Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A favorite option for police, military and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, secure and loyal. They're also extremely active, and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural defense mechanisms can manifest as aggression toward strangers, therefore early training and socialization are crucial. They may also display compulsive actions such as tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health however, good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of some diseases. Breeders who are reputable check their parents' health to prevent passing on preventable problems to their puppies, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
All puppies, regardless of their breeding history, should be examined by a vet prior to when they are taken to their new homes. This helps the vets determine any health issues and treat them as soon as they can to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Regular visits to the vet are crucial to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary examinations as well as vaccinations and other preventive measures can help your dog live a long, healthy life.
Certain health issues specifically for German Shepherds are autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma, epilepsy/seizure disorders and bleeding conditions. These ailments can be treated and prevented by following the right diet, avoiding table foods and treats, and implementing preventive medication as early as possible.
All dogs suffer from gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. It can be caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies and other medical conditions. High-quality commercial food and frequent urination, as well as drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets can ease digestive problems.
German Shepherds have narrow, deep chests, which can make them prone to bloating which is also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a condition that occurs when gas fills the stomach and it turns around itself, cutting off the blood supply and resulting in death if left untreated. GDV symptoms include retching, heaving, but not swallowing. They also have an overly large stomach, restlessness and a lack of energy. Preventive surgery that tacks or sutures the stomach to reduce the risk of this deadly disease.
Dental disease is another frequent problem that affects all dogs, but particularly German Shepherds. If left untreated the build-up of tartar can lead to gum disease and infections of the root of the teeth. In the end the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and expensive treatment, which could be difficult on your pet emotionally as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds are widely used as police, service and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are athletic, energetic and highly capable of training. They are a good fit for active people with lots of time to training, exercise and cleaning up shed hair. They are also a great choice for those who are looking for a trustworthy, reliable friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd dog is a very reliable pet and the ideal choice for many family members, including children and older adults. They are able to protect their family members and remain aloof towards strangers. They respond best to fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also require plenty of stimulation in their minds, so it is important to provide a variety games and puzzles for training.
Find an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to develop a relationship with you. They will be able to show you the mother, the litter, their health background as well as the environment in which they were raised, and answer all your questions. They can tell you about the socialization of their pups and how they are compared to their siblings.
Beware of puppies sold at pet stores. They are more likely to come from mills rather than reputable breeders. They are usually bred for profits and could be afflicted with serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will check their breeding stock to stop hereditary illnesses and other health issues from occurring in the puppies.
No matter how you choose your puppy, it's important to begin training as early as possible. Learn the basics of commands, such as sit down, stay, or sit. Also, work on leash training to ensure your German Shepherd is at peace when you are out and wandering around. Training for obedience in the beginning is crucial to prevent them from chasing everything that moves. Recall exercises are a great way to engage their natural herding instincts as well.
Spend time with them while they're young so they can learn to love you. This is important because the time for socialization is from they reach 16 weeks old. After that, they might be less open to new people or places and experiences.
Care
Whatever the place you purchase the German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes annual visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). You'll have to pay for grooming, food, appointments and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the additional costs for dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training. This can add up to thousands of dollars over your puppy's lifetime.
Choose a breeder who maintains high standards and follows good breeding practices. Ask the breeder to provide evidence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for both the father and mother as well as temperament testing for the litter.
Ask veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. These people are familiar with animals, and they know a great deal about ethical breeders.
Although a German shepherd's instinct to herd may cause him to jump and chase others, he will respond to discipline and training. Introduce him to all members of your family as the puppy grows. German Shepherds are very close to their families and require a lot of interaction.
Dogs are prone to dental disease that starts with tartar buildup and progresses to infection of the gums and the teeth's roots. It's a problem that is widespread and can lead tooth loss and serious complications like liver, kidney, and heart disease.
Cancer is another issue, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that forms blood-rich tumors, which are typically found in the spleen and the heart. Other kinds of cancers include bone, lung and intestinal.
Retrieving the German Shepherd from shelters is an alternative for those who are unable to afford to pay the cost of purchasing a purebred puppy. Shelter staff can help you select a dog that fits your lifestyle and has a good temperament. Adopting a dog may be cheaper than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include initial medical exams including vaccinations, spaying and neutering. The staff at the shelter can also offer advice on how to prepare your home for dogs. For instance, they can tell you what items you should removed and where they should be.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be extremely active, and it is important to give them a way to let their energy go. If they don't get enough physical activity it could result in them being restless and redirected their energy to something unintentional like digging through the yard or chewing on whatever is within reach.
It's also a good idea to expose them to a range of people, places, and situations while they are young, as this will help them understand that there isn't always a threat. This can be accomplished by taking walks on the street or in parks, engaging with neighbors during playtime, and even taking them to places they've never been before (as as they're safe).
Aside from getting out and socializing It's also a great idea to include obedience training into your exercises. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to sit and remain on his mat. It could be more complicated than working on heel or playing recall games.
Dog sports such as flyball or agility can be an excellent workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also improve their mental abilities as well. Make sure you start gradually with these activities to ensure that you don't overload your pup. And always remember to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this could cause heat-related illnesses in young dogs.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. hyperlink is important for them to get some physical activity and to discover the world beyond their own. It's a good idea to change the places you go during these walks so that they experience new surroundings and are exposed to the sounds in the wonderful world of theirs.