Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A top option for police, military and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, protective and loyal. They are also very active and require lots of stimulation and exercise.
Their natural protectiveness can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers, therefore early training and socialization is essential. They can also display compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive actions, like tail chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices can lower the chance of developing certain health issues. Breeders who are reputable monitor their parents to prevent passing on issues that could be prevented to puppies, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
Regardless of their breeding history, all puppies must be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian before they go to their new homes. This allows the vets to detect any health issues and treat them as early 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 exams, vaccinations, and other preventive steps can help your pet live a long, healthy life.
German Shepherds are at risk for autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma and seizures/epilepsy. They may also be prone to bleeding disorders. Many of these conditions are treatable or preventable by following a balanced diet, avoiding treats and table food, and starting preventive medications at the earliest possible time.
All dogs are susceptible to digestive issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This could be due to eating the wrong food, food allergies, or the underlying medical condition. A high-quality commercial food frequent urination, regular the consumption of water and limiting sweets can often help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This condition occurs when gas fills the stomach and twists around itself, cutting off the blood supply and resulting in death if it is not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching but not swallowing. They also include an overly large stomach, restlessness, and lethargy. Preventive surgery that sutures or tacks the stomach in place will reduce the risk of this deadly disease.
Dental disease is another frequent issue that can affect all dogs, but especially German Shepherds. Untreated tartar can lead to gum disease and infection at the root of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth, or require costly and lengthy treatment. This could be financially and emotionally difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively used as service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent breeds for herding. They are active, athletic and extremely capable of training. They are ideal for active people with lots of time to training, exercise and cleaning up shed hair. They are also a good choice for those who are looking for an extremely reliable, trustworthy friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd dog is a highly reliable companion and the best choice for many family members, including children and older adults. They can be protective of their family members and aloof towards strangers. They are most comfortable with consistent, fair and firm training methods. They also require lots of mental stimulation, which is why having a variety of games and puzzles for training is vital to keep them focused.
When shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who cares about the quality of their puppies and is eager to connect with you. They should be able show you the mother, the litter as well as their health history, the environment where they were raised and answer all your questions. They will be able tell you about the socialization of the puppies and how they compare to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely to be mills, not breeders with a good reputation. They are typically created to generate money, and could have serious genetic issues. A reputable breeder will check their breeding stock to avoid hereditary illnesses and other health issues from occurring in the puppies.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it's important to begin training as early as possible. Teach basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. Train on leash-training to ensure that your German Shepherd will remain calm when you are out and out and about. Training for obedience in the beginning is crucial to stop them from chasing anything that moves. Doing some recall exercises is an excellent way to stimulate their natural herding instincts, as well.
Spend time with them when they're young to help them begin to appreciate you. This is important because the time for socialization is from they reach 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people, places, and experiences.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
Whatever the place you purchase the German Shepherd, he will require care for the rest of his life. This includes vaccinations, preventive medications and annual veterinary visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll be required to pay for grooming, food, appointments and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the costs associated with dog walking and boarding, as well as professional obedience training. These can amount to thousands of dollars over the course of the lifetime of your puppy.
Look for a breeder that has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Request the breeder to provide proof of hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia testing for both the mother and the father as well as temperament tests for the litter.
Consult with veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. These individuals are familiar with animals and know an abundance of information about ethical breeders.
Although a German shepherd's herding instinct could cause him to jump and chase others but he will be able to respond to discipline and training. Introduce your family members to him as he grows. German Shepherds bond strongly with their families and need lots of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental diseases, which starts with tartar buildup and progresses to gum disease and the teeth's roots. This is a condition that is frequent and can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications such as kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Cancer is a different issue particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops blood-rich tumors that are usually found in the spleen and heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal.
If you are unable to pay for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to get one from shelters. The shelter's staff can help you choose a dog that has a good temperament and that will fit with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog can also be less expensive than buying one, and adoption fees typically include initial medical exams as well as vaccinations, spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can also give you advice on preparing your home for a dog, such as making sure your home is safe and putting away anything that could be chewed on or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be very active, so it's crucial to give them a way to release their energy. If they don't get enough physical activity it could result in them being restless and redirected the energy into something that isn't desirable, like digging up the yard or chewing at whatever is in reach.
It's important to expose them to a variety of different people, locations, and situations while they're young, as this will help them understand that there isn't always a threat. You can accomplish this by taking them on walks and to the parks, engaging in play with their neighbors, or even going to places they've not been before.
Apart from going out and socializing, it's also a good idea to include obedience training into your exercises. It can be as simple as teaching children to sit and stay on their mats, however it could be as complicated as doing heelwork with them or playing games of recall.
Dog sports like flyball or agility are an excellent workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Start slowly so as not to overexert the puppy. And always remember to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can lead to heat-related illness in young dogs.
In addition to these activities, it's recommended to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They require this to engage in exercise and explore the world outside of their own home. It's a good idea to change the places you go on your walks to ensure that they experience new surroundings and are exposed to the sounds in this wonderful world they live in.