Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A top choice for military, police and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, secure and loyal. They are also extremely active and require plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural defense mechanisms can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers, which is why early training and socialization are crucial. They can also exhibit compulsive behaviors like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices may reduce the chance of developing certain health issues. Reputable breeders check parents to ensure they are not passing on preventable issues like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy puppies.
Whatever their breeding history, all puppies must be carefully inspected by a veterinarian before they go to their new homes. This allows the veterinarian to identify and treat any health issues as soon as possible to avoid complications and improve outcomes.
Regular veterinary visits are essential for the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and other preventive treatments can help your pet live long and happy.
Some health concerns that are specific to German Shepherds include autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma, seizures and epilepsy disorders, as well as bleeding conditions. These conditions can be managed and prevented by consuming the correct diet, avoiding table food and treats, and implementing preventive treatment as soon as possible.
All dogs are susceptible to digestive issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This is often caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies and the underlying medical condition. High-quality commercial foods and frequent urination, as well as water consumption and limiting sweets can ease digestive issues.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat (also known as gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This condition occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and then twists on itself, severing blood flow, and possibly leading to death within a few hours if it is not treated. The symptoms of GDV include rectching or attempting to breathe but not swallowing, an enlarged abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and lying in a prayer position with the head down. Preventive surgery that tacks or sutures the stomach in place can lower the risk of this deadly disease.
Dental disease is a different problem that affects all dogs, but especially German Shepherds. If not treated the build-up of tartar can lead to gum disease and infections of the root of the teeth. At some point, your German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and costly treatment, which could be difficult on your pet emotionally as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds are widely used for service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are active, athletic and extremely trainable. They are good for people who have a lot of time to devote to training or exercising, as well as cleaning up shed fur. They are also great for those who wish to have a loyal, highly capable friend.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes 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 training methods. They also require a lot of stimulation mentally, which is why it is crucial to offer a variety of puzzles and training games.
When shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to get to know you. They should be able to show you their litter and their mother, their health history, their environment in which they were raised and be able to answer your questions. They should also be able to tell you how the puppies were raised and how they compare to their siblings.
Be cautious of puppies that are available from pet stores, as they tend to come from breeders who are reputable. They are typically produced to earn money and may be suffering from grave genetic issues. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock in order to prevent hereditary diseases and other health issues that can arise in the pups.
It is crucial to begin training your puppy as soon as possible, regardless of the breed you select. Teach basic commands like sit, stay and down. Also train your dog on leash to ensure that your German Shepherd is calm when 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. You can also help them develop their natural instincts to herd by doing some recall exercises.
Spend plenty of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so they can develop a love for being with you. This is crucial because they experience a critical socialization window until about 16 weeks old, following which they might be less receptive to new experiences, people and places.
You can also read about how to take care of yourself.
Regardless of where you purchase your German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes annual visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). You'll be required to pay for grooming, food, appointments, and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Think about the cost of dog walking, boarding, and professional obedience training. These costs can add up to several thousand dollars over the course of the life of your puppy.
Find deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich that maintains high standards, and uses good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of hip and elbow dysplasia screenings for the mother and father and temperament tests for the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. They are often in contact with animals and are aware of a lot about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might cause him to want to chase and leap on people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce your family members to him as you grow. German Shepherds are extremely bonded to their family members and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease, which begins with tartar build-up and leads to gum inflammation and the roots of teeth. It's a frequent problem that can cause loss of teeth as well as serious complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is a problem for older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces blood-rich tumors is usually found in the heart and spleen. Other cancers include lung bone, and the intestinal.
If you can't afford the expense of a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to rescue one from a shelter. Shelter staff can help you select a dog that fits your lifestyle and has a great temperament. Adopting a dog can also be cheaper than purchasing one, and adoption fees typically include initial medical exams, vaccines and spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter will give advice on how you can prepare your home to accommodate a dog. For instance they will tell you what items you should stored away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs and it's important to have a outlet for their energy. If they aren't given sufficient physical exercise, this can lead to them becoming restless, and redirecting their energy into unproductive activities like digging up the yard or chewing on everything that is in their reach.
You can also expose them to a variety of types of people, places, and situations when they're young. This will help them understand that not everyone is a threat. This can be accomplished by taking walks on the street or in parks, interacting with the neighbors during playtimes or even taking their children to places that they've never been before (as as they're secure).
It's a good idea, in addition to going out and socializing, to incorporate obedience training during exercise sessions. It could be as easy as teaching children to sit and stay on their mat, but it can be as advanced as doing heelwork or playing games of recall.
Dog sports such as agility or flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also help improve their mental skills. Start slowly, so as not to overload the puppy. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This can lead to illnesses related to heat in puppies.
Apart from these activities, it's also a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They need to be involved in physical activity and to explore the world beyond their own home. It's important to take them to various places so they can experience new sounds and environments.