How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds require regular walks as well as playtime and other activities. They should also be socialized at an early age with other pets and dogs in the household to prevent aggression or dominance issues later in the course of their lives.
Do your research on the breeder of your puppy as well as its lineage. Like all dogs, they can inherit genetic disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia or bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who thrive on the challenges. They're loyal and respectful, but they are also cautious of strangers. They may be extremely protective and may bark at people, cars or other dogs if they feel they're being threatened by their family.
These powerful dogs are highly-trained and learn quickly. This makes them a preferred choice for police work, military roles, and search and rescue missions. They're also excellent companions since they enjoy the outdoors, are active and possess a refined sense of stoicism rarely found in other breeds.
This breed excels in dog sports such as agility, obedience testing, tracking tests, Schutzhund and obedience. However, they're equally content with a regular exercise that includes long walks or playing fetch. They excel in dog sports such as obedience, agility tests, tracking, Schutzhund, and obedience, but they're just as content with a regular exercise that includes long walks or playing fetch. A job provides them with a purpose, and stimulates both their bodies and minds.
Due to their herding background German Shepherds possess an intense desire to hunt and are prone to over-vocalizing when excited or bored. If not properly managed this can result in undesirable behavior. It is important to socialize and stimulate your dog from an early age to keep them entertained and active.
German Shepherds are smart and obedient. They are responsive to positive reinforcement and are easy to train. They aren't always easy to handle, however they need an obedient but firm hand when it comes to training to stop them from becoming angry or overwhelmed. It is recommended to hire a professional trainer to help with training.
German Shepherds are a very loving and loyal breed that loves the attention of their families. They are very active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If you're thinking of adopting one, be honest with yourself about how much time you'll need to dedicate to meeting their needs and ensure they aren't neglected. If they're left alone for too long, it could cause destructive behavior or anxiety and depression. To avoid this, don't leave your German shepherd for more than one or two minutes at a time. Gradually increase the amount of time.
Health
German Shepherds are healthy dogs, especially when they're bred in a responsible manner by breeders who are responsible. Breeders who test their dogs for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia along with hemangiosarcoma as well as other breed-specific health issues. This is why it's important to purchase from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will provide their puppies with regular health checks throughout their lives.
Due to their instinct to herd, GSDs need a lot of exercise and care to ensure they are happy. They require at least two hours of daily exercise that includes walks and off-lead time a safe area. Training on top will provide them with the ultimate exercise. Ensuring that they have enough space to play and roam will also reduce their stress levels.
Like other large breeds of dogs GSDs are susceptible to arthritis as they get older. This can cause them to walk with a limp or a bunny-hop gait. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best treatment strategy. Based on the severity of the problem, this may require a change in diet or supplements.
Degenerative myelopathy is yet another common German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Fortunately, physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the socket and ball joints of some German Shepherds don't fit properly. This can lead to discomfort, difficulty standing, or, in the more severe cases it can lead to paralysis. If your dog suffers from this condition, your vet will suggest a different exercise routine and a healthier diet to ease symptoms.
German Shepherds are also vulnerable to cancer, especially abdominal, lung and bone cancers. These cancers can cause weakness and weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Lastly, German Shepherds can have an overactive thyroid which is a hormonal imbalance. This can make them frequently urinate, suffer from breathing issues, and become exhausted. Your vet will check for this sign by listening to the heartbeat of your dog with a stethoscope and doing an X-ray. Your doctor will prescribe medication to treat this condition if your dog is suffering from it.
Training
German Shepherds are extremely trainable and respond well even to training in the beginning. They are quick to learn and love working with their owners. This makes them a popular breed for police, military, and protection work. Families with kids also love them. Like all dogs, they require to be exercised regularly to get rid of the energy. Make sure you have the space and time to provide your German Shepherd with the physical and mental stimulation it requires on a daily basis.
Before you buy a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing is reliable. Choose a responsible breeder of German Shepherds who monitors their parents in order to prevent the transmission of health issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Also, inquire about the origins and the age of the puppies.
If you're in search of a German Shepherd to work as a service dog or compete in IPO trials, pick one from working lines. These dogs have received obedience tracking, protection, and obedience training. There are breeders who are working line throughout North America and Europe. They offer puppies and "started" dogs that have received extensive obedience training, protection, tracking and aggression training. These puppies and dogs can be expensive, up to $20,000.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure you can afford it. The first year of ownership will cost around $3500, which includes food for your pet, veterinary care grooming appointments, as well as insurance for your pet. Then, you can expect to pay an additional $500-$1,500 per year to ensure your dog's health and care. If you can't afford to buy a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from a shelter.
When you are choosing when choosing a German Shepherd, bear in mind their size and strength. They are not ideal for all families, and they may not be a good fit with smaller animals. They require to be active to avoid boredom which can lead them to destructive behavior. If you don't have the time nor space to give a German Shepherd with the exercise it needs, consider a different breed. The right German shepherd will be a faithful family member for a long time to come.
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German Shepherds are big robust dogs that require regular exercise to burn off all their energy. It is essential to ensure you have the space and time required for this breed before adopting. These dogs are also prone to separation anxiety, so it's important to start socializing and training at a young age.
deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung to their herding background they are vocal and must be given the opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment. It is crucial to enroll your German Shepherd in obedience classes from the start of their lives.
If you decide to train your German Shepherd or enlist the assistance of a professional dog trainer, you should be prepared for a lengthy commitment. German Shepherds live an average of 10-12 years. You'll need to be committed to making your new dog part of your family.
They are recommended to be fed commercial dog food of a high-quality that is formulated according to their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the packaging. It is however, helpful to inquire from your veterinarian on how much your dog is required to eat every day. You should not offer your German Shepherd treats that exceed 10 percent of their daily allowance.
Like any dog, German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues. This breed is prone to elbow and hip dysplasias, degenerative myelopathy and seizures/epilepsy. Breeders with a good reputation will check their dogs for any signs of illness to decrease the chance of passing genetic diseases on to their puppies.
In addition, this breed is at a greater risk for bloat than other dogs. Because they are a barrel-chested breed they are more likely to develop this condition, which can be dangerous if not treated promptly. It is important to know the signs of bloat and know when to take your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.