Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're considering buying one, make sure you find an accredited breeder.
Find a dog that has an even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and people.
Breeders who are reputable follow strict ethical breeding practices and will prioritize health clearances for their pups. They will provide the litter's pedigree, as well as medical documents.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a strong confidence level and are strong dogs. They also have a natural need to protect themselves. They may be apprehensive initially, but warm up quickly after being well-socialized. They are known for their bravery and confidence when faced with danger. This makes them an excellent choice for military, police and guard dog duties. They can also be protective of their people and possessions.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be used as an aid dog, obedience competitor or loyal family pet. One of the reasons they're so popular is their ability to learn and perform various tasks. They are quick to bond with their families and love being active in the daily activities in their homes. They are also excellent for children. They're active and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Of course, like all breeds of dog they are prone to nipping with other pets and strangers. Socialization and training early will help prevent aggression issues.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is essential. You'll need to locate a German Shepherd Breeder who follows the rules, including health screening and testing, socialization and raising their pups indoors. You can often determine a breeder's integrity by visiting the facility, talking to the parents and other siblings and asking questions about the genetic history and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, which makes it more prone to bloat. This could lead to fatality. To minimize the risk, feed your puppy plenty of water. Also, be sure that you feed him regularly, and use a bowl with a secure seal.
Like many herding dogs German Shepherds can be nippy. They will naturally bark to alert you of approaching strangers or intrusions. They can be taught how to confidently and calmly greet visitors. It's recommended to take your dog to puppy obedience classes and/or employ the help of a knowledgeable dog trainer, particularly when you're unfamiliar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is well-trained and exercised to stop him from becoming destructive or trying to escape. A microchip, as well as a 24PetWatch subscription, can assist you in locating your dog in the event of him running away.
Health
The GSD is a very robust breed that is extremely robust. However, as with any other breed, it can be susceptible to certain genetic conditions and diseases. It is important that you do your homework to ensure that you purchase from a reputable breeder who cares about the health and well-being of their dogs. Visit their premises, meet the owners and ask for health clearances and socialization reports prior to making an purchase.
Hip dysplasia, a condition that affects joints, is common among German Shepherds, as is weak skeletal muscles, particularly in older dogs. These issues can be easily treated with healthy diet and exercise as well as physical therapy and supplements.
Epilepsy is a different hereditary disorder that can be seen in GSDs. It's typically caused by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar or organ failure) or an underlying toxin. It could also occur when there is no other reason for it, and is known as Idiopathic or primary Epilepsy. If your pet is diagnosed with this condition, he will need lifelong medication to control seizures.
GSDs can also be affected by cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that develops on blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. Swelling, lethargy, and sudden collapse are the most common symptoms. This condition is incredibly painful and there isn't a cure, so treatment focuses around controlling the symptoms.
Allergies can also be a concern for GSDs. They can trigger itchy skin, ear infections and digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If you suspect your dog is allergic, it's best to perform a full medical workup, including an extensive examination and history, tests for the skin and ears as along with lab work and a fecal test.
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that affects GSDs and causes them to lose mobility, usually in their early 20s. This disease is caused by an genetic mutation and is identified by DNA tests. The symptoms of the disease progress and include difficulty in getting up, a reluctance to jump or rise, a loss of thigh muscle mass and discomfort. There is no cure for the condition, but it is treatable with physical therapy and medication.
Training
GSDs have an innate work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, and protection training. Their versatility makes them great service dogs and bomb sniffing dogs, as well as guides for blind.
German Shepherds as a breed are intelligent and eager to please. They can easily become bored, and can exhibit obsessive behavior without adequate physical or mental stimulation. They require a patient, consistent and solid trainer to help them reach their full potential.
If you're planning to buy a purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you choose a breeder who is reliable and who has the dog's welfare in mind. They should conduct an assessment process to determine if the pups are suitable for their family. They should also provide documentation on the puppy's pedigree, health clearances as well as recommendations for training and care.
While each German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that these dogs should be athletic, active and alert, as well as protective and able to bond with family members. You might want to inquire with the breeder about their breeding program, and then see some of the puppies in person so you can assess their demeanor and physical characteristics.
Many people mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at motion as aggression. deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen are just natural reactions that occur when dogs are activated whenever something happens close to them. Some German Shepherds who cover their heads or avoid strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" through socialization but not necessarily cured.
While some dogs shed hairs through the entire year, most shed a lot only twice per year. They shed a lot for three weeks during spring, when they switch from a thicker coat in winter to a lighter coat in summer and again in autumn when they prepare to revert to a thicker coat during winter. You'll need to keep up with regular walks, playtime, exercise, and lots of lint-rollers. A well-trained, well-socialized German shepherd will provide you with years of love, loyalty and companionship.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds require constant training to prevent undesirable behaviors such as digging, chewing, and excessive barking. They are highly intelligent dogs that are able to learn and are awed by having a purpose in life. If left to their own devices for long periods, they can become bored and destructive. A large yard or dog park is a must to channel their energy and give them a outlet for their high level of physical activity.
Reputable breeders can provide you with documentation proving the pedigrees of the puppies and their parents health clearances. You should also meet the parents of the puppies to ensure the breeder has ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia Bloat, heart disease, skin problems and ear infections as well as a number of other conditions. They are more likely to develop cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma that affect organs rich in blood including the liver as well as the spleen.
The Peritoneum is a fibrous and tough connective tissue that surrounds the spleen, as well as the blood vessels which supply it. When the peritoneum becomes inflamed, it can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal inflammation could lead to other complications, including kidney disease, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed goes through an molting time once or twice a year, and you can use a de-shedding tool, undercoat rake or slicker to keep the amount of shedding to a minimum.
GSDs may suffer from a condition known as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). It occurs when the jelly-like padding that is between the vertebrae ruptures and presses against the spinal chord. Symptoms include difficulty moving, climbing stairs or jumping. They also include a tilted back and dragging the back feet. If you observe these signs you should seek medical attention immediately because the condition could develop quickly and cause paralysis and even death. A doctor can move the disc in order to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.