Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet shops offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of buying one, make sure you choose a reliable breeder.
Find a puppy that has an even temperament. Play with them, and observe how they interact with other puppies as well as with people.
Breeders with good reputations adhere to strict ethical breeding practices, and prioritize health clearances for their pups. They will provide a pedigree as well as medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds are strong powerful dogs that have an instinctual sense of safety. They can be nervous around strangers, especially at first but tend to become more comfortable once they have been socialized. They are renowned for their bravery and confidence when confronted with danger. This makes them an ideal option for military, police and guard dog roles. They can be protective of individuals and their possessions.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as a service dog, obedience competitor or loyal pet for the family. Their ability to learn and perform tasks is one of the reasons they're so popular. They are quick to bond with their families, and they enjoy participating in every activity at home. They're also a great option for children. They're lively, and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like all breeds of dog however, they can be agressive with strangers and pets. Socialization and training early will aid in preventing aggression.
It is crucial to determine whether a breeder is a follower of ethical breeding practices. You'll want to choose a German Shepherd breeder that follows guidelines like screening and testing for health as well as socialization and raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can often assess the integrity of a breeder by visiting the facility, chatting with the parents and other siblings and asking questions about the genetic background and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, which can cause it to Bloat. This can be fatal. To reduce the risk, be sure to give your puppy plenty of water, feed him at regular intervals, and provide an appropriate food bowl.
Like many herding dogs, German Shepherds can be very nippy and will naturally bark to warn you of approaching intruders or strangers. However they can be trained to comfortably and confidently greet visitors. It is also recommended to take your dog to puppy classes or hire an animal trainer if aren't familiar with this formidable breed. This will ensure that your German King Shepherd Kaufen gets the proper training and exercise to stop him from becoming destructive or attempting to escape. A microchip as well as a 24PetWatch subscription can also help to return your pet if he ever does run away.
Health
The GSD is a very sturdy breed with a lot of strength. However, like 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 is concerned about the health of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet the parents and ask for health clearances and socialization records before making an purchase.
German Shepherds are susceptible to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) and weak skeletal muscles. This is particularly true for older dogs. These issues can be addressed with a balanced diet supplementation, exercise and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is another hereditary disease that can be seen in GSDs. It's usually triggered by a metabolic issue (low blood sugar or organ failure) or an underlying toxin. It can also happen if there is no other cause and is referred to as primary or epilepsy idiopathic. If your dog is suffering from this condition it will require ongoing medication to control seizures.
Cancer is another affliction that can affect GSDs particularly hemangiosarcoma. This is an aggressive tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. Lethargy, swelling, as well as sudden collapse are all signs. The condition is extremely painful, and there is no cure, so treatment revolves around controlling the symptoms.
Allergies are also a common problem for GSDs and can cause itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If you suspect that your dog is allergic, you'll need to perform a full medical examination, which includes a thorough examination and history, as well as diagnostic testing on the ear and skin as well as labwork and fecal test.
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that can affect GSDs and causes them to lose their mobility, generally in their 20s or early 20s. This disease is caused a genetic mutation that can be detected by DNA testing. The signs of the disease include a increasing difficulty getting up, a decreased ability to stand or jump in pain, as well as a loss of muscle mass in the thighs. There is no cure for the disease, but it is treatable with physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs have an innate work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, and training in protection. Their versatility makes them great service dogs and bomb sniffing dogs, as well as guides for blind people.
German Shepherds as a breed are smart and eager to please. They can easily become bored, and can exhibit obsessive behavior without enough mental or physical stimulation. They require a reliable steady, consistent, and patient trainer to develop their full potential and to help them remain focused when faced with distractions.
If you're considering buying a purebred German Shepherd, be sure to find a reliable breeder who is working with the dog's best interests in mind. They must have a screening process to ensure that the puppies will be a good fit for their families and offer documents of the dog's pedigree, health clearances and suggestions for care and training.
Although every German Shepherd has a unique temperament, the breed standard indicates that these dogs should be athletic, active and alert, as well as protective and biddable with family members. You may want ask the breeder questions regarding their breeding program, and take a look at some of their puppies to assess their physical traits and behavior.
Many people confuse the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movement as aggression. These are all natural reactions that occur when a dog is activated when something is moving near. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads or hide from strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" through socialization, but not cured.
While some breeds shed a few hairs throughout the year, most dogs shed their hair only twice per year -- for three weeks in spring, when they transition from a thicker winter coat to a lighter summer one and then again in the fall when they are preparing for the transition back to a thicker winter coat. This means you'll need to keep up with your daily walks with plenty of playtime, exercise, and a lot of lint rollers. Having a well-trained and properly socialized German Shepherd in your home will provide a lot of love, loyalty and companionship for many years to come.
Care
German Shepherds must be trained consistently to prevent undesirable behavior such as excessive barking, excessive digging and chewing. They are intelligent dogs who are awestruck by learning and have a goal. If left unattended for long periods of time they may become bored and destructive. A large dog or backyard park is essential to let them run loose and provide them with an outlet for their intense physical activity.
Breeders who are reputable are able to provide you with pedigree documents and health clearances for the parents of the puppies. You should also meet the parents of the puppies in order to confirm that the breeder is ethical in their breeding practices.
Because of their genetic predisposition, GSDs are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat, skin problems, heart disease, ear infections and various other ailments. They are more likely to develop cancers such as hemangiosarcoma which affects organs that are rich in blood, including the liver and spleen.
The spleen and the blood vessels that supply it are enclosed by a fibrous, tough connective tissue, known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal inflammation can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal inflammation can cause other complications including kidney disease, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing to avoid tangling and matting. The breed goes through a molting process once or twice per year. You can use a deshedding tool, an undercoat rake, or a slicker to keep the amount shedding down.
GSDs can be affected by a condition known as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). It occurs when the jelly-like pad that is between the vertebrae breaks and presses against the spinal cord. Signs include difficulty moving, climbing stairs or jumping. They also include a tilted back and dragging the back feet. If you observe any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately. The condition could quickly develop and cause paralysis or even death. A veterinarian can reposition discs to lessen symptoms or eliminate them completely.