Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A favorite option for police, military and other service dogs, German Shepherds are highly intelligent, secure and loyal. They are also extremely active and require plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Early socialization and training is crucial because their natural protection can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They may also exhibit compulsions such as repetitive behaviors, like tail chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices can lower the risk of developing certain health issues. Reputable breeders monitor their parents to prevent passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
All puppies, regardless of their breeding history, should be examined by a vet before they are released to their new homes. This allows vets to detect any health issues and treat them as early as they can to prevent complications and improve results.
When it is about the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinarian visits are crucial. Regular veterinary examinations along with vaccinations and other preventive steps can help your pet live a long and healthy life.
Certain health issues specifically for German Shepherds are autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma, seizures and epilepsy disorders, as well as bleeding conditions. These conditions can be controlled and prevented by consuming the correct diet, avoiding table foods and treats, and implementing preventive medication as early as possible.
A common health issue that can affect all dogs is gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This could be caused by eating the wrong food, food allergies or other medical conditions. Commercially produced high-quality foods, frequent urination, drinking water and limiting sweets can help with digestive problems.
German Shepherds have deep, narrow chests that can make them susceptible to bloat which is also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists around itself, cutting off blood flow and result in death within a couple of hours if it is not treated. The symptoms of GDV include the tendency to retch or try to heave but not swallowing, an enlarged abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and lying in a prayer position with your head down. A preventive procedure to suture or tack the stomach may reduce the risk of developing this deadly illness.
German Shepherds aren't immune to dental disease. Untreated tartar can lead to gum disease and infection at the roots of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth, or require expensive and long-term treatment. This could be emotionally and financially difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been used extensively for protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, energetic and highly capable of training. They are a good fit for active people with plenty of time to devote to exercise, training and cleaning up hair shed. They are also a good option for those looking for a highly capable, loyal friend.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a highly reliable companion and the ideal choice for a variety of family members including children as well as older adults. They are protective of their beloved ones and may be aloof with strangers. They are best trained with fair, firm, and consistent methods of training. They also require lots of mental stimulation, so a good variety of training games and puzzles is vital to keep them focused.
Find an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to develop relationships with you. They should be able to show you the litter and their mother and their health history, their environment where they were raised, and answer your questions. They will be able tell you about the socialization of the pups and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely from mills rather than reputable breeders. They are typically bred to make the sake of profit and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to avoid hereditary diseases and other health issues that can arise in the puppies.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it's important to begin training your puppy early. Introduce basic commands like sit down, stay, or sit. Also, work on leash training to ensure that your German Shepherd is at peace when you are out and about. Training in obedience early is essential to prevent them from chasing everything that moves. Doing some recall exercises is an excellent way to stimulate their natural herding instincts too.
Make sure Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so that they learn to love being with you. This is important because the time for socialization is from they reach 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people as well as new places, experiences, and environments.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
No matter where you buy your German Shepherd from, he'll require a lot of attention for the rest of his life. This includes vaccinations, preventive medication and annual veterinary visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments along with pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Consider the costs of dog walking or boarding as well as professional obedience training. These costs can add up to several thousand dollars in the lifetime of your puppy.
Look for a breeder that adheres to high standards and good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for the mother and the father as well as temperament tests for the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. They are knowledgeable about animals and know the basics about breeders who are ethical.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct may make him want to chase and jump on people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce him to your family members as you grow. German Shepherds bond strongly with their families and need a lot of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease that starts with tartar build-up, and then leads to infection of the gums and roots of teeth. This is a condition that is frequent and can lead to tooth loss and serious complications such as kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Cancer is a different issue, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that causes tumors rich in blood, is typically found in the heart and spleen. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone and intestinal.
Rescuing an German Shepherd from shelters is a viable alternative for those who cannot afford the expense of buying a purebred dog. The staff at the shelter can assist you select a dog with good temperament and match your lifestyle. Adopting a pet can be less expensive than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include medical exams as well as vaccinations, spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can also offer advice on how to prepare your home to accommodate a dog. For example they can advise you on which items to put away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs and it's important to have a outlet for their energy. If they don't get enough exercise, it could lead to them becoming restless and putting their energy into undesirable things like digging up the yard, or chewing on anything in their reach.
You can also expose them to different types of people, places, and situations while they are young. This will help them realize that there is no danger to everyone. This can be done by walking in the street and in parks, getting to know neighbors during playtime or even taking them to places they haven't been before (as as they're secure).
It's a good idea in addition to getting out and socializing to incorporate obedience training during exercise sessions. It could be as easy as teaching them to sit and stay on their mats, but it can be as advanced as doing heelwork with them or playing games of recall.
Dog sports such as agility or flyball are excellent for your German Shepherd pup and can also help them improve their mental abilities. Start slowly so as not to overexert the puppy. And always remember to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can lead to heat-related illness in puppies.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. It is essential to give them physical exercise and to explore the world outside of their home. It's essential to take them to different places so they can experience new sounds and environments.