Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of buying one, make sure you choose a reliable breeder.
Find a puppy that has an the same temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with the other puppies and with the people.
Reputable breeders adhere to strict ethical breeding practices and prioritize health clearances of their pups. They will provide the litter's pedigree, as well as medical documents.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a powerful sense of security and are a powerful dog. They also have a natural instinct for security. They are often nervous around strangers, especially initially, but become more comfortable once they have been socialized. They are known for their confidence and fearlessness when confronted with danger. This makes them a great choice for military, police and guard dog roles. They can also be protective of their possessions and people.
If you're in search of an obedience competitor, service dog, or a loyal family pet The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and extremely intelligent breed. One of the reasons why they are so popular is their ability to learn and accomplish various tasks. They quickly connect with their families and enjoy being engaged in all the activities at home. They're also a great choice for children. They're lively, and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like all breeds of dog however, they can be aggressive with strangers and other pets. Training and socialization early can aid in preventing aggression issues.
It is important to know whether a breeder is a follower of ethical breeding practices. You'll need to locate a German Shepherd Breeder who follows the rules, including screening for health and testing as well as socialization and raising their puppies indoors. You can usually determine a breeder's integrity by visiting the facility, meeting the parents and other siblings, and asking questions about the genetic history and health clearances.
Since the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it's susceptible to bloat, which could be life-threatening. To minimize the risk, be sure to give your puppy plenty of water and feed him frequently and ensure a secure food bowl.
German Shepherds, like other herding breeds, can be very nippy. They bark to alert their owners to strangers or intrusions. They can be taught how to confidently and calmly greet people. It's recommended to take your dog to puppy obedience classes and/or employ the services of an experienced dog trainer, particularly if you're not familiar with this breed of dog. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is well-trained and exercised to keep him from being destructive or trying to escape. A microchip as well as a 24PetWatch subscription can also help to return your pet in the event that he does escape.
Health
The GSD is a strong breed, but just like all dogs, they are prone to certain hereditary illnesses and conditions. Do deutschen schäferhund kaufen and ensure you are buying from a trusted breeder who cares about the health of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet the parents and request health clearances and socialization records prior to making the purchase.
German Shepherds are at risk of hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) as well as skeletal muscle weakness. This is especially true for dogs who are older. These problems can be easily managed by a balanced diet and exercise and supplements and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is another hereditary condition that can be seen in GSDs. It's usually caused by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar or organ failure) or an underlying toxin. It can also happen in the absence of any other reason, which is known as primary or idiopathic Epilepsy. If your dog has this condition it will require a lifetime of medication to control seizures.
Cancer is another affliction that affects GSDs, particularly hemangiosarcoma, which is an aggressive tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. Lethargy, swelling, as well as 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 concern for dogs with GSD. They can cause itchy skin, ear infection as well as digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you'll need to do a complete medical workup including an extensive history and examination and tests for the skin and ears as well as fecal and lab tests.
Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that can affect GSDs and causes them to lose their mobility, generally in their early 20s. This disease is caused by a genetic mutation and can be identified through DNA testing. The signs of the disease are a gradual difficulty getting up, a decreased willingness to jump or stand with ease, pain, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. The condition is not curable, but can be treated with physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs are known for their tenacity and dedication to work and benefit from advanced training in agility, obedience and protection. Their versatility makes them excellent service dogs as drug and bomb sniffers, and guides for the blind.
German Shepherds are smart and eager to delight. They can easily become bored, and can exhibit obsessive behavior when they do not receive enough physical or mental stimulation. They need a patient, consistent, and solid trainer to help them achieve their maximum potential.
If you are looking to buy an purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you select a breeder who is reliable and has the dog's well-being in mind. They should use a screening procedure to determine if the pups are suitable for their family. They must also provide documentation on the dog's pedigree as well as health clearances as and recommendations for training and care.
Although each German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that these dogs should be athletic, active, alert, protective, and able to be bonded with family members. It is possible to ask the breeder about their breeding program, and then see some of the puppies in person to can observe their behavior and physical characteristics.
Many people confuse the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movement as aggression. These are all natural behaviors that occur when a dog is activated whenever something happens close to them. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers have a genetic shyness that can be helped by socialization, but is not "cured."
While certain breeds shed hairs throughout the year, the majority of dogs only shed heavily twice per year -- for three weeks in spring as they switch from an extra thick winter coat to a thinner summer coat, and again in autumn as they prepare to switch back to a thicker winter coat. This means you'll need to keep up with regular walks, plenty of playtime and exercise, and lots of lint rollers. A well-trained and socialized German shepherd will provide you with years of love, loyalty and companionship.
Care
German Shepherds need to be trained regularly to avoid undesirable behavior such as excessive barking, excessive digging and chewing. They are highly intelligent dogs that are able to learn and love to have a purpose in life. If left to their own devices for long periods they could become bored and destructive. It is essential to provide them with a large yard 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 certificates. You should also visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to confirm that the breeder follows ethical breeding practices.
GSDs, as a result of their genetic predisposition, are more prone to hip and elbow dysplasias, bloats, heart diseases and skin issues. They are also susceptible to skin conditions, ear infections, and ear infections. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma, a form of cancer that affects blood-rich organs including the liver and spleen.
The spleen and blood vessels that supply it are enclosed by a fibrous, tough connective tissue called the peritoneum. Peritoneal inflammation can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation can lead to other complications like liver disease, kidney infection 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 year. You can employ a deshedding tool such as an undercoat rake or a slicker, to keep the amount shedding down.
GSDs can be affected by intervertebral disk diseases (IVDD). This occurs when the jelly-like cushion that sits between the vertebrae ruptures and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty in jumping on stairs, climbing up or moving around, a reluctance to move with a hunched back, and the dragging of the feet behind. If you notice any of these signs, contact a veterinarian immediately. The condition can rapidly develop and cause paralysis or death. A doctor can reposition discs to lessen symptoms or eliminate them altogether.