Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds make excellent service dogs for the military, police and other governmental agencies. They are smart and loyal, as well as protective. They are also extremely active and require plenty of stimulation and exercise.
Early training and socialization is vital because their natural instinct to protect can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They may also display behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive behaviors like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices may reduce the risk of certain health conditions. Breeders who are reputable check their parents' health to prevent passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
All puppies, no matter what their breeding history, should be examined by a vet prior to when they are sent to their new homes. This helps the veterinarian identify and treat any health issues as soon as possible, thereby reducing the risk of complications and improve outcomes.
Regular veterinary visits are essential for the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and other preventive treatments can ensure that your pet enjoys a an extended, healthy life.
German Shepherds are prone to an autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma or epilepsy/seizure disorder. They could also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. These ailments can be treated and prevented by consuming the correct diet, avoiding table foods and treats, and implementing preventive medications as soon as possible.
All dogs can suffer from digestive issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This could be caused by eating the wrong food, food allergies or other medical conditions. A high-quality commercial food, frequent urination and drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets are often helpful with digestive issues.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (also known as gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This is a condition that occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and then twists on itself, severing blood flow and potentially result in death within a matter of hours if not treated. The symptoms of GDV include the tendency to retch or try to heave but not swallowing, a swollen abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and sitting in a prayer posture with your head down. Preventive surgery that sutures or tacks the stomach in place can reduce the risk of contracting this devastating disease.
German Shepherds aren't immune to dental disease. If not treated the build-up of tartar can lead to gum disease and infection of the roots of the teeth. At some point, your German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and costly treatment. This could be difficult on your pet emotionally and financially.
Training
German Shepherds are widely used for service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are athletic, active and extremely capable of training. They are an ideal fit for active people with plenty of time to devote to training, exercising and removing hair that has fallen out. They are also a great choice for those who are looking for an extremely reliable, trustworthy friend.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes children and older adults. They can be protective of their family members, and are aloof towards strangers. These dogs do best by using fair, firm and consistent training methods. They also require a lot of mental stimulation, which is why an array of training games and puzzles is vital to keep them focused.
Look for an German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and wants to develop a relationship with 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 can tell you about the socialization of their pups and how they compare to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely from mills than reputable breeders. They are typically produced to earn money and may be suffering from serious issues genetically. A reputable breeder checks 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 possible, regardless of which puppy you choose. Teach basic commands such as sit down, stay, and sit. Learn to leash-train so that your German Shepherd will remain calm when you are out and about. They are curious, and early obedience training is crucial to stop them from chasing after anything that moves. Doing some recall exercises is an excellent way to stimulate their natural herding instincts as well.
Spend a lot of time with them when they're young so they can learn to love you. This is crucial because the period of socialization lasts until they reach 16 weeks old. After that, they might be less open to new people as well as new places, experiences, and environments.
Care
Regardless of where you purchase the German Shepherd, he will require a lifetime of care. deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz includes vaccinations, preventive medicine and annual veterinary visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll be required to pay for pet food, grooming appointments and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Think about the cost of dog walking and boarding, as well as professional obedience training. These costs can amount to thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Look for a breeder who adheres to high standards and has good breeding methods. Ask the breeder for documentation of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for the mother and the father and temperament testing for the litter.
Ask veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. These people regularly interact with animals and know the importance of ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might cause him to want to chase and leap on people, he will respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to your family members as the puppy grows. German Shepherds are extremely attached to their families and require lots of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental disease, which begins with tartar build-up, and then develops into gum disease and roots of teeth. It's a common issue that can lead to loss of teeth as well as serious complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a major concern for dogs that are old. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that produces tumors rich in blood, is typically located in the spleen and the heart. Other cancers include lung bone and intestinal.
The option of rescuing the German Shepherd from shelters is a viable alternative for those who are unable to afford the expense of purchasing a purebred puppy. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen at the shelter can assist you select a dog with good temperament and that will fit with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog can also be less expensive than buying one, and adoption costs typically include initial medical exams, vaccines and spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can also give advice on how you can prepare your home for dogs. For example they will tell you what items should be removed and where they should be.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to have an outlet for their energy. If they don't have enough physical activity it could result in them being restless and redirected the energy into something that isn't desirable such as digging through the yard or chewing on whatever is in reach.
You can also expose them to a variety of types of people, places, and situations while they are 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 parks, interacting during playtime with neighbors or taking them to places they've never been before.
It's a good idea, in addition to getting out and socializing, to incorporate obedience training during workouts. It can be as simple as teaching them to sit and stay on their mats, however it could be as complex as doing heelwork with them or playing games of recall.
Dog sports like flyball or agility are a great workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also help them develop their mental skills as well. Just be sure to begin gradually with these activities so you don't overexert your puppy. Be sure to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this can lead to heat-related illness in young dogs.
In addition to these activities, it's also a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They need this to get physical activity and to explore the world outside of their home. It's a good idea change the places you go on these walks so they experience new surroundings and are exposed to the many sounds within the world that they live in.