Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are great service dogs for military, police, and other agencies. They are intelligent and loyal, as well as protective. They're also extremely active, requiring plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Early socialization and training is crucial because their natural protection can manifest as aggression towards strangers. They may also display behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions such as tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices can lower the risk of certain health conditions. Breeders with a good reputation check their parents' health to prevent passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, including hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy.
Whatever their breeding background, all puppies should be carefully inspected by a vet before they go to their new homes. This helps the vets detect any health issues and treat them as early as they can to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
When it concerns the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinarian visits are crucial. Regular veterinary exams as well as vaccinations, and other preventive treatments can ensure that your pet enjoys a an extended, healthy life.
Certain health issues that are that are specific to German Shepherds include autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma, seizures, epilepsy and other bleeding disorders. These conditions can be managed and prevented by consuming the correct diet, avoiding table food and treats, and starting preventive treatment as soon as is possible.
A common health issue that can affect all dogs is gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This could be caused by eating the wrong food, food allergies or other medical conditions. High-quality commercial foods, frequent urination, drinking water and limiting sweets can help with digestive problems.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat (also known as gastric volvulus, or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This is a condition that occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and then twists on itself, preventing blood flow, and possibly result in death within a matter of hours if it is not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching, but not swallowing. They can also be characterized by an overly large stomach, restlessness, and a lack of energy. Preventive surgery that tacks or sutures the stomach in place can lower the risk of this debilitating illness.
German Shepherds aren't immune to the effects of dental disease. Untreated tartar can lead to gum disease and infection at the root of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth or require expensive and long-term treatment. This can be financially and emotionally difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively utilized as service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are athletic, active and highly trained. They are ideal for those who have plenty of time to train and exercise, as well as cleaning the shed fur. They are also good for people who want to have a loyal high-performing friend.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable pet for all family members. This includes children and older adults. They can be protective of their family members, and are aloof towards strangers. They are most comfortable with fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also require a lot of mental stimulation, so having a variety of games and puzzles is essential to keep them focused.
Look for a German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and wants to develop an ongoing relationship with you. They should be able to show you the mother, the litter and their health history, the environment where they were raised, and answer all your questions. They should be able to inform you how the pups were socialized and how they compare to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies at pet stores, since they are more likely to be from breeders who are reputable. They are usually bred for profits and could be afflicted with serious genetic problems. A reputable breeder will check their breeding stock to avoid hereditary diseases and other health problems from developing in the pups.
It is essential to begin training your puppy as quickly as possible, regardless of the breed you select. Introduce basic commands such as sit, stay and down. Train on leash-training to ensure that your German Shepherd will remain calm when you are out and out and about. They are curious, so early obedience training is essential to stop them from chasing after everything that moves. Doing some recall exercises is an excellent way to get them involved in their natural herding instincts as well.
Spend plenty of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so they learn to love being with you. This is important as the period of socialization lasts until they are 16 weeks old. After that, they might be less open to new people, places, and experiences.
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No matter where you buy your German Shepherd from, he'll need a lifetime of attention. This includes vaccinations, preventive medication and annual veterinary visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll also need to purchase grooming appointments, pet food and a yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the additional costs for dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training. This could cost thousands of dollars over your puppy's lifetime.
Find a breeder who adheres to high standards and good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of elbow dysplasia and hip screenings for the mother and father and for temperament testing of the litter.
Talk to veterinarians and local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. These people are familiar with animals and know a great deal about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct could cause him to want to chase and jump over people, he'll respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to all members of your family as he grows. German Shepherds are extremely bonded to their families and require lots of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease. It starts with tartar buildup and progresses to infection of the gums and the teeth's roots. It's a condition that's widespread and can lead tooth loss and serious complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is another issue, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, a type cancer that forms blood-rich tumors is typically located in the spleen and heart. Other types of cancer include bone, lung and intestinal.
If you are unable to pay for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to rescue one from shelters. The shelter's staff can help you select a dog who has good temperament and match your lifestyle. Adopting a pet is cheaper than purchasing one. Adoption fees typically include medical exams at the beginning and vaccinations, as well spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter may offer advice on how to prepare your home to accommodate a dog. For instance they will tell you which items to removed and where they should be.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to have an outlet for their energy. If they don't get enough exercise it could result in them becoming restless and redirecting their energy to something unintentional, like digging around in the yard or chewing at whatever is within reach.
It's also a good idea to expose them to a range of people, places and situations when they're young, as this will help them understand that not everyone is a potential threat. You can accomplish this by taking them for walks or to the parks, engaging in the time with your neighbors or going to places they've not been before.
Apart from going out and socializing, it's also a good idea to include obedience training into your workout sessions. It could be as simple as teaching your dog to stay on his mat. It could be as complicated as doing heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility or flyball are excellent for your German Shepherd pup and can also aid in improving their mental skills. Make sure you begin slow with these types of activities to ensure that you don't overload your puppy. Be sure to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this can lead to heat-related illness in young dogs.
In addition to these activities, it's also a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. It's important to give them physical exercise and also to experience the world beyond their own. It's essential to take them to different places so they can discover new sounds and experiences.