Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are great service dogs for the military, police, and other agencies. They are intelligent and loyal, as well as protective. They are also very active and require lots of stimulation and exercise.
Their natural instinct to protect themselves can manifest as aggression toward strangers, so early training and socialization are essential. They can also exhibit behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health However, good breeding practices can lower the risk of certain health issues. Breeders who are reputable check parents to ensure they are not passing on preventable diseases, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
All puppies, no matter what their breeding history, should be thoroughly examined by a vet before they are released to their new homes. This allows vets to detect any health issues and treat them as soon as possible in order to minimize complications and improve results.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are vital for the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary examinations as well as vaccinations, and other preventive treatments will allow your pet to live a long and happy.
Certain health issues that are specifically for German Shepherds are the autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma seizures and epilepsy disorders, as well as bleeding conditions. Many of these conditions are treatable or preventable by following a balanced diet, avoiding treats and table food and introducing preventive medication as early as possible.
A common health issue that can affect all dogs is gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This could be caused by eating the wrong food, food allergies, or underlying medical conditions. A commercial food that is of high quality regular urination, water consumption and limiting treats can often help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds have deep, narrow chests, which cause them to bloat which is also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, preventing blood flow and leading to death within a couple of hours if untreated. Signs of GDV include retching or trying to heave but not swallowing, an increased abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and sitting in a prayer posture with the head down. Preventive surgery that sutures or tacks the stomach to reduce the risk of this debilitating disease.
German Shepherds aren't immune to dental diseases. In the absence of treatment, tartar can cause gum disease and infection at the root of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth or require expensive and long-term treatment. This can be financially and emotionally difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been used extensively for protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, energetic and highly trainable. They are great for people who have a lot of time to train, exercise and cleaning up shed fur. They are also a great fit for people who want a highly capable, loyal friend.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable pet for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They are able to protect their family members, and are aloof towards strangers. They are best trained with fair, firm and constant methods of training. They also need a lot of stimulation mentally, so it is crucial to offer a variety of puzzles and games for training.
When you are looking 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, litter, their health background, the environment where they were raised, and answer all your questions. They will be able to inform you how the pups were raised and how they compare to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely from mills rather than breeders with a good reputation. They are usually bred for the sake of profit and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will check their breeding stock to stop hereditary illnesses and other health issues from developing in the pups.
It is crucial to begin training your puppy as soon as possible, regardless of which puppy you choose. Introduce basic commands such as sit down, stay and sit. Also do Related Home Page training to ensure that your German Shepherd is at peace when you are out and wandering around. 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, too.
Make sure you spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd while they are young, so they can develop a love for being with you. This is important because the period of socialization lasts until they are 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people as well as new places, experiences, and environments.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
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 yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Think about the additional costs associated with dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training. These costs could cost several thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Find a breeder who has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Request the breeder to provide documentation of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for both the father and mother and temperament tests for the litter.
Consult with veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. These people are familiar with animals and know an abundance of information about ethical breeders.
Although a German shepherd's instinct to herd could cause him to jump and chase other people but he will be able to respond to discipline and training. Introduce your family members as you grow. German Shepherds bond strongly with their families and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental diseases, which starts with tartar build-up, and then leads to gum disease and roots of teeth. This is a condition that is frequent and can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is a different issue, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces blood-rich tumors is typically located in the spleen and the heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal.
The option of rescuing an German Shepherd from shelters is a viable alternative for those who cannot afford to pay the cost of purchasing a purebred puppy. The staff at the shelter can help you choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and has a great temperament. Adopting a pet can be less expensive than buying one, and adoption fees usually include medical examinations including vaccinations, spaying and neutering. The staff at the shelter can give you advice on preparing your home for a dog for example, making sure the area is safe and clearing away anything that could be chewed or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be extremely active, and it is essential to provide them with an opportunity to let their energy go. If they don't get sufficient physical exercise, it could result in them becoming bored and putting their energy into undesirable things like digging up the yard, or chewing on anything within reach.
You can also expose them to various types of people, places, and situations when they're young. This will help them to understand that there is no danger to everyone. You can do this by taking them for walks and to the parks, engaging in the time with your neighbors, or even taking them somewhere they've never been before.
It's a good idea, in addition to going out and socializing to incorporate obedience-training during workouts. It can be as simple as teaching them to sit and stay on their mat, but it could be as complicated as doing heelwork or playing games of recall.
Dog sports like agility and flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also aid in improving their mental skills. Just be sure to start off slowly with these kinds of activities to ensure that you don't overload your puppy. Avoid engaging your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This can lead to heat-related illnesses in young dogs.
In addition to these activities, it's an excellent idea to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. It's important to give them physical activity and to discover the world beyond their own. It's important to take them to various places to experience new sounds and environments.