Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are excellent service dogs for the police, military and other governmental agencies. They are smart and loyal. They are also protective. They're also extremely active, and require plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural defense mechanisms can manifest as aggression toward strangers, therefore early training and socialization is essential. They may also display behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive behaviors like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs however, good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of some health issues. Reputable breeders check parents to ensure they are not passing on preventable diseases like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
Regardless of their breeding history, all puppies should be carefully inspected by a vet before they leave for their new homes. This helps the vets identify any health issues and treat them as soon as possible to prevent complications and improve results.
Regular veterinary visits are essential for the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary exams as well as vaccinations and other preventive care can ensure that your pet enjoys a a long, happy life.
German Shepherds are at risk for autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma and seizures/epilepsy. They could also be prone to bleeding disorders. A lot of these conditions can be managed or prevented by choosing the right diet, avoiding sweets and table foods, and starting preventive medications as early as possible.
All dogs suffer from gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This could be caused by eating the wrong food, food allergies or other medical conditions. High-quality commercial foods and frequent urination, as well as drinking water and limiting sweets can help with digestive problems.
German Shepherds have narrow, deep chests that can make them prone to bloating and gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This condition occurs when gas fills the stomach and twists around itself, cutting off the blood supply and eventually resulting in death if it is not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching, but not swallowing. They also include an overly large stomach, restlessness and a lack of energy. A preventive procedure to fixate or suture the stomach to reduce the chance of developing this deadly illness.
Dental disease is another frequent problem that affects all dogs, but in particular German Shepherds. If not treated, tartar build-up can cause gum disease and infections of the root of the teeth. At some point, your German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and expensive treatment, which could be difficult on your pet's emotional well as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds are widely used as police, service and protection dogs. They are intelligent breeds for herding. They are active, athletic and highly trained. They are great for people who have a lot of time to devote to training, exercise and cleaning the shed fur. They are also ideal for those who wish to have a loyal and highly skilled companion.
A well-trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They can be protective of their family members, and are aloof towards strangers. These dogs respond best to consistent, fair and firm training methods. They also require a lot of mental stimulation, which is why an array of games and puzzles is vital to keep them engaged.
Look for an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to build an ongoing relationship with you. They will be able to show you the mother, the litter and their health history, the environment where they were raised and will be able to answer all your questions. deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz should also be able tell you how the pups were raised and how they are compared to their siblings.
Beware of puppies sold in pet stores. They are more likely from mills than breeders with a good reputation. They are usually produced to earn money and may have serious issues genetically. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock in order to prevent hereditary disease and other health issues from arising in the pups.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it is important to begin training as early as possible. Learn the basics of commands, such as sit down, stay, and sit. Also do some leash training so your German Shepherd is at peace when you are out and about. Training for obedience in the beginning is crucial to keep them from chasing everything that moves. You can also stimulate their natural instincts to herd by doing some recall exercises.
Make sure you spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so that they will grow to enjoy being with you. This is important because the socialization period lasts until they are 16 weeks old. After that, they may become less open to new people or places and experiences.
Care
Whatever the place you buy the German Shepherd, he will require a lifetime of care. This includes vaccinations, preventive medicine and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll need to pay for grooming, food, appointments, and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the additional costs for dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training. This could cost thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Find a breeder who has high standards and has good breeding methods. Ask the breeder for documentation of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia tests for the father and mother, as well as temperament testing for the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. They are knowledgeable about animals and know an abundance of information about breeders who are ethical.
Although a German shepherd's instinct to herd may cause him to jump and chase others but he will be able to respond to training and discipline. Introduce him to every member of your family as he grows. German Shepherds have strong bonds with their families and need lots of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease. It begins with tartar buildup and progresses into gum inflammation and the roots of teeth. It's a common issue that can lead to the loss of teeth as well as serious complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a problem for older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that causes blood-rich tumors, is most often found in the spleen and the heart. Other types of cancer include bone, lung and intestinal.
If you're unable to pay for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you might be able to rescue one from a shelter. The staff at the shelter can help you choose a dog that has a good temperament and match your lifestyle. Adopting a dog can also be cheaper than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include medical exams, vaccines and spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter may provide advice on how to prepare your home for a dog. For instance they will tell you what items you should put away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to find a way to channel their energy. If they are not given enough physical exercise, this can lead to them becoming restless and directing their energy into unproductive activities, such as digging up the yard or chewing on anything in their reach.
It's also a good idea to expose them to a range of different people, locations and situations when they're young, since this will help them learn that not everyone is a threat. This can be done by taking walks on the street or in parks, engaging with the neighbors during playtimes, and even taking them to places they haven't been before (as long as they are safe).
Aside from getting out and being social It's also a good idea to incorporate obedience training into workout sessions. It could be as simple as teaching your dog to stay on his mat. It could also be as complex as working on heel or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility and flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also help them improve their mental skills. Start slowly so as not to overload the puppy. Always remember to stay clear of engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this can cause heat-related illnesses in young dogs.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. They require this to engage in active and to discover the world beyond their own home. It is important to take them to various locations so that they can discover new sounds and experiences.
