Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A top choice for military, police and other service dogs, German Shepherds are highly intelligent, protective and extremely loyal. They are also extremely active and require plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural defense mechanisms can manifest as aggression towards strangers, so early training and socialization is essential. They may also exhibit compulsions such as repetitive behaviors such as tail chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, though good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of some health conditions. Breeders who are reputable screen their parents to avoid passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy.
Regardless of their breeding background, all puppies should be examined by a veterinarian before they go to their new homes. This helps the vets detect any health issues and treat them as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of complications and increase outcomes.
When it comes to the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular vet visits are essential. Regular veterinary examinations along with vaccinations and other preventive measures can help your pet lead a long and happy life.
German Shepherds are at risk of an autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma or seizures/epilepsy. They could also be prone to bleeding disorders. These conditions can be controlled and prevented by consuming the correct diet, avoiding table foods and treats, and starting preventive treatment as soon as possible.
All dogs are susceptible to digestive issues, including diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This could be caused by eating the wrong food, food allergies, or other medical conditions. Commercially produced high-quality foods and frequent urination, as well as drinking water and limiting sweets can help ease digestive problems.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This is a condition that occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and twists around itself, severing 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 also have an enlarged stomach, irritability, and lethargy. Preventive surgery that sutures or tacks the stomach in place can reduce the risk of this devastating disease.
Dental disease is a different problem that affects all dogs, but especially German Shepherds. If left untreated the build-up of tartar can lead to gum disease and infection of the root of the teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth or require expensive and long-term treatment. This could be financially and emotionally difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been extensively used for protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, active and highly capable of training. They are an ideal fit for people who are active and have plenty of time to devote to exercise, training and cleaning up hair shed. They are also ideal for people who want to have a trustworthy and highly skilled companion.
A well-trained German Shepherd dog is a extremely reliable companion and an best choice for many family members including children as well as older adults. They are protective of their loved ones and may be aloof with strangers. blaue schäferhunde respond best to fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also require lots of mental stimulation, which is why a good variety of games and puzzles is essential to keep them engaged.
If you are shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who cares about the quality of their pups and wants to connect with you. They should be able to show you the litter and mother and their health history, the environment in which they were raised and be able to answer your questions. They can inform you about the socialization of their pups and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies available from pet stores, as they tend to come from mills rather than breeders that are reputable. They are typically bred for the sake of profit and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to prevent hereditary illnesses and other health issues from developing in the pups.
It is important to start training your puppy as quickly as you can, regardless of which puppy you choose. Teach basic commands such as sit, stay, and down. Also, work on leash training to ensure your German Shepherd is calm when out and out and about. Early obedience training is important to prevent them from chasing everything that moves. You can also stimulate their natural instinct to herd by engaging them in recall exercises.
Spend lots of time with them while they're young so they can learn to love you. This is important as the socialization period lasts until they are 16 weeks old. After that, they might be less open to new people or places and experiences.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
Regardless of where you purchase the German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes annual visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). You'll be required to pay for pet food, grooming appointments and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Consider the additional costs of dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training. These costs could cost thousands of dollars over your puppy's lifetime.
Find a breeder who maintains high standards, and uses 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.
Consult with veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers to get recommendations. They are often in contact with animals and are aware of the importance of ethical breeders.
Although a German shepherd's instinct to herd can cause him to leap and chase people however, he will react to training and discipline. Introduce him to all members of your family as the puppy grows. German Shepherds are extremely attached to their families and require lots of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease. It starts with tartar buildup before progressing into infection of the gums and the roots of teeth. It's a common issue that can lead to loss of teeth and serious complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a major concern for dogs that are old. Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer that forms blood-rich tumors, which are typically found in the spleen and the heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone and intestinal.
Retrieving the German Shepherd from a shelter is an alternative for those who cannot afford to pay the cost of purchasing a purebred puppy. Shelter staff can help you select a dog that fits your lifestyle and has a positive temperament. Adopting a pet is cheaper than purchasing one. Adoption fees usually include medical exams at the beginning and vaccines, as well spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter will offer advice on how to 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 very active, so it's crucial to give them the opportunity to let their energy go. If they don't have enough physical activity it could result in them becoming restless and redirecting that energy into something undesirable, like digging around in the yard or chewing on anything that is within reach.
You can also expose them to different people, places and situations while they are young. This will help them understand that not everyone is a threat. You can do this by taking them for walks, going to parks, having them engage in the time with your neighbors or going to places they've not been before.
In addition to getting out and being social It's also a good idea to incorporate obedience training into exercises. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to sit and remain on his mat. It could be more complicated than heelwork or playing games of recall.
Dog sports such as flyball or agility can be an excellent workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also improve their mental abilities as well. Just be sure to start off slow with these types of exercises to ensure you don't stress your puppy. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This can lead to illnesses related to heat in puppies.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. They need to be involved in physical activity and to explore the world beyond their home. It's a good idea to change the places you go on your walks to ensure that they see new environments and are exposed to all the noises within the world of theirs.