Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking about buying one, find an accredited breeder.
Find a puppy with an even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and the people.
Reputable breeders follow strict ethical breeding practices and prioritize health clearances for their pups. They will provide the litter's pedigree and medical documents.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a powerful confidence level and are powerful dogs. They also have a natural inclination to protect themselves. They can be wary at first, but warm up quickly after being well-socialized. This confidence and fearlessness in the face of danger could make them an ideal choice for military, police and guard dog positions. They are able to guard people and their possessions.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as an obedience competitor or loyal pet for the family. Their ability to learn and perform tasks is among the reasons they're so popular. These dogs are quick to bond with their families and enjoy being involved in all the activities of their home. They're also a great choice for children. They're energetic and play with children as well as other dogs. Like all breeds of dogs however, they can be aggressive with other dogs and strangers. Training and socialization early can assist in preventing aggression.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is important. You'll want to choose a German Shepherd breeder that follows guidelines like screening and health testing socialization, as well as raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can usually determine a breeder's integrity by visiting the facility, meeting the parents and other siblings and asking questions about genetic background and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, making it prone to bloat. This can be fatal. To minimize the risk, make sure to feed your puppy plenty of water and feed him frequently and ensure an appropriate food bowl.
German Shepherds, like other herding breeds, are very nippy. They will bark to warn their owners to strangers or intrusions. They can be taught to be confident and calm when greeting visitors. It's also a good idea to take your dog to puppy obedience classes and/or engage the help of a seasoned dog trainer, particularly if you're not familiar with this breed of dog. This will ensure that your German Shepherd receives the right training and exercise to prevent him from becoming destructive or trying to escape. A microchip and a 24PetWatch membership will also assist in locating your pet's owner if he does run away.
Health
The GSD is an extremely robust breed with a lot of strength. However, as with any other breed, it may be susceptible to certain genetic conditions and diseases. Do your research and ensure you purchase from a reputable dog breeder who cares about the health of their dogs. Before making a purchase go to the place and meet the owners. Also, inquire about health clearances as well as socialization records.
Hip dysplasia, a condition that affects joints, is common in German Shepherds and weakness of the skeletal muscle, especially in older dogs. These problems can be managed by healthy diet supplementation, exercise and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is another hereditary disease that is found in GSDs. It's usually triggered by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar or organ failure) or an underlying toxin. It can also happen if there is no other cause, which is called primary or epilepsy idiopathic. If your dog has this condition it will require ongoing medication to control seizures.
Cancer is another affliction that can affect GSDs especially hemangiosarcoma. It is malignant tumor that grows in blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. Swelling, lethargy, and sudden collapse are the most common symptoms. This condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms.
Allergies can also be a problem for GSDs. They can cause itchy skin, ear infection, and digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If you suspect that your dog is allergic, you'll need to perform a full medical checkup, which includes an extensive examination and history, diagnostic testing on the ear and skin as well as labwork and the fecal test.
Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that can affect GSDs and causes them to lose their mobility, typically in their 20s or early 20s. The cause of this disease is an inherited mutation that is identified by DNA testing. The signs of the disease include increasing difficulty getting up, a lack of willingness to jump or stand with ease, pain, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. The disease is not curable, but can be managed with physical therapy and medication.
Training
GSDs are well-known for their dedication to work, and they benefit from advanced training in obedience, agility, and protection. Their versatility makes them excellent service dogs sniffers, bomb and drug sniffers as well as guides for blind people.
As breeds, German Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager to please. However, they are easily bored and prone to obsessive behaviors without adequate stimulation in their minds or bodies. They require a strong constant, patient, and consistent trainer to help them reach their full potential and assist them to remain confident even in the face of distractions.
If you are looking to purchase a purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you select a breeder who is reliable and has your dog's well-being in mind. They should have a screening procedure to ensure that puppies will be good fits for their families and offer documentation of the puppy's pedigree, health clearances, and suggestions for care and training.
Although every German Shepherd has a unique temperament, the breed standard indicates that they should be active, athletic and alert, secure, and biddable with family members. You might want to inquire with the breeder about their breeding program and see some of the puppies in person to can assess their demeanor and physical characteristics.
Many people confuse the classic German Shepherd behaviors of barking or lunging at a movement as aggression, but they are just normal responses that happen when a dog is triggered by something in the vicinity. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers have genetic shyness that can be cured through socialization, but is not "cured."
While some dogs shed hairs through the year, the majority shed heavily just twice a year. They shed heavily for three weeks in spring, when they switch from an extra thick coat in winter to a lighter coat in summer and again in autumn as they prepare to return to a thicker coat during winter. It is essential to take regular walks, playtime, exercise, and plenty of lint-rollers. Having a well-trained and properly socialized German Shepherd in your home will bring a lot of love, loyalty and companionship for years to come.
Care
German Shepherds require a consistent training to prevent undesirable behavior like digging, chewing and excessive barking. They are intelligent dogs that are awestruck by learning and have a purpose. If left to their own devices for a long time they could become bored and destructive. It is essential to provide them with a huge backyard or dog park to make use of their energy.
Breeders who are reputable can provide you with documents that prove the pedigree of the puppies and their parents health clearances. You should also visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to ensure that the breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices.
GSDs, as a result of their genetic predisposition are more prone to hip and elbow dysplasias, bloats, heart disease and skin problems. deutschen schäferhund kaufen can also be prone ear infections, skin conditions and ear infections. They are more likely to develop cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, which affects organs rich in blood including the liver as well as the spleen.
The peritoneum is a fibrous, tough connective tissue that covers the spleen and the blood vessels which supply it. If the peritoneum is inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal swelling could lead to complications such as kidney disease, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have two coats that require regular brushing to avoid matting and tangling. The breed goes through a molting process once or twice a years. You can use a deshedding tool such as an undercoat rake or a slicker, to reduce the amount of shed.
GSDs may suffer from intervertebral disk diseases (IVDD). This occurs when the jelly-like cushion that lies between the vertebrae ruptures and presses against the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty jumping, climbing stairs or moving around, being reluctant to move with a hunched back, and the dragging of the feet behind. If you notice any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately as the condition can progress quickly and result in paralysis and even death. A veterinarian can reposition discs to lessen symptoms or eliminate them altogether.