Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds make excellent service dogs for the police, military and other authorities. They are intelligent, loyal, and guardian. They are also extremely active and require plenty of stimulation and exercise.
Their natural defense mechanisms can manifest as aggression towards strangers, therefore early training and socialization are crucial. They can also exhibit compulsions, such as repetitive actions like tail-chasing.
schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz are generally healthy, but good breeding practices can lower the chance of developing certain health conditions. Breeders who are reputable monitor parents to ensure that they do not pass on preventable diseases, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy puppies.
No matter what their breeding background, all puppies should be examined by a veterinarian prior to when they leave for their new homes. This allows vets to identify any health issues and treat them as quickly as possible in order to minimize complications and improve results.
Regular visits to the vet are crucial for the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and other preventive measures can ensure that your pet enjoys a a long, happy life.
German Shepherds are prone to autoimmune diseases, hemangiosarcoma, and epilepsy/seizure disorder. They may also be prone to bleeding disorders. Many of these ailments can be managed or prevented by implementing a healthy diet by avoiding sweets and table food and introducing preventive medication as soon as is possible.
All dogs can suffer from digestive issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. This could be caused by eating the wrong food, food allergies or underlying medical conditions. High-quality commercial food and frequent urination, as well as water consumption and limiting sweets can help with digestive problems.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (also known as gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists around itself, preventing blood flow, and possibly resulting in death within a few hours if untreated. The symptoms of GDV include retching or trying to heave but not swallowing, an increased abdomen, restlessness, lethargy and lying in a prayer position with your head down. A preventive procedure that sutures or tacks the stomach in place will reduce the risk of contracting this debilitating illness.
Dental disease is another common issue that can affect all dogs, but in particular German Shepherds. Untreated tartar can lead to gum disease and infections at the root of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth or require expensive and extensive treatment. This can be emotionally and financially difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been extensively used as protection, service and police dogs. They are active, athletic and extremely trainable. They are a good fit for active people with plenty of time to training, exercise and cleaning up shed hair. They are also good for people who want to have a trustworthy high-performing friend.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a very reliable pet and the ideal choice for many family members, including children and older adults. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause are protective of their loved ones and may not be comfortable with strangers. These dogs are most effective with fair, firm, and constant methods of training. They also need a lot of stimulation mentally, so it is important to offer a variety of puzzles and games for training.
Find an German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and is eager to establish an ongoing relationship with you. They should be able to show you their litter and mother and their health history, the environment where they were raised and answer any questions you may have. They should also be able tell you how the pups were raised and how they compare with their siblings.
Be wary of puppies available from pet stores, as they are more likely to come from mills than reputable breeders. They are typically produced to earn money and may be suffering from grave genetic issues. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock in order to avoid hereditary diseases and other health issues that can arise in the puppies.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it is important to begin training your puppy early. Teach basic commands such as sit down, stay, and sit. Work on leash-training so that your German Shepherd will be calm when you're out and out and about. Early obedience training is important to stop them from chasing everything that moves. You can also help them develop their natural instincts to herd by engaging them in recall exercises.
Spend time with them when they're young so they can learn to love you. This is especially important because they experience a critical socialization period from about 16 weeks old, after which they could be less open to new people, experiences and places.
Care
Regardless of where you purchase your German Shepherd, he will require ongoing care. This includes annual veterinary visits as well as vaccinations and preventive medication ($700-$1200 annually). You'll be required to pay for pet food, grooming appointments and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Take into consideration the additional costs for dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training. This can add up to several thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Choose a breeder who has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Ask the breeder to provide evidence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia tests for the father and mother as well as temperament testing for the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. They regularly interact with animals and know how to breed ethically.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might cause him to want to chase and jump on people, he will respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to your family members as he grows. German Shepherds are very attached to their families and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental disease, which begins with tartar buildup and leads to infection of the gums and the roots of teeth. This is a condition that is common and can lead to tooth loss and 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 causes blood-rich tumors is most often found in the heart and spleen. Other cancers include lung bone, and the intestinal.
If you're unable to afford the expense of a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to save one from an animal shelter. The shelter's staff can help you choose a dog that has a good temperament and match your lifestyle. Adopting a pet can be less expensive than buying one, and adoption costs typically include medical exams, vaccines and spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can also provide advice on how to prepare your home for a new puppy by making sure the area is safe and putting away anything that could be chewed or eaten.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs and it's important to have an outlet for their energy. If they don't have enough exercise, it can result in them being restless and redirected that energy into something undesirable such as digging around in the yard or chewing at whatever is in reach.
You can also expose them to various people, places and situations when they're young. This will help them understand that not everyone is a threat. You can do this by taking them for walks, going to parks, having them engage in the time with your neighbors, or even going to places they've not been before.
It's a good idea aside from getting out and socializing to incorporate obedience training during workouts. This 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 recall games.
Dog sports like flyball or agility are an excellent exercise for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Make sure you start off slowly with these kinds of activities to ensure that you don't overload your puppy. Be sure to avoid engaging your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this can cause heat-related illnesses in young dogs.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. It is essential for them to get some physical activity and to discover the world beyond their own. It's essential to take them to various places so they can discover new sounds and experiences.