Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A top option for police, military and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, protective and loyal. They are also extremely active and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural instinct to protect themselves can manifest as aggression toward strangers, so early training and socialization is essential. They may also exhibit the signs of compulsions, like repetitive behavior such as tail following.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices may reduce the risk of certain health issues. Breeders with a good reputation monitor their parents to prevent passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy.
All puppies, regardless of their breeding history, should be thoroughly examined by a vet before they are released to their new homes. This helps the vets determine any health issues and treat them as quickly as possible to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
When it comes to the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinary visits are vital. Routine veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and other preventive measures can help your dog live a long and healthy life.
German Shepherds are at risk of autoimmune diseases, hemangiosarcoma, and seizures/epilepsy. They may also be prone to bleeding disorders. A lot of these conditions can be controlled or prevented by choosing the right diet by avoiding treats and table food and introducing preventive medication as soon as is possible.
A common health issue that affects all dogs is gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This is often caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies or other medical conditions. High-quality commercial food, frequent urination, drinking water and limiting sweets can ease digestive issues.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus, or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This is a condition that occurs when gas fills the stomach and it turns around itself, severing the blood supply and eventually resulting in death if not treated. Signs of GDV include rectching or attempting to breathe but not swallowing, an enlarged abdomen, lethargy, restlessness and sitting in a prayer posture with the head down. A preventive procedure that sutures or tacks the stomach in place will lower the risk of this debilitating disease.
Dental disease is a different issue that can affect all dogs, but especially German Shepherds. If tartar is not treated, it can lead to gum disease and infection at the root of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth or require expensive and extensive treatment. This can be emotionally and financially difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been used extensively for protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, active and extremely capable of training. They are great for people who have a lot of time to train, exercise and cleaning the shed fur. They are also a good fit for people who want a trustworthy, reliable friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They can be protective of their family members and remain aloof towards strangers. These dogs respond best to fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also need a lot of stimulation mentally, so it is important to provide a variety of puzzles and training games.
Look for an German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and is eager to establish an ongoing relationship with you. They should be able show you the mother, litter and their health history and the environment in which they were raised and will be able to answer all your questions. They should also be able to tell you how the puppies were raised and how they compare to their siblings.
Beware of puppies sold in pet stores. They are more likely to be from mills rather than breeders who are reputable. They are usually bred for profit and may have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to avoid hereditary diseases and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it is essential to begin training your puppy early. Teach basic commands such as sit down, stay, and sit. Also do some leash training to ensure your German Shepherd is calm when they are out and out and about. Training in obedience early is essential to stop them from chasing everything that moves. You can also stimulate the natural instincts of herding by doing some recall exercises.
Make sure you spend lots of time with your German Shepherd when they are young so that they learn to love being with you. This is particularly important as they experience a critical socialization window until about 16 weeks old, following which they may be less receptive to new people, experiences and places.
Care
Regardless of where you buy the German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes annual vet visits, vaccinations and preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). Additionally, you'll need to purchase grooming appointments, pet food, and a yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Consider the additional costs of dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training, which can add up to a few thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Look for a breeder who has high standards and has good breeding methods. Ask the breeder for proof of hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia testing for the father and mother as well as temperament tests for the litter.
Consult with veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers to get recommendations. They regularly interact with animals and know a lot about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might make him want to chase and jump on people, he will respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to all members of your family as he grows. German Shepherds have strong bonds with their families and need plenty of interaction.
Dogs are prone to dental disease. It begins with tartar buildup, and then progresses into infection of the gums and the teeth's roots. It's a common issue that can lead to loss of teeth and severe complications such as liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a problem for older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces blood-rich tumors is usually located in the spleen and the heart. Other kinds of cancers include bone, lung and intestinal.
If you're unable to afford the expense of a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to rescue one from an animal shelter. The shelter's staff can help you select a dog with good temperament and that will fit with your lifestyle. Adopting a pet can be cheaper than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include initial medical exams including vaccinations, spaying and neutering. The staff at the shelter can offer advice on how to prepare your home for a dog by making sure the area is secure and removing any items that can be chewed or ingested.
Recommended Website are incredibly active and need to have a outlet for their energy. If they don't have enough exercise it could result in them being bored and redirecting the energy into something that isn't desirable like digging up the yard or chewing on anything that is within reach.
You can also expose them to a variety of people, places and situations when they are young. This will help them realize that there is no danger to everyone. This can be done by walking in the street and in parks, getting to know 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, aside from getting out and socializing, to incorporate obedience training during exercise sessions. It could be as simple as teaching your dog to sit and remain on his mat. It could also be as complex as working on heel or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility or flyball can provide an excellent workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also improve their mental abilities as well. Make sure you start off gradually with these exercises to ensure you don't stress your dog. Be sure to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this could lead to heat-related illness in puppies.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. They need this to get exercise and explore the world outside of their own home. It's essential to take them to various locations so that they can experience new sounds and environments.