They require to be active to avoid boredom, which can lead them to destructive behaviour. If you don't have the time or space to give a German Shepherd the exercise it needs, think about another breed. The right German shepherd will be a loyal family member for many years to be.
Care
German Shepherds are large robust dogs that require regular exercise to get rid of all their energy. This is why it's important to ensure you have enough time and space for this dog before making the decision to adopt it. In addition, these breeds are prone to separation anxiety so it is crucial for them to get consistent training and socialization at a young age.
The German Shepherds are vocal due to their herding history and need the chance to be heard in a safe environment. It is important to enroll your German Shepherd in dog obedience classes at the beginning of their life.
You must be ready to commit to a long-term relationship, whether you decide to teach your German Shepherd yourself or hire an experienced dog trainer. The life expectancy for the German Shepherd is 10-12 years, which means that you'll need to be committed to making your new companion an integral part of your family for the long run.
They should be fed a 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. However, it's helpful to inquire from your veterinarian on how much your dog needs to eat each day. Also, you should not feed your German Shepherd any treats more than 10 percent of their daily calorie allowance.
Like any dog, German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions. This breed is particularly susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasias as well as degenerative myelopathy and seizures and epilepsy. Reputable breeders will check their dogs for these conditions to decrease the risk of passing these genetic diseases to their pups.
This breed is also at an increased risk of developing bloat. This is due to the fact that they are a barrel chested breed. If not treated swiftly the condition could become fatal. It is essential to know the symptoms of bloat to know when to take your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.