How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require regular walks or playtime as well as other activities. They should also be socialized from an early age with other dogs and household pets to prevent aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Do your homework on the breeder of your puppy and its lineage. As with all dogs, they could inherit genetic diseases such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia (or bloat).
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that thrive when faced with challenges. They are loyal and obeying however, they can also be wary of strangers. They can be overly protective and may bark at cars, people or other dogs if they feel their family members are in danger.
These dogs are extremely capable of being trained and can learn quickly they are popular for military, police roles, search-and-rescue mission and service jobs. They are also good companions as they love being active in the outdoors and have a shrewd sense of confidence that is not found in other breeds.
This breed excels in dog-related sports like agility, obedience, tracking tests, Schutzhund and obedience. However, they're equally satisfied with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing fetch. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich excel in dog sports like obedience, agility and tests for tracking. They also enjoy obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. The fact that they have a job provides them with a purpose and stimulates their minds and bodies.
German Shepherds are susceptible to excessively vocalizing when they are bored or excited due to their herding background. If not handled properly this can result in unintentional behavior. It is crucial to socialize and engage your dog from an early age to keep them entertained and active.
German Shepherds are smart and respectful. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are easy to train. While they aren't always easy to train and require a firm, but gentle approach to training to avoid them becoming angry or overwhelmed, they're easy to train. It's recommended that you get a professional trainer to help with your training.
German Shepherds are loving and loyal dogs who thrive on the love and attention they receive from their family members. They're active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to remain healthy and happy. If you're planning to adopt one be honest with yourself about the amount of time you'll have to devote to their needs and ensure they aren't neglected. If left alone for long enough, they could quickly become destructive or suffer from depression and anxiety. To avoid this, do not leave your German Shepherd unattended for longer than a few hours at a stretch, and start by building gradually to longer periods of time.
Health
German Shepherds are extremely healthy dogs, particularly when they are bred by responsible breeders. Breeders test their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma and other ailments that are specific to the breed. This is why it's crucial to only buy from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will offer their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
GSDs are herding animals and require lots of attention and exercise to keep them content. They need at minimum two hours of exercise each day that includes walks and off-lead time an area that is safe. In addition, training will give them the ultimate exercise. Making sure they have enough space to play and move around will also help reduce stress levels.
As with other large dogs GSDs are susceptible to arthritis as they get older. This could cause them to walk with a limp or a bunny-hop walk. If this happens, talk to your veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan. This could involve changing your diet supplements, surgery, or depending on how serious the illness is.
Degenerative myelopathy is another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Fortunately physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.
Certain German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia, meaning their socket and ball joint doesn't fit together well. This can result in discomfort, difficulty standing and in more severe cases, paralysis. Your veterinarian will suggest that your dog change his exercise routine and adopt a more nutritious diet in order to reduce the symptoms.
German Shepherds can also develop cancer, including lung, bone and abdominal cancers. Symptoms of these cancers may include an appetite loss, weakness and weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
German Shepherds might also have an overactive Thyroid which is a hormone imbalance. This can make them urinate more often, have breathing problems, and be very tired. Your vet will examine your dog's stethoscope, or take an X-ray to determine if this is the case. The vet will prescribe medication to manage the condition if your dog has it.
Training
German Shepherds are extremely adept at training and can respond well to early training. They quickly learn and love working with their handlers. This makes them a preferred breed for law enforcement, and protection work. They are also a preferred companion for families with children. Like all dogs, they have to be exercised regularly to get rid of the energy. Make sure you have the time and space to give your German Shepherd with the physical and mental stimulation that it requires daily.
Before you buy a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing with is reputable. Look for a responsible breeder that screens their parents to avoid passing on diseases that could be prevented, like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. You should also inquire about the ancestry of the adult and puppy.
If you are looking for a German Shepherd that can be trained to be a service dog, or even compete in IPO competitions, then you should choose the working line. They have been conditioned in obedience, tracking and protection. There are working line breeders across North America and Europe. Breeders offer puppies and "started" dog that have been trained extensively in obedience, tracking, protection and aggression. The puppies and dogs cost up to $20,000 each.
Make sure you can afford the cost of a German Shepherd before purchasing one. It will cost you nearly $3500 in the first year, including pet food and veterinary treatment. Then, you can expect to pay another $500-$1,500 each year for your dog's health and maintenance. If you're unable to purchase a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from a shelter.
When choosing the right German Shepherd, keep in mind their size and strength. They aren't suitable for all families, and they may not be a good fit with smaller animals. They need to be kept active to avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. 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 years to come.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
German Shepherds are huge strong dogs that require daily exercise to get rid of all their energy. This is why it's important to ensure you have the time and space for this dog before making the decision to adopt it. In addition, these dogs are susceptible to separation anxiety therefore it is essential for them to get consistent training and socialization at an early age.
Due to their herding background they are vocal dogs and need to be given the opportunity to be vocal in a safe environment. To stop this from turning into an aggressive behavior, it's essential to enroll in dog obedience classes or hire an experienced dog trainer for your German Shepherd from the very beginning of their life.
You should be prepared to commit for a long time whether you choose to learn to train your German Shepherd yourself or hire an experienced dog trainer. German Shepherds live an average of 10-12 years. You'll need to make your new dog a part of your family.
They should be fed a high-quality commercial dog food designed for their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the packaging. It is however, helpful to ask your veterinarian what amount your dog needs to eat each day. It is also recommended to not give your German Shepherd any treats more than 10 percent of their daily calories allowance.
Like all dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions. This breed is particularly susceptible to elbow dysplasias and hip dysplasias as well as degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy/seizures. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for any signs of illness in order to reduce the risk of passing genetic diseases their pups.
This breed is also at an increased risk of developing bloat. Because they are a barrel-chested breed they are more prone to develop this condition, which can be dangerous if not treated promptly. It is essential to know the signs of bloat and be aware of the best time to bring your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.