Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A top choice for military, police and other service dogs, German Shepherds are highly intelligent, secure and loyal. They're also incredibly active, and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural protectiveness can manifest as aggression towards strangers, which is why early training and socialization are crucial. They can also display compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive actions, like tail following.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health however, good breeding practices can help to reduce the likelihood of certain health conditions. Breeders with good reputation check parents to ensure they are not passing on preventable diseases like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
All puppies, no matter what their breeding history, should be examined by a vet before they are taken to their new homes. This helps the vets determine any health issues and treat them as soon as possible to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are vital for the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary exams, vaccinations and other preventive care will allow your pet to live a long and happy.
German Shepherds are prone to autoimmune diseases, hemangiosarcoma, and seizures and epilepsy. They may also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. These conditions can be controlled and prevented by consuming the correct diet, avoiding table food and treats, and implementing preventive medication as early as is possible.
All dogs are susceptible to digestive issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. It can be caused by eating the wrong type of food, food allergies and underlying medical conditions. A commercial food that is of high quality, frequent urination and water consumption and limiting treats are often helpful with digestive issues.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This condition is caused by gas that fills the stomach and it turns around itself, cutting off the blood supply and resulting in death if not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching, but not swallowing. They also include an enlarged stomach, restlessness and lethargy. Preventive surgery to tack or suture the stomach to reduce the chance of developing this deadly illness.
Dental disease is a different issue that can affect all dogs, but especially German Shepherds. In the absence of treatment, tartar can cause gum disease and infections at the root of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth, or require expensive and extensive treatment. This can be financially and emotionally challenging for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been extensively used as protection, service and police dogs. They are active, athletic and extremely capable of training. They are ideal for those who have plenty of time available to train, exercise and cleaning the shed fur. They are also great for people who want to have a loyal high-performing friend.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a extremely reliable companion and an ideal choice for many family members, including children and older adults. They are protective of their beloved ones and may be aloof with strangers. They are best trained by using fair, firm and constant methods of training. They also require a lot of stimulation mentally, so it is important to provide a variety of games and puzzles for training.
If you are shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder that cares about the quality of their pups and wants to get to know you. They should be able show you the mother, the litter and their health history and the environment in which they were raised, and answer all your questions. They will also be able tell you how the pups were raised and how they compare with their siblings.
Be wary of puppies from pet stores, as they tend to come from mills than reputable breeders. They are usually bred for profit and may have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will test their breeding stock to stop hereditary diseases and other health issues from occurring in the puppies.
No matter how you choose your puppy, it is essential to begin training your puppy early. Learn the basics of commands, such as sit down, stay, or sit. Train on leash-training to ensure that your German Shepherd will be calm when you are out and out and about. Early obedience training is important to keep them from chasing anything that moves. Recall exercises are an excellent way to get them involved in their natural herding instincts too.
Spend a lot of time with them when they're young so they can learn to love you. This is crucial because the period of socialization lasts until they reach 16 weeks old. After that, they might be less open to new people as well as new places, experiences, and environments.
Care
Whatever you buy your German Shepherd from, he'll need a lifetime of attention. This includes vaccinations, preventive medicine and annual veterinary visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments along with 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 thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Find a breeder who has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of elbow and hip dysplasia screenings for the father and mother and temperament tests for the litter.
Ask veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. These people are familiar with animals, and they know a great deal about breeders who are ethical.
Although deutschen schäferhund kaufen herding impulse can cause him to leap and chase other people however, he will react to discipline and training. Introduce your family members as the puppy grows. German Shepherds are extremely attached to their family members and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease, which begins with tartar build-up, and then leads to gum inflammation and the teeth's roots. It's a frequent problem that can lead to the loss of teeth as well as serious complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a concern for older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces blood-rich tumors, is typically found in the spleen and the heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal.
If you can't afford the cost of a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to get one from a shelter. The shelter's staff can help you choose a dog that has a good temperament and that will fit with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog may be cheaper than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include initial medical exams, vaccines and spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can offer advice on how to prepare your home for a new puppy by making sure your home is secure and removing anything that could be chewed on or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to find a way to channel their energy. If they don't have enough physical activity it could result in them becoming restless and redirecting their energy to something unintentional like digging around in the yard or chewing on anything that is in reach.
You can also expose them to different types of people, places, and situations when they're young. This will help them to understand that not everyone is a threat. This can be accomplished by walking in the street or in parks, interacting with the neighbors during playtimes, and even taking their children to places that they've never been before (as long as they are safe).
Apart from going out and having a good time, it's also a good idea to incorporate obedience training into workout sessions. This can be as simple as teaching children to sit and stay on their mats, however it could be as complex as doing heelwork with them or playing games of recall.
Dog sports like agility or flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also help them improve their mental skills. Be sure to start slowly with these kinds of activities so you don't overexert your pup. And always remember to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can lead to heat-related illness in puppies.
Aside from these kinds of activities, it's also a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They require this to engage in active and to discover the world beyond their own home. It's essential to take them to various locations so that they can experience new sounds and environments.