Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A popular choice for military, police and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, protective and loyal. They're also incredibly active, and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural instinct to protect themselves can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers, so early training and socialization are essential. They may also display behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions such as tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs However, good breeding practices can lower the risk of certain health conditions. Breeders who are reputable monitor their parents to prevent passing on preventable problems to their puppies, like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
No matter what their breeding background, all puppies should be carefully inspected by a veterinarian prior to when they leave for their new homes. This allows vets to determine any health issues and treat them as soon as possible in order to reduce the risk of complications and increase results.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are vital to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Routine veterinary exams, vaccinations, and other preventive measures can ensure that your pet enjoys a a long, happy life.
German Shepherds are at risk of autoimmune diseases, hemangiosarcoma, and epilepsy/seizure disorder. They could also be prone to bleeding disorders. These conditions can be controlled and prevented by choosing the correct diet, avoiding table food and treats, and beginning preventive medication as early as is possible.
A common health problem that affects all dogs is gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. It can be caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies or the underlying medical condition. A commercial food that is of high quality frequent urination, regular the consumption of water and limiting sweets can often help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds have narrow, deep chests, which can make them susceptible to bloat, also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists around itself, preventing blood flow and potentially leading to death within a couple of hours if untreated. Symptoms of GDV include the tendency to retch or try to heave but not swallowing, an increased abdomen, lethargy, restlessness and lying in a prayer position with your head down. Preventive surgery to tack or suture the stomach in place may reduce the risk of developing this deadly illness.
Dental disease is another frequent problem that affects all dogs, but in particular German Shepherds. If tartar is not treated, it can lead to gum disease and infection at the roots of teeth. At some point you German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and costly treatment, which can be a burden for your pet emotionally as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs which have been extensively used for protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, active and highly trained. They are good for people who have a lot 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 high-performing friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They are protective of their loved family members and can be shy with strangers. They respond best to solid, consistent and fair training methods. They also require a lot of stimulation in their minds, so it is essential to provide a variety of games and puzzles for training.
Look for an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to develop a relationship with you. They should be able to show you the mother, the litter, their health background as well as the environment in which they were raised, and answer all your questions. They should also be able tell you how the puppies were raised and how they compare with their siblings.
Be wary of puppies at pet stores, since they are more likely to come from breeders who are reputable. They are usually bred to make money and may have serious issues genetically. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock in order to avoid hereditary diseases and other health issues from occurring in the puppies.
It is essential to begin training your puppy as quickly as possible, regardless of which puppy you choose. Learn the basics of 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. Training for obedience in the beginning is crucial to keep them from chasing anything that moves. Engaging in deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz is a great way to engage their natural herding instincts, as well.
Spend lots of time with them while they're young so they can learn to love you. This is important as the time for socialization is from they reach 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people as well as new places, experiences, and environments.
Care
Whatever the place you purchase your German Shepherd, he will require a lifetime of care. This includes annual visits to the vet and vaccinations, as well as preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). You'll be required to pay for grooming, food, appointments and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Consider the costs of dog walking or boarding as well as professional obedience training. These costs can add up to several thousand dollars over the course of the life of your puppy.
Look for a breeder that has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Ask the breeder to provide evidence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for the mother and the father as well as temperament tests for the litter.
Ask veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog trainers and groomers for recommendations. They are knowledgeable about animals and know an abundance of information about breeders who are ethical.
Although a German shepherd's herding instinct could cause him to jump and chase people but he will be able to respond to training and discipline. Introduce him to your family members as you grow. German Shepherds bond strongly with their families and need plenty of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease that starts with tartar build-up and progresses to gum inflammation and roots of teeth. This is a condition that is widespread and can lead tooth loss and other serious complications such as kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Cancer is a concern for dogs who are older. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops blood-rich tumors that are usually found in the spleen and the heart. Other cancers include lung bone, and the intestinal.
If you are unable to pay for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you might be able to save one from an animal shelter. Shelter staff can assist you to choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and has a great temperament. Adopting a dog may be less expensive than purchasing one, and adoption costs usually include medical examinations including vaccinations, spaying and neutering. The staff at the shelter can also give advice on how you can prepare your home to accommodate a dog. For example, they can tell you what items should be put away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be very active, so it's important to give them an opportunity to release their energy. If they don't have enough physical activity this can lead to them being bored and redirecting that energy into something undesirable such as digging up the yard or chewing on whatever is within reach.
You can also expose them to a variety of individuals, places and situations when they're young. This will help them realize that not everyone is a threat. You can accomplish this by taking them on walks, going to parks, interacting during the time with your neighbors or going to places they've not been before.
Aside from getting out and being social 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 and remain on his mat. It could be more complicated than 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. Start slowly so as not to over-exert the puppy. Always remember to stay clear of exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can cause heat-related illnesses in puppies.
In addition to these activities, it's also a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. This is important to give them physical exercise and also to experience the world beyond their own. It's essential to take them to different places to explore new sounds and surroundings.