Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds make excellent service dogs for the police, military, and other agencies. They are smart and loyal. They are also guardian. They're also incredibly active, and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Socialization and early training are vital because their natural instinct to protect can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They may also exhibit the signs of compulsions, like repetitive behavior like tail chasing.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health However, good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of some diseases. Breeders with a good reputation monitor their parents to prevent passing preventable issues to puppies, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
All puppies, no matter what their breeding history, should be thoroughly examined by a vet before they are released to their new homes. This allows the vets to detect any health issues and treat them as quickly as possible to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Regular visits to the vet are crucial to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary exams along with vaccinations and other preventive steps can help your pet live a long, healthy life.
Some health concerns specific to German Shepherds include the autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma seizures and epilepsy disorders, as well as bleeding conditions. Many of these conditions can be managed or prevented by following a balanced diet, avoiding sweets and table food and introducing preventive medication at the earliest possible time.
A common health issue that affects all dogs is gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This could be due to eating the wrong food, food allergies or the underlying medical condition. A high-quality commercial food regular urination, drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets can help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (also called gastric volvulus, or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This is a condition that is caused by gas that is absorbed by the stomach and then twists around itself, cutting off the blood supply and resulting in death if left untreated. GDV symptoms include retching, heaving, but not swallowing. They can also be characterized by an overly large stomach, restlessness, and a lack of energy. A preventive procedure that tacks or sutures the stomach in place will reduce the risk of this devastating disease.
German Shepherds aren't immune to dental disease. If left untreated, tartar build-up can cause gum disease and infections of the root of the teeth. Eventually you German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and expensive treatment, which can be hard for your pet emotionally and financially.
Training
German Shepherds are widely used for service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are active, athletic and highly trained. They are good for people who have a lot of time to devote to training, exercise and cleaning up shed fur. They are also good for those who wish to have a trustworthy high-performing friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd dog is a highly reliable companion and the ideal choice for many family members including children and adults. They are protective of their loved ones and may not be comfortable with strangers. They respond best to fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also require lots of mental stimulation, which is why having a variety of games and puzzles for training is vital to keep them engaged.
Find an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to develop a relationship with you. They should be able to show you their mother and litter and their health history, the environment that they were raised in and answer any questions you may have. They will also be able to tell you how the puppies were raised and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely to be mills, not breeders with a good reputation. They are typically bred to make the sake of profit and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder checks their breeding stock in order to prevent hereditary disease and other health issues that can arise in the puppies.
It is essential to begin training your puppy as quickly as possible, regardless of the breed you select. Teach basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. Also train your dog on leash to ensure your German Shepherd is calm when out and about. Training in obedience early is essential to keep them from chasing anything that moves. You can also stimulate their natural instinct to herd by engaging them in recall exercises.
Make sure you spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so that they will grow to enjoy being with you. This is important as the period of socialization lasts until they reach 16 weeks old. After that, they may become less open to new people or places and experiences.
Care
Whatever the place you purchase the 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 yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the costs associated with dog walking and boarding, as well as professional obedience training. These costs can amount to thousands of dollars over the course of the lifetime of your puppy.
Find a breeder who has high standards and ad here s to good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of elbow dysplasia and hip screenings for the father and mother and for temperament testing of the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. They regularly interact with animals and are aware of how to breed ethically.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might make him want to chase and leap on people, he'll respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to all the members of your family as the puppy grows. German Shepherds are very close to their families and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental disease that starts with tartar build-up, and then progresses to gum inflammation and the roots of teeth. It's a common issue that can lead to the loss of teeth as well as serious complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is another concern, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer that develops blood-rich tumors, usually in the spleen and the heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone, and intestinal.
Retrieving an German Shepherd from shelters is an alternative for those who cannot afford to pay the cost of purchasing a purebred puppy. Shelter staff can assist you to select a dog that fits your lifestyle and has a positive temperament. Adopting a dog can be less expensive than buying one. Adoption fees typically include initial medical examinations and vaccines, as well as spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can give you advice on preparing your home for a dog, such as making sure your home is safe and putting away any items that can be chewed on or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs and it's important to have an outlet for their energy. 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 anything that is in reach.
You can also expose them to a variety of individuals, places and situations when they're young. This will help them realize that there is no danger to everyone. This can be done by taking walks on the street or in parks, interacting with neighbors during play sessions or even taking them to places they haven't 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. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to stay on his mat. It can be more complicated than heelwork or playing games of recall.
Dog sports such as agility or flyball can provide a great workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Be sure to begin slowly with these kinds of activities to ensure that you don't overload your dog. Be sure to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can lead to heat-related illness in young dogs.
Apart from these activities, it's recommended to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They need this to get physical activity and to explore the world outside of their home. It is important to take them to various locations so that they can explore new sounds and surroundings.