Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are excellent service dogs for the military, police and other authorities. They are smart, loyal, and protective. They are also very active and require lots of stimulation and exercise.
Their natural instinct to protect themselves can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers, therefore early training and socialization are essential. They may also display behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs however, good breeding practices can help to reduce the likelihood of certain health conditions. Breeders who are reputable monitor their parents to prevent passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
All puppies, regardless of breeding history should be thoroughly inspected by a vet before they are sent to their new homes. This allows vets to determine any health issues and treat them as early as they can to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Regular veterinary visits are essential to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and other preventive measures can ensure that your pet enjoys a an extended, healthy life.
German Shepherds are at risk of an autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma or seizures/epilepsy. They may also be prone to bleeding disorders. These conditions can be controlled and prevented by consuming the right diet, avoiding table food and treats, and starting preventive treatment as soon as possible.
A common health issue that affects all dogs is gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This can be due to eating the wrong food, or food allergies or other medical conditions. Commercially produced high-quality foods regular urination, drinking water and limiting sweets can ease digestive issues.
German Shepherds are more prone to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This is a condition that occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and twists around itself, preventing blood flow, and possibly result in death within a few hours if untreated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching, but not swallowing. They also have an enlarged stomach, restlessness, and lethargy. Preventive surgery to fixate or suture the stomach may reduce the chance of contracting this deadly disease.
German Shepherds are not immune to dental disease. Untreated tartar can lead to gum disease and infections at the root of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth, or require expensive and extensive treatment. This could be emotionally and financially difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively utilized as service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent breeds for herding. They are active, athletic and extremely trainable. They are an ideal fit for people who are active and have plenty of time to exercise, training and removing hair that has fallen out. 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 able to protect their family members, and are aloof towards strangers. They are best trained with fair, firm and constant methods of training. They also require a lot of mental stimulation, so having a variety of games and puzzles is essential to keep them engaged.
If you are shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to connect with you. They should be able to show you their mother and litter as well as their health history, their environment where they were raised, and answer your questions. They can inform you about the socialization of the puppies and how they compare to their siblings.
Beware of puppies sold in pet stores. They are more likely to come mills, not breeders with a good reputation. They are usually bred to make money and may be suffering from serious issues genetically. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to stop hereditary diseases and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
Regardless of how you select your puppy, it is important to begin training as early as possible. Teach basic commands like sit, stay and down. Also, work on leash training to ensure that your German Shepherd is calm when out and out and about. Training in obedience early is essential to stop them from chasing everything that moves. You can also stimulate their natural instinct to herd by engaging them in recall exercises.
Make sure resource for this article spend lots of time with your German Shepherd while they are young, so that they will grow to enjoy being with you. This is crucial because the period of socialization lasts until they reach 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people or places and experiences.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
Regardless of where you purchase the German Shepherd, he will require a lifetime of care. This includes vaccinations, preventive medications and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for 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 thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Choose a breeder who maintains high standards and follows good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for evidence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia tests for the mother and the father, as well as temperament testing for the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. They are often in contact with animals and know how to breed ethically.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might make him want to chase and leap on people, he will respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to all members of your family as he grows. German Shepherds are extremely bonded to their family members and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are at risk of developing dental disease. It begins with tartar buildup and progresses into infection of the gums, and roots of teeth. It's a problem that is frequent and can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications such as liver, kidney, and heart disease.
Cancer is a concern for dogs who are older. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that causes tumors rich in blood, is most often found in the heart and spleen. Other cancers include lung bone, and intestinal.
The option of rescuing a German Shepherd from shelters is a viable alternative for those who are unable to afford to pay the cost of purchasing a purebred puppy. Shelter staff can assist you to choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and has a good temperament. Adopting a pet can be less expensive than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include initial medical exams as well as vaccinations, spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can also offer advice on how to prepare your home for a dog by making sure your home is safe and clearing away anything that could be chewed or eaten.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to find a way to channel their energy. If they don't have enough exercise, it can result in them becoming restless and redirecting their energy to something unintentional, like digging through the yard or chewing on anything that is in reach.
You can also expose them to various types of people, places, and situations while they are young. This will help them realize that there is no danger to everyone. You can do this by taking them for walks, going to parks, interacting during play with their neighbors or taking them to places they've never been before.
Apart from going out and socializing, it's also a good idea to incorporate obedience training into workout sessions. It could be as easy as teaching them to sit and remain on their mats, however it could be as complicated as doing heelwork with them or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility and flyball are excellent for your German Shepherd pup and can also help improve their mental abilities. Begin slowly to ensure that you don't to overexert the puppy. Avoid exercising your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This could lead to illnesses related to heat in puppies.
Apart from these activities, it's a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. It is essential to allow them to engage in physical exercise and to explore the world outside of their home. It's essential to take them to various places so they can discover new sounds and experiences.