Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A top option for police, military and other service dogs, German Shepherds are highly intelligent, protective and extremely loyal. schäferhund kaufen , requiring plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Early training and socialization is crucial because their natural protection can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They can also display compulsions such as repetitive behaviors like tail following.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices may reduce the risk of certain health conditions. Reputable breeders screen their parents to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
Regardless of their breeding history, all puppies must be examined by a veterinarian before they go to their new homes. This allows the veterinarian to identify and treat any health issues as early as possible to avoid complications and improve the outcomes.
When it is about the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinary visits are vital. Routine veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and other preventive measures can help your pet lead a long and happy life.
Some health concerns specifically for German Shepherds are the autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma epilepsy/seizure disorders and bleeding conditions. These conditions can be controlled and prevented by consuming the right diet, avoiding table foods and treats, and beginning preventive medication as early as is possible.
A common health issue that affects all dogs is gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. It can be caused due to eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies or underlying medical conditions. A commercial food that is of high quality regular urination, water consumption and limiting treats can often help in addressing digestive issues.
German Shepherds are more prone to bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This condition is caused by the stomach filling with gas and 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 retching or trying to heave but not swallowing, a swollen abdomen, lethargy, restlessness and lying in a prayer position with the head lowered. A preventive procedure that tacks or sutures the stomach to lower the risk of this debilitating disease.
Dental disease is a different problem that affects all dogs, but particularly German Shepherds. If left untreated the build-up of tartar can lead to gum disease and infection of the root of the teeth. In the end the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and expensive treatment, which can be a burden on your pet's emotional well and financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been used extensively as protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, active and extremely capable of training. They are ideal for active people with lots of time to training, exercise and cleaning up shed hair. They are also a great option for those looking for a highly capable, loyal friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd is a reliable pet for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They are protective of their beloved family members and can be shy with strangers. They are best trained with fair, firm and regular training methods. They also require a lot of stimulation mentally, so it is important to provide a variety of puzzles and games for training.
If you are shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who is concerned about the quality of their puppies and wants to get to know you. They will be able to show you the mother, litter and their health history, the environment where they were raised, and answer all your questions. They will be able to inform you how the pups were raised and how they compare to their siblings.
Be cautious of puppies that are available at pet stores, since they tend to come from mills rather than breeders that are reputable. They are typically bred for profits and could be afflicted with serious genetic problems. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to avoid hereditary illnesses and other health issues from occurring in the puppies.
It is crucial to begin training your puppy as quickly as you can, regardless of how you choose your puppy. Learn the basics of commands such as sit down, stay and sit. Also, work on leash training to ensure that your German Shepherd is calm when they are out and about. Training in obedience early is essential to keep them from chasing anything that moves. Doing some recall exercises is a great way to engage their natural herding instincts, as well.
Spend plenty of time with your German Shepherd when they are young so that they can develop a love for being with you. This is crucial because the socialization period lasts until they are 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people, places, and experiences.
Care
Whatever the place you purchase your German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes annual vet visits and vaccinations, as well as preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments, pet food and a yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Think about the additional costs associated with dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training. This could cost a few thousand dollars over your puppy's lifetime.
Choose a breeder who maintains high standards and follows good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for proof of hip and elbow dysplasia screenings for the mother and father and temperament tests for the litter.
Talk to veterinarians and local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers to get recommendations. These people regularly interact with animals and know how to breed ethically.
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 him to your family members as he grows. German Shepherds bond strongly with their families and need plenty of interaction.
Dogs are at risk of developing dental diseases. It starts with tartar buildup before progressing into infection of the gums and the roots of teeth. It's a frequent problem that can lead to loss of teeth as well as serious complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is a problem for older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a kind of cancer that causes blood-rich tumors that are usually found in the spleen and the heart. Other cancers include lung bone, and the intestinal.
If you're unable to pay for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to get one from a shelter. Shelter staff can assist you to choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and has a positive temperament. Adopting a dog can also be less expensive than purchasing one, and adoption fees typically include initial medical exams as well as vaccinations, spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can give you advice on preparing your home for a new puppy, such as making sure your home is safe and putting away any items that could be chewed or eaten.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to have an outlet for their energy. If they are not given enough physical exercise, this can result in them becoming bored, and redirecting their energy into unproductive 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're young, since this will help them understand that there isn't always a threat. This can be done by taking walks on the streets and in parks, getting to know neighbors during playtime or even taking them to places they haven't been before (as as they're safe).
It's a good idea aside from getting out and socializing, to incorporate obedience training during workouts. It can be as simple as teaching children to sit and stay on their mats, however it can be as advanced as doing heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports such as flyball or agility are an excellent workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Begin slowly to ensure that you don't to over-exert the puppy. Be sure to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this could lead to heat-related illness in young dogs.
Aside from these kinds of activities, it's recommended to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They need to be involved in physical activity and to explore the world outside of their own home. It's a good idea to diversify your routes during these walks so that they experience new surroundings and are exposed to the many sounds within the world of theirs.