Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds make excellent service dogs for military, police and other governmental agencies. They are smart, loyal, and guardian. They're also extremely active, requiring plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Early training and socialization is essential because their natural protectiveness can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They may also display behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions such as tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health, though good breeding practices can to reduce the likelihood of certain health conditions. Reputable breeders check parents to ensure they are not passing on preventable diseases like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
No matter what their breeding history, all puppies must be examined by a vet before they go to their new homes. This helps the veterinarian determine and treat any health issues as quickly as possible to avoid complications and improve outcomes.
Regular visits to the vet are crucial to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary exams as well as vaccinations and other preventive care can help your pet live an extended, healthy life.
Certain health issues that are specific to German Shepherds include the autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma epilepsy/seizure disorders and bleeding conditions. These conditions can be controlled and prevented by consuming the correct diet, avoiding table foods and treats, and starting preventive medication as early as is possible.
A common health problem that affects all dogs is gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This can be due to eating the wrong food, food allergies or the underlying medical condition. A commercial food that is of high quality, frequent urination and the consumption of water and limiting sweets can often help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds have narrow, deep chests that can make them prone to bloating which is also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a condition that occurs when gas is absorbed by the stomach and then twists around itself, cutting off the blood supply and resulting in death if left untreated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching, but not swallowing. They can also be characterized by an overly large stomach, restlessness, and lethargy. A preventive procedure to fixate or suture the stomach to lower the risk of contracting this deadly disease.
German Shepherds aren't immune to the effects of dental disease. Untreated tartar can lead to gum disease and infections at the root of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth, or require costly and lengthy treatment. This could be financially and emotionally challenging for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively used as police, service and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are active, athletic and extremely trained. They are a good fit for those who are very active and have lots of time to exercise, training and cleaning up shed hair. They are also great for people who want to have a trustworthy and highly skilled companion.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a extremely reliable companion and an best 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 consistent, fair and firm training methods. They also require lots of mental stimulation, which is why having a variety of training games and puzzles is essential to keep them focused.
When shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who is concerned about the quality of their puppies and is eager to get to know you. They will be able to show you the mother, the litter as well as their health history, the environment where they were raised and will be able to answer all your questions. They will also be able to tell you how the puppies were socialized and how they compare with their siblings.
Beware of puppies sold in pet stores. They are more likely to come from mills than breeders with a good reputation. They are typically produced to earn money, and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to stop hereditary illnesses and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it is important to begin training your puppy early. 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. They are curious, which is why early obedience training is essential to stop them from chasing after anything that moves. schäferhund welpe kaufen can also stimulate their natural instincts to herd by engaging them in recall exercises.
Make sure you spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so that they can develop a love for being with you. This is especially important because they experience a critical socialization phase from around 16 weeks old, after which they could be less receptive to new experiences, people and places.
Care
Whatever the place you buy your German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes vaccinations, preventive medicine and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll need to pay for pet food, grooming appointments, and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Think about the cost of dog walking, boarding, and professional obedience training. They can amount to thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Look for a breeder that maintains high standards and follows good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for proof of elbow dysplasia and hip screenings for the father and mother and for temperament testing of the litter.
Talk to veterinarians and local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. These people are familiar with animals and know a great deal about breeders who are ethical.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might make him want to chase and jump on people, he will respond well to discipline and training. Introduce your family members as he grows. German Shepherds have strong bonds with their families and need lots of socialization.
Dogs are at risk of developing dental diseases, which starts with tartar build-up, and then leads to infection of the gums and the roots of teeth. It's a common issue that can lead to loss of teeth as well as serious complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is another issue particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops blood-rich tumors, which are typically found in the spleen or heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone and intestinal.
The option of rescuing a German Shepherd from shelters is a viable option for those who can't afford to pay the cost of buying a purebred puppy. Shelter staff can assist you to select a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle and has a positive temperament. Adopting a pet is cheaper than purchasing one. The adoption fees typically include initial medical examinations and vaccinations, as well as spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can also give advice on how you can prepare your home to accommodate a dog. For instance, they can tell you what items should be put away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be extremely active, and it is essential to provide them with a way to release their energy. If they are not given sufficient physical exercise, it could result in them becoming bored and putting their energy into unproductive activities, such as digging up the yard, or chewing on anything within reach.
It's an excellent idea to expose them to a variety of different people, places and situations when they are young, as this will help them learn that not everyone is a threat. You can do this by taking them on walks and to parks, interacting during playtime with neighbors or taking them to places they've never been before.
It's a good idea, in addition to going out and socializing to incorporate obedience training during workouts. It can be as simple as teaching them to sit and remain on their mat, but it could be as complicated as doing heelwork with them or playing games of recall.
Dog sports like agility and flyball are excellent for your German Shepherd pup and can also aid in improving their mental abilities. Begin slowly to ensure that you don't to overexert the puppy. Be sure to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this can cause heat-related illnesses in puppies.
Aside from these kinds of activities, it's a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They require this to engage in physical activity and to explore the world beyond their home. It's important to take them to various places to explore new sounds and surroundings.