Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores sell German Shepherd puppies. If you are considering purchasing one, look for an accredited breeder.
Find a puppy with an even temperament. Play with them, and observe how they interact with other puppies and with other people.
Reputable breeders adhere to strict ethical breeding methods and prioritize health clearances for their puppies. They will provide a litter's pedigree, as well as medical documents.
Temperament
German Shepherds are strong powerful dogs with an instinctual sense of safety. They can be wary initially, but get comfortable quickly after being well-socialized. They are well-known for their confidence and fearlessness when faced with danger. This makes them an ideal option for military, police and guard dog roles. They can protect the people they love and their belongings.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as an obedience competition or a loyal family pet. One of the reasons they're so popular is their ability to learn and accomplish different tasks. They are able to are quick to bond with their families and are able to participate in any activity at home. They are also great for children. They're energetic, and will happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like all breeds of dogs, they can also be agressive with strangers and other pets. Socialization and training early will help prevent aggression issues.
It is essential to determine if a breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices. You should look for a German Shepherd breeder that follows standards such as health testing and screening as well as socialization and raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can often determine a breeder's integrity by visiting the facility, meeting the parents and other siblings and asking questions about the genetic background and health clearances.
Since the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it's susceptible to bloat. This can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk, make sure to give your puppy plenty of water and feed him at regular intervals, and provide an appropriate food bowl.
Like many herding breeds, German Shepherds can be nippy and naturally bark to alert you to approaching strangers or intrusions. They can be taught to be confident and calm when greeting visitors. You should also take your dog to puppy classes or hire an expert dog trainer if you are unfamiliar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is well-trained and exercised to keep him from causing harm or attempting to escape. A microchip, as well as 24PetWatch, can aid in finding your dog in the event that he gets away.
Health
The GSD is a very sturdy breed that is extremely robust. But, just like any other breed, it could be susceptible to certain genetic diseases and conditions. It is essential to conduct your research to ensure that you purchase from a trusted breeder who prioritizes the health and wellbeing of their dogs. Before making a purchase make sure you visit the facility and meet the owners. Also, ask for health certificates as well as socialization records.
German Shepherds are at risk of hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) as well as weak skeletal muscles. This is particularly true for dogs who are older. These problems can easily be treated with an exercise program and a balanced diet and physical therapy and supplements.
Epilepsy is also inherited in GSDs. It's usually caused by metabolic issues (low blood sugar, organ failure or toxin). It can also happen when there is no other reason, which is classified as Idiopathic or primary Epilepsy. If your pet is diagnosed with this disorder the dog will require lifelong medication to manage seizures.
Cancer is another affliction that can affect GSDs, especially hemangiosarcoma. It is an aggressive tumor that develops in blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. Swelling, lethargy, and sudden collapse are all symptoms. The condition is extremely painful, and there is no cure, so treatment focuses around controlling the symptoms.
Allergies can be a problem for dogs with GSD. They can cause itchy skin, ear infections as well as digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will have to conduct a complete medical check-up that includes an extensive history and examination, diagnostic testing of the ears and skin as well as fecal and lab tests.
Degenerative myelopathy may affect GSDs which causes them to lose mobility. The disease typically manifests in the early 20s. The disease is caused by an inherited mutation that can be identified through DNA testing. Symptoms of the disease are progressive and include difficulty getting up or down, a reluctance to climb or jump as well as a decrease in the muscle mass of the thigh and pain. The disease is not cureable, but it can be managed through physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs have an innate work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, as well as training in protection. Their versatility makes them ideal service dogs and bomb sniffing dogs as well as guides for blind.
As breeds, German Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager to please. They are easily bored, and may develop obsessive behaviors when they do not receive enough physical or mental stimulation. They need an attentive, consistent and an experienced trainer to help them reach their full potential.
If you're looking to purchase a purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure to choose an breeder with a good reputation and has your dog's welfare in mind. They should conduct an assessment process to determine if the pups are an appropriate fit to their family. They should also provide documentation on the dog's pedigree as well as health clearances, as and recommendations for training and care.
Although each German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that they are active, athletic, alert, protective, and able to bond with family members. You may want ask the breeder questions about their breeding program, and you may also see some of their puppies to evaluate their physical traits and behavior.
schäferhund baby kaufen mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movement as an indication of aggression. These are normal behaviors that occur when a dog is activated when something moves nearby. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers are born shy. This can be cured through socialization, but not "cured."
While some breeds shed a few hairs throughout the year, the majority of dogs only shed heavily twice per year -- for three weeks in spring, when they transition from a thicker winter coat to a softer summer coat and then in autumn as they prepare for the transition back to the thicker winter coat. This means you'll need to keep up with your daily walks as well as plenty of playtime and exercise, and a lot of lint rollers. Having a well-trained and properly socialized German Shepherd in your home will mean a great deal of love, loyalty, and companionship for years to come.
Care
German Shepherds should be trained consistently to prevent undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, digging too much and chewing. They are extremely intelligent dogs that can be taught easily and are awed by having an objective in life. If left alone for long periods of time they may become bored and destructive. It is crucial to provide them with a huge backyard or dog park to harness their energy.
Breeders who are reputable are able to provide you with pedigree documents and health clearances for the parents of the pups. You should also visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to verify that the breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices.
Because of their genetic predisposition, GSDs are more prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat and heart disease, skin problems, ear infections and a number of other conditions. They are more likely to develop cancers such as hemangiosarcoma which affects organs that are rich in blood including the liver and spleen.
The the peritoneum is a spongy, tough connective tissue that surrounds the spleen, as well as the blood vessels which supply it. When the peritoneum becomes inflamed it can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal swelling can cause complications such as kidney disease, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have two coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed experiences an annual molting process every year, either once or twice, and you can use a de-shedding tool, an undercoat rake or slicker to help keep the amount of shedding to an absolute minimum.
GSDs may suffer from a condition known as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This occurs when the jelly-like cushion that lies between two vertebrae ruptures or sags in a way that causes it to press on the spinal cord. Signs include difficulty moving, climbing stairs or jumping. They also may be slumped-back posture and dragging the back feet. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately. The condition could quickly develop and cause paralysis or death. A veterinary doctor can adjust the disc to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.