Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds make excellent service dogs for the military, police and other governmental agencies. They are intelligent, loyal, and guardian. They're also extremely active, and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural protectiveness can manifest as aggression towards strangers, so early training and socialization are essential. They can also exhibit behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health, though good breeding practices can help lower the risk of certain health conditions. Breeders with a good reputation monitor their parents to prevent passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
All puppies, regardless of breeding history should be thoroughly examined by a vet prior to when they are sent to their new homes. This allows the vets to identify any health issues and treat them as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of complications and increase results.
Regular visits to the vet are crucial for the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary exams, vaccinations, and other preventive measures can ensure that your pet enjoys a long and happy.
German Shepherds are prone to an autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma or seizures and epilepsy. They could also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. These conditions can be managed and prevented by choosing the right diet, avoiding table food and treats, and beginning preventive medications as soon as possible.
A common health problem that affects all dogs is digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. It can be caused due to eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies and other medical conditions. Commercially produced high-quality foods regular urination, water consumption and limiting sweets can help ease digestive issues.
German Shepherds have narrow, deep chests, which can make them susceptible to bloat and gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This condition occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and twists on itself, severing blood flow, and possibly result in death within a matter of hours if it is not treated. GDV symptoms include retching, heaving, but not swallowing. They also have an overly large stomach, restlessness and lethargy. A preventive procedure that sutures or tacks the stomach in place can reduce the risk of contracting this devastating illness.
German Shepherds are not immune to the effects of dental disease. If not treated the build-up of tartar can lead to gum disease and infection of the roots of the teeth. Eventually the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and costly treatment, which could be difficult on your pet emotionally as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs which have been extensively used for protection, service and police dogs. They are active, athletic and extremely trained. They are a good fit for those who are very active and have plenty of time to devote to training, exercising and cleaning up hair shed. They are also a great option for those looking for a trustworthy, reliable friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd dog is a very reliable pet and the best choice for many family members including children as well as older adults. They are able to protect their family members and remain aloof towards strangers. These dogs do best by using fair, firm and regular methods of training. They also require plenty of stimulation mentally, which is why it is important to provide a variety games and puzzles for training.
When shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who is concerned about the quality of their puppies and wants to communicate with you. They should show you the litter and their mother and their health history, their environment where they were raised and answer any questions you may have. They will be able tell you about the socialization of the pups and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be cautious of puppies that are available from pet stores, as they are more likely to be from mills rather than breeders that are reputable. They are typically bred to make profits and could be afflicted with serious genetic problems. A reputable breeder will test their breeding stock to avoid hereditary illnesses and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it is important to start training early on. Teach basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. Also do some leash training to ensure your German Shepherd is calm when out and about. They are curious, and early obedience training is vital to stop them from chasing after anything that moves. Engaging in some recall exercises is an excellent way to stimulate their natural herding instincts, too.
Spend plenty of time with your German Shepherd while they are young, so that they can develop a love for being with you. This is especially important because they experience a critical socialization period from about 16 weeks old, following which they could be less receptive to new people, experiences and places.
Care
No matter where you purchase your German Shepherd from, he'll require constant attention. This includes vaccinations, preventive medication and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll have to pay for grooming, food, appointments and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Think about the additional costs associated with dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen can add up to several thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Choose a breeder who has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Ask the breeder to provide documentation of elbow and hip dysplasia screenings for the father and mother and temperament tests for the litter.
Consult with veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. They are knowledgeable about animals, and they know a great deal about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct may make him want to chase and jump on people, he'll respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to your family members as you grow. German Shepherds are extremely attached to their families and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental disease. It begins with tartar buildup, and then progresses into gum inflammation and the teeth's roots. It's a common problem that can lead to the loss of teeth and severe complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is a major concern for older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, a type cancer that produces tumors rich in blood, is typically located in the heart and spleen. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone and intestinal.
If you can't afford the expense of a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to get one from an animal 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 cheaper than purchasing one, and adoption fees usually include medical examinations including vaccinations, spaying and neutering. The shelter's staff can also give you advice on preparing your home for a new puppy by making sure your home is secure and removing any items that could be chewed on or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be very active and it is important to give them a way to let their energy go. If they don't have enough exercise it could result in them being restless and redirected that energy into something undesirable, like digging up the yard or chewing on whatever is in reach.
It's an excellent idea to expose them to a variety of different people, locations, and situations while they're young, since this will help them learn that there isn't always a threat. This can be accomplished by walking in the street or in parks, interacting with neighbors during playtime or even taking them to places they've never been before (as long as they are secure).
It's a good idea, in addition to getting out and socializing to incorporate obedience training during exercise sessions. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to sit and remain on his mat. It can be as complicated as heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility or flyball are excellent for your German Shepherd pup and can also help them improve their mental skills. Begin slowly to ensure that you don't to overexert the puppy. And always remember to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can cause heat-related illnesses in young dogs.
Aside from these kinds of activities, it's also recommended to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. This is important to give them physical activity and to discover the world beyond their own. It's a good idea to vary where you go on your walks to ensure that they can experience new places and are exposed to the many sounds in this wonderful world that they live in.