Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds make excellent service dogs for police, military and other authorities. They are intelligent and loyal. They are also protective. They're also extremely active, requiring plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Early socialization and training is essential because their natural protectiveness can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They may also exhibit compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive actions, like tail following.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health, though good breeding practices can help to reduce the likelihood of certain diseases. Reputable breeders monitor parents to ensure that they do not pass on preventable diseases, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
Whatever their breeding history, all puppies should be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian prior to when they leave for their new homes. This allows the vets to determine any health issues and treat them as soon as possible to minimize complications and improve outcomes.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are vital to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. deutscher schäferhund kaufen as vaccinations, and other preventive measures can help your pet live an extended, healthy life.
German Shepherds are at risk of an autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma or seizures and epilepsy. They may also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. A lot of these conditions can be managed or prevented by implementing a healthy diet, avoiding sweets and table foods, and starting preventive medications at the earliest possible time.
All dogs can suffer from digestive issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This is often caused by eating the wrong type of food, or food allergies, and underlying medical conditions. A commercial food that is of high quality regular urination, the consumption of water and limiting sweets can often help in addressing digestive issues.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus, or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This condition occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and then twists on itself, severing blood flow, and possibly leading to death within a few hours if it is not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching but not swallowing. They also include an enlarged stomach, irritability, and lethargy. Preventive surgery that sutures or tacks the stomach in place will reduce the risk of this devastating disease.
German Shepherds aren't immune to dental diseases. If left untreated the build-up of tartar can lead to gum disease and infection of the roots of the teeth. Eventually the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and expensive treatment, which can be a burden for your pet emotionally as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs which have been extensively used as protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, active and extremely capable of training. They are an ideal fit for people who are active and have plenty of time to exercise, training and cleaning up shed hair. They are also a good fit for people who want a highly capable, loyal friend.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a extremely reliable companion and an ideal choice for a variety of family members including children as well as older adults. They can be protective of their family members and aloof towards strangers. They respond best to fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also require a lot of stimulation in their minds, so it is crucial to offer a variety of games and puzzles for training.
Look for an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and is eager to establish a relationship with you. They should be able show you the mother, the litter, their health background as well as the environment in which they were raised and answer all your questions. They can tell you about the socialization of their puppies and how they compare to their siblings.
Beware of puppies sold at pet stores. They are more likely from mills rather than reputable breeders. They are usually bred for profits and could be afflicted with serious genetic problems. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to prevent hereditary diseases and other health issues from occurring in the puppies.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it is important to start training early on. Learn the basics of commands such as sit, stay and down. Work on leash-training so that your German Shepherd will be calm when you're out and out and about. Training in obedience early is essential to stop them from chasing everything that moves. You can also help them develop the natural instincts of herding by engaging them in recall exercises.
Spend lots of time with them while they're young, so that they can learn to love you. This is especially important because they go through a crucial socialization window until about 16 weeks old, following which they might be less open to new people, experiences and places.
Care
Whatever the place you purchase the German Shepherd, he will require a lifetime of care. This includes annual veterinary visits as well as vaccinations and preventive medication ($700-$1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments as well as pet food, and a yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Consider the costs of dog walking or boarding as well as professional obedience training. These costs can be several thousand dollars over the course of the lifetime of your puppy.
Find a breeder that maintains high standards, and uses good breeding practices. Request the breeder to provide documentation of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia tests for the mother and the father as well as temperament tests for the litter.
Ask veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. These individuals are familiar with animals, and they are aware of the basics about breeders who are ethical.
Although a German shepherd's instinct to herd can cause him to leap and chase others but he will be able to respond to training and discipline. Introduce your family members to him as the puppy grows. German Shepherds have strong bonds with their families and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental diseases. It starts with tartar buildup, and then progresses into gum inflammation and the teeth's roots. It's a frequent problem that can lead to loss of teeth as well as serious complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is another concern particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces blood-rich tumors is most often located in the heart and spleen. Other types of cancer include lung, bone and intestinal.
If you are unable to afford the expense of a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to rescue one from an animal shelter. The shelter's staff can help you choose a dog that has a good temperament and that will fit with your lifestyle. Adopting a pet is cheaper than purchasing one. Adoption fees typically include initial medical exams and vaccines, as well as spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can give you advice on preparing your home for a new dog, such as making sure the area is safe and clearing away any items that could be chewed or eaten.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs, and it's crucial to have a outlet for their energy. If they don't get enough exercise, it can result in them becoming restless and redirecting the energy into something that isn't desirable such as digging around in the yard or chewing on anything that is within reach.
You can also expose them to different people, places and situations while they are young. This will help them realize that there is no danger to everyone. This can be done by walking in the street or in parks, engaging with the neighbors during playtimes and even taking them to places they've never been before (as as they're secure).
In addition to getting out and being social It's also a great idea to include obedience training into your workout sessions. This can be as simple as teaching children to sit and stay on their mats, but it could be as complicated as doing heelwork or playing games of recall.
Dog sports like flyball or agility are an excellent exercise for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Begin slowly to ensure that you don't to over-exert the puppy. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This can lead to illnesses related to heat in puppies.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. They need this to get active and to discover the world beyond their own home. It's important to take them to various places so they can explore new sounds and surroundings.