How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup
German Shepherds need daily walks, playtime and other activities. They should also be socialised from an early age with other dogs and household pets to avoid aggression or dominance issues later in life.
Always research your breeder and puppy's lineage. Like all dogs, they could inherit genetic diseases like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as bloat (gastric torsion)..
Personality
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive when faced with challenges. They are loyal and obedient, but they can be cautious of strangers. They can be overly protective and may bark at people, cars or other dogs when they believe their family is threatened.
These dogs are extremely adept at training and are quick to learn they are a popular choice for military, police roles, search-and-rescue mission and other service-related tasks. They're also excellent companions due to their love of the outdoors, are athletic and possess a refined sense of stoicism rarely seen in other breeds.
The physical and mental acuity of this breed make them excellent athletes and they thrive in a setting where they can make use of their energy. They excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, tracking tests, Schutzhund, and obedience however, they're equally happy with a regular workout that includes long walks or playing fetch. A job is a source of motivation and also stimulates their bodies and minds.
Because of their herding heritage German Shepherds possess an intense prey drive and are susceptible to a loud voice when they're bored. If not properly managed it can lead to undesirable behavior. It is important to engage and engage your dog from an early age to keep them happy and active.
German Shepherds are smart and well-behaved. They are responsive to positive reinforcement and are a breeze to train. They aren't always easy to handle, however they need a firm, but gentle touch when it comes to training to stop them from becoming frustrated or overwhelmed. It's recommended that you get an expert trainer to assist with your training.
German Shepherds are loving and loyal dogs who thrive on the love and attention they receive from their family members. They're active and need lots of physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. If you're considering adopting one, be honest with yourself about the amount of time you can dedicate to meeting their needs and ensure they're not neglected. If left unattended for long enough, they could easily become destructive or develop anxiety and depression. To avoid this, do not leave your German Shepherd unattended for longer than a few hours at a time, and then gradually build gradually to longer periods of time.
Health
German Shepherds are healthy dogs particularly when they're bred responsibly by breeders who are responsible. Breeders check their dogs for elbow and hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, and other diseases that are specific to the breed. It's for this reason that it's crucial to purchase only from a reputable seller. A good breeder will also offer their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.
Due to their herding instincts GSDs require a lot of exercise and attention to keep them happy. They need at minimum two hours of exercise per day that includes walks and off-lead time in an area that is safe. The ultimate workout can be accomplished by adding training. Making sure they have enough space to play and roam will also reduce their stress levels.
As with other large breeds of dogs GSDs are also susceptible to arthritis as they get older. This can cause them to stumble or develop a bunny-hop walk. If this occurs, talk to your veterinarian to determine a treatment strategy. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may require a change in diet or supplements.
Another common ailment that affects German Shepherds is degenerative myelopathy, which causes weakness in the hind legs. Fortunately physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.
Hip dysplasia can be described as a condition that occurs when the socket and ball joints of German Shepherds do not fit properly. This can cause discomfort, difficulty standing, and in the more severe cases it can lead to paralysis. If your dog is suffering from this condition, your vet will suggest a different exercise routine and a healthier diet to reduce symptoms.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancer, including bone, lung, and abdominal cancers. The signs of cancer may include weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea.
German Shepherds might also have an overactive thyroid, which is a hormonal imbalance. This can make them frequently urinate, suffer from breathing issues, and also be very tired. Your vet will listen to your dog's stethoscope or perform an X-ray to check for this symptom. Your vet will prescribe medication to manage the condition if your dog has it.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trained and respond well to early training. They learn quickly and enjoy working with their handlers. This makes them a very popular breed for military, police and security work. Families with children also adore them. Like all dogs they require a great deal of exercise to burn off their energy. You should have the time and the space to give your German Shepherd the daily physical and mental stimulation it needs.
Before you buy a German Shepherd, make sure the breeder you're dealing is reputable. Choose a responsible breeder that screens their parents to prevent passing on preventable health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Also, inquire about schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz and age of the puppies.
If you want a German Shepherd that can be trained to be a service dog or even compete in IPO competitions, then choose an IPO line. These dogs have been through obedience, tracking, and protection training. You can find breeders who are working line throughout North America and Europe. They offer puppies and "started" dogs, which have received extensive obedience protection, tracking, and aggression training. These puppies and dogs can cost as much as $20,000 per dog.
Be sure you can afford a German Shepherd before purchasing one. The first year of ownership will cost you around $3500, which includes pet food, veterinary care, grooming appointments, and insurance for your pet. You could expect to spend between $500 and $1500 per year on your dog's maintenance and health. If you can't afford to buy a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from shelters.
When selecting when choosing a German shepherd, think about their size and strength. They're not suited to all families and might not get along with smaller dogs. They must be kept active to avoid boredom which could lead to destructive behavior. If you don't have the time or space to give a German Shepherd with the exercise it requires, think about the possibility of a different breed. The best German shepherd will be a faithful family member for a long time to be.
Care
German Shepherds are a huge, strong breed that requires plenty of exercise every day to burn off their energy. This is why it's important to ensure that you have enough time and space for your dog prior to adopting it. These dogs are also susceptible to separation anxieties, so it's important to start with them and socializing from an early age.
They are vocal due to their herding history and need the chance to communicate in a safe environment. To stop this from turning into an aggressive behavior, it's essential to enroll in dog obedience classes or employ an expert dog trainer for your German Shepherd right from the beginning of their lives.
Whether or not you decide to train your German Shepherd or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer you should be prepared for a long commitment. The average life expectancy of the German Shepherd is 10-12 years, so you'll have to commit to making your new dog an integral part of your family for the long haul.
These dogs are recommended to be fed commercial diet of top quality that is formulated according to their size and age. The recommended serving size is listed on the package, however it is also beneficial to consult your veterinarian about how much your dog should eat daily. You should not offer your German Shepherd treats that exceed 10% of their daily allowance.
German Shepherds, just like any other dog breed are prone to certain health problems. This breed is susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasias, degenerative myelopathy and seizures/epilepsy. Breeders who are trustworthy will test their dogs to decrease the chance of passing genetic diseases on their pups.
This breed is also at an elevated risk of bloat. This is because they have a chest-shaped breed. If not treated quickly the condition could be fatal. It is essential to know the signs of bloat and know when to take your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.