Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are great service dogs for police, military and other governmental agencies. They are smart and loyal, as well as secure. They're also incredibly active, requiring plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Early training and socialization is vital because their natural instinct to protect can manifest as aggression towards strangers. They may also exhibit the signs of compulsions, like repetitive behavior such as tail following.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, but good breeding practices can lower the chance of developing certain health conditions. Breeders who are reputable check parents to ensure they are not passing on preventable issues like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
All puppies, regardless of their breeding history, should be thoroughly inspected by a vet before they are released to their new homes. This allows the veterinarian to determine and address any health issues as quickly as possible to minimize complications and improve the outcome.
Regular veterinary visits are essential to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary examinations as well as vaccinations, and other preventive treatments will allow your pet to live a a long, happy life.
Certain health issues that are specifically for German Shepherds are Hemangiosarcoma, autoimmune disease, epilepsy/seizure disorders and bleeding conditions. These conditions can be controlled and prevented by consuming the correct diet, SchäFerhundwelpen avoiding table food and treats, and implementing preventive medications as soon as possible.
A common health problem that affects all dogs is digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This can be caused by eating the wrong type of food, food allergies and other medical conditions. A commercial food that is of high quality, frequent urination and water consumption and limiting treats can often help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds have deep, narrow chests, which make them susceptible to bloat which is also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a condition that occurs when gas fills the stomach and twists around itself, cutting off the blood supply and eventually resulting in death if it is not treated. Signs of GDV include rectching or attempting to breathe but not swallowing, an enlarged abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and sitting in a prayer posture with the head lowered. A preventive procedure that sutures or tacks the stomach in place can reduce the risk of contracting this debilitating disease.
German Shepherds aren't immune to the effects of dental disease. If tartar is not treated, it can lead to gum disease and infection at the roots of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth or require expensive and extensive treatment. This could be financially and emotionally difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively utilized for service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are athletic, active and highly capable of training. They are a good fit for those who are very active and have plenty of time to training, exercising and removing hair that has fallen out. They are also ideal for those who wish to have a reliable and highly skilled companion.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a highly reliable companion and the best choice for many family members, including children and older adults. They are protective of their loved ones and may be aloof with strangers. They are best trained with fair, firm, and regular training methods. They also require a lot of stimulation in their minds, so it is crucial to provide a variety puzzles and games for training.
Find an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and is eager to establish relationships with you. They should show you the litter and mother as well as their health history, their environment in which they were raised, and answer your questions. They should also be able tell you how the pups were raised and how they compare to their siblings.
Be cautious of puppies that are available at pet stores, since they are more likely to be from breeders who are reputable. They are typically bred to make money, and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock to avoid hereditary diseases and other health issues that can arise in the puppies.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it is essential to begin training as early as possible. Learn the basics of commands such as sit, stay and down. Learn to leash-train so that your German Shepherd will be calm when you're out and out and about. Early obedience training is important to prevent them from chasing everything that moves. Doing some recall exercises is an excellent way to stimulate their natural herding instincts, as well.
Spend lots of time with them while they're young to help them learn to love you. This is particularly important as they go through a crucial socialization window until about 16 weeks old, following which they may be less receptive to new people, experiences and places.
Care
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 be required to pay for grooming, food, appointments, and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Think about the cost of dog walking and boarding, as well as professional obedience training. They can be thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Choose a breeder who has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Ask the breeder to provide documentation of elbow and hip dysplasia screenings for the father and mother and temperament tests for the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. These people regularly interact with animals and are aware of how to breed ethically.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct could make him want to chase and jump over people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce him to every member of your family as the puppy grows. German Shepherds are extremely bonded to their families and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental diseases, which starts with tartar build-up, and then develops into gum inflammation and roots of teeth. It's a common issue that can cause loss of teeth and severe complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is a different issue, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, a type cancer that produces blood-rich tumors is most often located in the spleen and the heart. Other cancers include lung bone and intestinal.
If you are unable to pay for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you might be able to save one from an animal shelter. The staff at the shelter can assist you select a dog with an excellent temperament and is compatible with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog can also be less expensive than buying one, and adoption costs usually include medical examinations, vaccines and spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter may give advice on how you can prepare your home for a dog. For example they will tell you what items should be stored away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to have a outlet for their energy. If they don't have enough physical activity it could result in them becoming restless and redirecting their energy to something unintentional such as digging up the yard or chewing on whatever is within reach.
You can also expose them to different people, places and situations when they are young. This will help them realize that not everyone is a threat. This can be accomplished by walking in the street or in parks, getting to know neighbors during play sessions, and even taking them to places they haven't been before (as as they're safe).
In addition to getting out and being social It's also a good idea to include obedience training into your exercises. This can be as simple as teaching children to sit and stay on their mats, but it could be as complicated as doing heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility and flyball are excellent for your German Shepherd pup and can also help improve their mental skills. Begin slowly to ensure that you don't to overexert the puppy. Always remember to stay clear of engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can cause heat-related illnesses in puppies.
Apart from these activities, it's also a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. It's important for them to get some physical exercise and to explore the world outside of their home. It's a good idea vary where you go during these walks so that they experience new surroundings and are exposed to the sounds within the world that they live in.