Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A favorite option for police, military and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, protective and loyal. They are also very active and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Socialization and early training are essential because their natural protectiveness can manifest as aggression towards strangers. They may also exhibit compulsions such as repetitive behaviors such as tail chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices can lower the chance of developing certain health issues. Reputable breeders screen parents to prevent passing on preventable diseases, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy puppies.
All puppies, regardless of their breeding history should be thoroughly examined by a vet before they are sent to their new homes. This allows the vet to determine and treat any health issues as quickly as possible, thereby reducing the risk of complications and improve the outcome.
Regular veterinary visits are essential to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Routine veterinary exams as well as vaccinations, and other preventive treatments will allow your pet to live a long and happy.
German Shepherds are at risk for autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma and seizures/epilepsy. They could also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. These ailments can be treated and prevented by choosing the correct diet, avoiding table food and treats, and beginning preventive medication as early as possible.
A common health issue that can affect all dogs is gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This could be due to eating the wrong food, food allergies or other medical conditions. High-quality commercial foods and frequent urination, as well as water consumption and limiting sweets can help ease digestive problems.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This condition occurs when gas fills the stomach and twists around itself, cutting off the blood supply and resulting in death if it is not treated. The symptoms of GDV include the tendency to retch or try to heave but not swallowing, an enlarged abdomen, lethargy, restlessness and sitting in a prayer posture with the head down. A preventive procedure that tacks or sutures the stomach to reduce the risk of contracting this debilitating disease.
German Shepherds are not immune to dental diseases. If not treated the build-up of tartar can lead to gum disease and infection of the root of the teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth, or require expensive and long-term treatment. This can be financially and emotionally difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs which have been extensively used for protection, service and police dogs. They are active, athletic and extremely capable of training. They are great for people who have plenty of time to train or exercising, as well as cleaning the shed fur. They are also a great option for those looking for a highly capable, loyal friend.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a very reliable pet and the best choice for many family members including children and adults. They are protective of their loved family members and can be shy with strangers. These dogs are most effective by using fair, firm and constant training methods. They also require a lot of stimulation in their minds, so it is important to offer a variety of puzzles and games for training.
If you are shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to communicate with you. They should be able to show you their mother and litter, their health history, the environment where they were raised and answer any questions you may have. They will be able tell you about the socialization of their puppies 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 have grave genetic issues. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock in order to avoid hereditary diseases and other health issues from arising in the pups.
No matter how you choose your puppy, it is important to begin training as early as possible. Learn the basics of commands, such as sit down, stay, or sit. Learn to leash-train so that your German Shepherd will be calm when you are out and out and about. They are curious, so early obedience training is crucial to prevent them from chasing after anything that moves. Engaging in some recall exercises is an excellent way to get them involved in their natural herding instincts as well.
Make sure you spend lots 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 they experience a critical socialization period from about 16 weeks of age, after which they could be less open to new people, experiences and places.
Care
Whatever the place you buy your German Shepherd, he will require ongoing care. This includes annual visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments, pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Consider the costs of dog walking, boarding, and professional obedience training. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen can amount to several thousand dollars in the lifetime of your puppy.
Find a breeder who adheres to high standards and good breeding practices. Ask the breeder to provide documentation of elbow dysplasia and hip screenings for the mother and father and for temperament testing of the litter.
Ask your veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. These individuals are familiar with animals and know an abundance of information about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct could cause him to want to chase and jump over people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce him to your family members as you grow. German Shepherds have strong bonds with their families and need plenty of interaction.
Dogs are prone to dental disease, which begins with tartar build-up and leads to gum disease and the teeth's roots. It's a common problem that can lead to the loss of teeth and serious complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is a concern for dogs who are older. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that forms tumors rich in blood, is typically found in the heart and spleen. Other types of cancer include lung, bone, and intestinal.
The option of rescuing the German Shepherd from a shelter is an alternative for those who are unable to afford the expense of purchasing a purebred puppy. The shelter's staff can help you choose a dog that has a good temperament and match your lifestyle. Adopting a pet can be cheaper than purchasing one. Adoption fees typically include initial medical examinations and vaccinations, as well as spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter will give advice on how you can prepare your home for a dog. For instance they can advise you on what items you should removed and where they should be.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be extremely active, and it is essential to provide them with an opportunity to let their energy go. If they don't have enough physical activity, it can result in them being restless and redirected their energy to something unintentional such as digging around in the yard or chewing on whatever is in reach.
It's important to expose them to a variety of different people, places, and situations while they're young, since this will help them understand that not everyone is a threat. You can do this by taking them for walks or to parks, interacting during the time with your neighbors or taking them somewhere they've never been before.
In addition to getting out and socializing It's also a good idea to incorporate obedience training into exercises. It could be as simple as teaching your dog to sit on his mat. It can be more complicated than heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility and flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also help improve their mental capabilities. Start slowly, so as not to over-exert the puppy. Always remember to stay clear of exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this can lead to heat-related illness in puppies.
In addition to these activities, it's also an excellent idea to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They require this to engage in physical activity and to explore the world outside of their home. It is important to take them to different places to experience new sounds and environments.