Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are excellent service dogs for military, police and other authorities. They are smart and loyal. They are also guardian. They are also extremely active and require plenty of stimulation and exercise.
Early socialization and training is essential because their natural protectiveness can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They can also exhibit compulsions, such as repetitive actions like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices can reduce the risk of certain health issues. Breeders who are reputable screen their parents to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
All puppies, no matter what their breeding history, should be examined by a vet prior to when they are released to their new homes. This allows the vet to determine and treat any health issues as quickly as possible to minimize complications and improve the outcome.
Regular veterinary visits are essential for the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary examinations as well as vaccinations and other preventive care can help your pet live a long, happy life.
Certain health issues that are specific to German Shepherds include autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma, seizures and epilepsy disorders, as well as bleeding conditions. A lot of these conditions are treatable or preventable by implementing a healthy diet by avoiding treats and table food and taking preventive medication as early as possible.
A common health issue that affects all dogs is gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This can be caused by eating the wrong type of food, or food allergies, and other medical conditions. Commercially produced high-quality foods and frequent urination, as well as water consumption and limiting sweets can help ease digestive problems.
German Shepherds are more prone to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus, or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This is a condition that is caused by the stomach filling with gas and twists on itself, preventing blood flow and resulting in death within a matter of hours if it is not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching but not swallowing. They also include an enlarged stomach, restlessness and a lack of energy. A preventive procedure to suture or tack the stomach to reduce the risk of contracting this deadly illness.
German Shepherds aren't immune to dental diseases. If left untreated tartar build-up could lead to gum disease and infections of the root of the teeth. At some point the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and costly treatment. This can be hard on your pet's emotional well and financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs which have been extensively used as service, protection and police dogs. They are athletic, energetic and extremely trainable. They are good for people who have plenty of time to devote to training, 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 dog is a extremely reliable companion and an best choice for many family members, including children and older adults. They can be protective of their family members and aloof towards strangers. They are best trained with fair, firm, and consistent training methods. They also require a lot of stimulation in their minds, so it is essential to provide a variety of games and puzzles for training.
Find a German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to build a relationship with you. They should be able to show you the litter and their mother as well as their health history, their environment where they were raised and be able to answer your questions. They can inform you about the socialization of their puppies and how they compare to their siblings.
Beware of puppies sold in pet stores. They are more likely from mills rather than breeders with a good reputation. They are usually bred for profit and may have serious genetic problems. A reputable breeder checks their breeding stock in order to prevent hereditary disease and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
It is crucial to begin training your puppy as quickly as possible, no matter which puppy you choose. schäferhund kaufen österreich like sit down, stay and sit. Also do some leash training to ensure your German Shepherd is calm when out and about. They are curious, and early obedience training is crucial to stop them from chasing after everything that moves. Doing some recall exercises is a great way to engage their natural herding instincts, too.
Spend time with them while they're young to help them be taught to love you. This is important as the period of socialization lasts until they reach 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people, places, and experiences.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
No matter where you purchase your German Shepherd from, he'll need a lifetime of attention. This includes vaccinations, preventive medicine and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll also need to purchase grooming appointments as well as pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Think about the additional costs associated with dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training. These costs can add up to several thousand dollars over your puppy's lifetime.
Look for a breeder who has high standards and uses good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of elbow and hip dysplasia screenings for the mother and father and for temperament testing of the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. These individuals are familiar with animals, and they are aware of an abundance of information about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might cause him to want to chase and jump over people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce him to all members of your family as he grows. German Shepherds bond strongly with their families and require lots of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental diseases. It begins with tartar buildup and progresses into infection of the gums, and roots of teeth. It's a condition that's frequent and can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications such as kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is a major concern for dogs that are old. Hemangiosarcoma is a kind of cancer that causes blood-rich tumors, usually in the spleen or heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone, and intestinal.
If you're unable to afford the cost of a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to get one from an animal shelter. The staff at the shelter can help you choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and has a good temperament. Adopting a dog may be cheaper than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include medical exams, vaccines and spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can provide advice on how to prepare your home for a new puppy for example, making sure the area is safe and putting away any items that could be chewed on or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs, and it's crucial to have an outlet for their energy. If they don't have enough exercise it could result in them being restless and redirected the energy into something that isn't desirable such as digging up the yard or chewing on whatever is in reach.
It's also a good idea to expose them to a variety of people, places, and situations while they're young, since this will help them learn that not everyone is a threat. You can accomplish this by taking them for walks or to the parks, engaging in playtime with neighbors or taking them to places they've never been before.
It's a good idea, in addition to going out and socializing to incorporate obedience-training during workouts. This can be as simple as teaching them to sit and stay on their mat, but it could be as complex as doing heelwork with them or playing recall games.
Dog sports like flyball or agility are a great workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also help them develop their mental skills as well. Start slowly so as not to over-exert the puppy. Be sure to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this can cause heat-related illnesses in puppies.
Aside from these kinds of activities, it's also an excellent idea to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. It's important to allow them to engage in physical exercise and also to experience the world beyond their own. It's important to take them to various places so they can experience new sounds and environments.