Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A top option for police, military and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, protective and extremely loyal. They are also extremely active and require plenty of stimulation and exercise.
Their natural instinct to protect themselves can manifest as aggression towards strangers, which is why early training and socialization is essential. They can also exhibit compulsive actions such as tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices can reduce the chance of developing certain health issues. Breeders with good reputation monitor parents to ensure that they do not pass on preventable diseases like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
Regardless of their breeding history, all puppies must be examined by a vet before they leave for their new homes. This allows the vet to identify and treat any health issues as early as possible to minimize complications and improve the outcomes.
When it is about the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular vet visits are essential. Routine veterinary exams as well as vaccinations, and other preventive treatments will allow your pet to live a an extended, healthy life.
German Shepherds are at risk for autoimmune diseases, hemangiosarcoma, and seizures and epilepsy. They may also be prone to bleeding disorders. Many of these ailments are treatable or preventable by implementing a healthy diet, avoiding sweets and table foods and introducing preventive medication as early as possible.
All dogs suffer from digestive issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This can be due to eating the wrong food, food allergies or other medical conditions. High-quality commercial foods, frequent urination, water consumption and limiting sweets can ease digestive problems.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This is a condition that is caused by gas that is absorbed by the stomach and then twists around itself, severing the blood supply and resulting in death if it is not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching but not swallowing. They can also be characterized by an enlarged stomach, restlessness and a lack of energy. The use of preventive surgery to tack or suture the stomach to lower the risk of contracting this deadly disease.
Dental disease is a different issue that can affect all dogs, but in particular German Shepherds. If tartar is not treated, it can lead to gum disease and infection at the root of teeth. Eventually you German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and costly treatment, which could be difficult on your pet emotionally and financially.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively utilized for service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent breeds for herding. They are active, athletic and extremely capable of training. They are good for people who have plenty of time to devote to training or exercising, as well as cleaning up shed fur. They are also good for people who want to have a trustworthy high-performing friend.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a extremely reliable companion and an ideal choice for many family members including children as well as older adults. They are protective of their beloved ones and may be aloof with strangers. They respond best to fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also require a lot of mental stimulation, so having a variety of games and puzzles is vital to keep them interested.
Look for an German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and wants to develop an ongoing relationship with you. They will be able to show you the mother, litter and their health history and the environment in which they were raised and answer all your questions. They will be able tell you about the socialization of their pups and how they compare to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely to come from mills rather than breeders with a good reputation. They are typically bred to make profit and may have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder checks their breeding stock in order to avoid hereditary diseases and other health issues that can arise in the pups.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it is essential to begin training your puppy early. Teach basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. Also, work on leash training to ensure your German Shepherd is at peace when you are out and about. They are curious, so early obedience training is essential to stop them from running after everything that moves. You can also help them develop their natural instincts to herd by doing some recall exercises.
Spend plenty of time with your German Shepherd when they are young so that they learn to love being with you. This is especially important because they go through a crucial socialization phase from around 16 weeks old, after which they may be less open to new experiences, people and places.
Care
Whatever the place you purchase your German Shepherd, he will require ongoing care. This includes annual visits to the vet as well as vaccinations and preventive medication ($700-$1200 annually). You'll need to pay for pet food, grooming appointments, and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Think about the additional costs associated with dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training, which could cost a few thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Look for a breeder that has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of hip and elbow dysplasia screenings for the father and mother and temperament tests for the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. These people regularly interact with animals and are aware of how to breed ethically.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct may cause him to want to chase and leap on people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce him to your family members as you grow. German Shepherds are very attached to their families and require lots of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental diseases. It starts with tartar buildup and progresses into gum inflammation and the teeth's roots. It's a condition that's common and can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications like kidney, liver, and heart disease.
reinrassiger schäferhund is another concern particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a kind of cancer that forms blood-rich tumors, usually in the spleen and heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone and intestinal.
Rescuing the German Shepherd from shelters is a viable alternative for those who cannot afford the expense of buying a purebred dog. The staff at the shelter can help you choose a dog that has a good temperament and match your lifestyle. Adopting a pet is cheaper than purchasing one. Adoption fees typically include medical exams at the beginning and vaccines, as well as spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter will provide advice on how to prepare your home to accommodate a dog. For instance, they can tell you which items to put away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to find a way to channel their energy. If they aren't given enough exercise, it can lead to them becoming restless, and redirecting their energy into undesirable things like digging up the yard, or chewing on everything that is within reach.
It's an excellent idea to expose them to a range of people, places and situations when they are young, as this will help them learn that there isn't always a threat. This can be accomplished by taking walks on the street or in parks, interacting with neighbors during play sessions or even taking their children to places that they've never been before (as as they're safe).
It's a good idea, in addition to getting out and socializing, to incorporate obedience training during exercise sessions. It could be as simple as teaching your dog to stay on his mat. It could be more complicated than heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility and flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also aid in improving their mental abilities. Just be sure to start gradually with these exercises to ensure you don't stress your pup. Be sure to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can lead to heat-related illness in young dogs.
Apart from these activities, it's also an excellent idea to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They need this to get active and to discover the world outside of their home. It is important to take them to different places so they can explore new sounds and surroundings.