Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are excellent service dogs for police, military, and other agencies. They are smart and loyal. They are also secure. They are also extremely active and require lots of stimulation and exercise.
Early training and socialization is essential because their natural protectiveness can manifest as aggression towards strangers. They can also display the signs of compulsions, like repetitive behavior such as tail following.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs however, good breeding practices can help to reduce the likelihood of certain health conditions. Reputable breeders monitor parents to ensure that they do not pass on preventable diseases, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy puppies.
No matter what their breeding history, all puppies should be examined by a veterinarian prior to when they leave for their new homes. This helps the vets detect any health issues and treat them as soon as possible in order to minimize complications and improve outcomes.
When it concerns the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinary visits are vital. Regular veterinary exams as well as vaccinations and other preventive care will allow your pet to live a an extended, healthy life.
German Shepherds are at risk for autoimmune diseases, hemangiosarcoma, and seizures/epilepsy. They are also prone to bleeding disorders. Many of these ailments can be controlled or prevented by implementing a healthy diet by avoiding treats and table food and taking preventive medication as early as possible.
All dogs suffer from digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. This is often caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies and the underlying medical condition. A commercial food that is of high quality, frequent urination and drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets are often helpful with digestive issues.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This condition occurs when gas fills the stomach and twists around itself, severing the blood supply, resulting in death if it is not treated. Signs of GDV include retching or trying to heave but not swallowing, an increased abdomen, lethargy, restlessness and sitting in a prayer posture with the head down. A preventive procedure that sutures or tacks the stomach in place can reduce the risk of this debilitating 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 you German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and expensive treatment, which can be a burden on your pet emotionally as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively utilized for service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent breeds for herding. They are athletic, active and highly capable of training. They are great for people who have plenty of time to train or exercising, as well as cleaning the shed fur. They are also ideal for people who want to have a reliable and highly skilled companion.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a very reliable pet and the best choice for many family members, including children and older adults. They can be protective of their family members and remain aloof towards strangers. They are most comfortable with solid, consistent and fair training methods. They also require plenty of stimulation in their minds, so it is important to provide a variety of puzzles and training games.
Find a German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and wants to build a relationship with you. They will be able to show you the mother, the litter and their health history as well as the environment in which they were raised and answer all your questions. They can tell 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 than breeders with a good reputation. They are typically bred to make money and may have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will test their breeding stock to prevent hereditary diseases and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
It is important to start training your puppy as quickly as you can, regardless of how you choose your puppy. Learn the basics of commands such as sit down, stay and sit. Also, work on leash training so your German Shepherd is calm when out and about. They are curious, so early obedience training is vital to prevent them from chasing after everything that moves. Engaging in some recall exercises is an excellent way to get them involved in their natural herding instincts as well.
Spend lots of time with them while they're young to help them be taught to love you. This is important because the period of socialization lasts until they reach 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people or places and experiences.
Care
Whatever the place you purchase your German Shepherd, he will require ongoing care. This includes vaccinations, preventive medicine and annual veterinary visits ($700 to $1200 annually). Additionally, you'll need to purchase grooming appointments along with pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Take into this post for dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training, which could add up to several thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Look for a breeder that has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of elbow dysplasia and hip screenings for the mother and father and temperament tests for the litter.
Consult with veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. They are knowledgeable about animals, and they are aware of a great deal about breeders who are ethical.
Although a German shepherd's herding impulse could cause him to jump and chase others, he will respond to training and discipline. Introduce him to all members of your family as he grows. German Shepherds are very 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 progresses to gum inflammation and roots of teeth. It's a problem that is widespread and can lead tooth loss and other serious complications such as kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Cancer is a problem for dogs who are older. Hemangiosarcoma, a type cancer that forms blood-rich tumors is most often located in the spleen and the heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone and intestinal.
Rescuing an German Shepherd from shelters is a viable option for those who can't afford to pay the cost of buying a purebred dog. The staff at the shelter can assist you select a dog who has good temperament and that will fit with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog may be cheaper than purchasing 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 instance they will tell you what items you should put away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be extremely active, and it is crucial to give them a way to let their energy go. If they don't get enough physical exercise, it could cause them to become restless and putting their energy to undesirable activities, such as digging up the yard, or chewing on things that are that is within reach.
It's important to expose them to a variety of people, places, and situations while they are young, as this will help them understand that not everyone is a potential threat. You can do this by taking them on walks and to parks, having them engage in the time with your neighbors or going to places they've not been before.
Aside from getting out and socializing It's also a great idea to include obedience training into your exercises. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to sit on his mat. It could be as complicated as doing heelwork or playing games of recall.
Dog sports such as flyball or agility are an excellent exercise for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Just be sure to begin slow with these types of activities to ensure that you don't overload your puppy. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This could lead to diseases caused by heat in young dogs.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. They need this to get physical activity and to explore the world beyond their home. It is important to take them to different locations so that they can experience new sounds and environments.