Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A favorite option for police, military and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, secure and loyal. They are also very active and require lots of stimulation and exercise.
Socialization and early training are vital because their natural instinct to protect can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They may also exhibit compulsions such as repetitive behaviors like tail chases.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, but good breeding practices can lower the risk of developing certain health issues. Breeders who are reputable monitor their parents to prevent passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
Regardless of their breeding background, all puppies should be carefully inspected by a vet before they go to their new homes. This allows the vets to detect any health issues and treat them as early as they can to reduce the risk of complications and increase results.
When it is about the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinary visits are vital. Regular veterinary exams along with vaccinations and other preventive steps can help your pet live a long, healthy life.
Certain health issues that are specific to German Shepherds include autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma, seizures, epilepsy and other bleeding disorders. Many of these conditions can be controlled or prevented by choosing the right diet by avoiding sweets and table foods, and starting preventive medications as early as possible.
All dogs can suffer from digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. This could be caused by eating the wrong food, food allergies, or other medical conditions. A high-quality commercial food regular urination, drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets are often helpful in addressing digestive issues.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (also known as gastric volvulus, or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This is a condition that is caused by the stomach filling with gas and then twists on itself, severing blood flow and resulting in death within a matter of hours if untreated. Signs of GDV include rectching or attempting to breathe but not swallowing, an increased abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and sitting in a prayer posture with the head lowered. A preventive procedure that tacks or sutures the stomach in place can reduce the risk of this deadly illness.
German Shepherds aren't immune to dental diseases. If left untreated, tartar build-up can cause gum disease and infections of the root of the teeth. Eventually the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and expensive treatment, which can be hard for your pet emotionally and financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs which have been extensively used as service, protection and police dogs. They are athletic, active and highly trained. They are a good fit for active people with plenty of time to exercise, training and removing hair that has fallen out. They are also ideal for people who want to have a trustworthy 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 are protective of their loved family members and can be shy with strangers. These dogs do best by using fair, firm and constant methods of training. They also require a lot of stimulation in their minds, so it is important to provide a variety of games and puzzles for training.
Find an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and is eager to establish relationships with you. They will be able to show you the mother, litter as well as their health history as well as the environment in which they were raised and will be able to answer all your questions. They will also be able to tell you how the puppies were raised and how they compare with their siblings.
Be wary of puppies available at pet stores, since they tend to come from mills than reputable breeders. They are usually bred for profit and may have serious genetic problems. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock in order to prevent hereditary disease and other health issues from occurring in the puppies.
It is important to start training your puppy as soon as you can, regardless of how you choose your puppy. Introduce basic commands such as sit, stay and down. Learn to leash-train so that your German Shepherd will be calm when you are out and out and about. They are curious, and early obedience training is essential to stop them from running after anything 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 when they're young to help them learn to love you. This is particularly important as they have a crucial socialization period from about 16 weeks old, after which they might be less receptive to new people, experiences and places.
You can also read about how to take care of yourself.
No matter where you buy your German Shepherd, he will require ongoing care. This includes vaccinations, preventive medication and annual veterinary visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments as well as pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Think about the additional costs associated with dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training, which can add up to several thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Find a breeder that maintains high standards, and follows good breeding methods. Ask the breeder to provide documentation of elbow dysplasia and hip screenings for the mother and father and for temperament testing of the litter.
Talk to veterinarians and local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. These individuals are familiar with animals and know an abundance of information about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might cause him to want to chase and jump on people, he'll respond well to discipline and training. Introduce your family members as the puppy grows. German Shepherds are very attached to their family members and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are at risk of developing dental disease. It starts with tartar buildup before progressing into infection of the gums and the teeth's roots. deutscher schäferhund kaufen 's a common issue that can lead to the loss of teeth as well as serious complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is a major concern for older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, a type cancer that forms tumors rich in blood, is typically located in the spleen and heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone 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 matches your lifestyle and has a positive temperament. Adopting a pet can be less expensive than buying one. Adoption fees typically include initial medical exams and vaccinations, as well spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can give you advice on preparing your home for a dog, such as making sure the area is safe and clearing away anything that could be chewed on or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be very active and it is important to give them the opportunity to let their energy go. If they don't get enough physical exercise, this can result in them becoming bored and directing their energy to undesirable activities like digging up the yard, or chewing on anything within reach.
It's also a good idea to expose them to a range of different people, places and situations when they are young, as this will help them learn that not everyone is a potential threat. You can accomplish this by taking them for walks or to parks, having them engage in playtime with neighbors, or even taking them somewhere they've never been before.
It's a good idea, aside from getting out and socializing to incorporate obedience training during exercise sessions. This can be as simple as teaching them to sit and stay on their mat, but it could be as complicated as doing heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports such as flyball or agility are a great workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Make sure you begin slow with these types of activities to ensure that you don't overload your pup. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This could result in diseases caused by heat in young dogs.
Aside from these kinds of activities, it's also recommended to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They require this to engage in physical activity and to explore the world outside of their home. It's a good idea to change the places you go on your walks to ensure that they can experience new places and are exposed to all the noises in the wonderful world that they live in.