Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores sell German Shepherd puppies. If you're considering purchasing one, look for an accredited breeder.
Find a puppy with an the same temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with the other puppies and people.
Reputable breeders adhere to ethical breeding practices, and prioritize health clearances of their puppies. They will provide a pedigree and medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a strong confidence level and are powerful dogs. They also have a natural need to protect themselves. They are a bit wary initially, but warm up quickly after being socialized. They are renowned for their courage and saftey when confronted with danger. This makes them an excellent choice for military, police and guard dog duties. They also can be guardians of their people and possessions.
Whether you're looking for an obedience competitor or service dog, or 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 different tasks. They quickly bond with their families and love being engaged in all the activities in their homes. These dogs are also excellent for children. They're energetic and play with children as well as other dogs. Of course, as with all breeds of dogs they are prone to nipping with other pets and strangers. Socialization and training early will help prevent aggression issues.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is crucial. You'll need to locate a German Shepherd Breeder who follows the rules, including health screening and testing as well as socialization and raising their pups indoors. You can often assess the credibility of a breeder by going to the facility, talking to the parents and other siblings and asking questions about the genetic background and health clearances.
Since the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it's susceptible to bloat, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk, make sure to provide your puppy with plenty of water and feed him at regular intervals, and provide an appropriate food bowl.
Like many herding dogs, German Shepherds can be nippy and will naturally bark to warn you of approaching strangers or intruders. They can be taught to be confident and calm when greeting people. It's recommended to take your dog to puppy obedience classes and/or employ the help of a seasoned dog trainer, especially in case you're not a fan of this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is well-trained and exercised to keep him from causing harm or attempting to escape. A microchip, along with a 24PetWatch subscription, can assist you in locating your dog in the event that he gets away.
Health
The GSD is a sturdy breed, but just like any other dog breed, they are prone to certain hereditary illnesses and conditions. Do your research and ensure you are buying from a trusted breeder that prioritizes the health of their dogs. Visit their premises, meet the owners and ask for health clearances and socialization records prior to making a purchase.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints), as well as weak skeletal muscles. This is especially true for dogs who are older. These problems can easily be managed by an exercise program and a balanced diet and supplements and physical therapy.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich is also inherited in GSDs. It's usually the result of a metabolic problem (low blood sugar organ failure, toxin or organ failure). It can also happen if there is no other reason for it, and is known as Idiopathic or primary Epilepsy. If your dog is diagnosed with this disease it will require a lifetime medication to manage seizures.
Cancer can also affect GSDs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that grows on blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. Lethargy, swelling, and sudden collapse are all symptoms. The condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.
Allergies can also be a problem for dogs with GSD. They can trigger itchy skin, ear infection as well as digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If you suspect your dog is allergic, it's best to perform a full medical checkup, which includes a thorough examination and history, diagnostic testing on the ears and skin as well as a labwork and fecal test.
Degenerative myelopathy may affect GSDs, causing them to lose mobility. This disease usually occurs in the 20s and early 20s. This disease is caused by a genetic mutation and can be detected through DNA tests. The symptoms of the disease include a increasing difficulty getting up, a lack of willingness to jump or stand in pain, as well as a loss of muscle mass in the thighs. There is no cure for the condition, but it is treatable with physical therapy and medication.
Training
GSDs have a strong work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, and protection training. Their versatility makes them excellent service dogs, bomb and drug sniffers, as well as guides for blind people.
German Shepherds as a breed are smart and eager to delight. They are easily bored, and can exhibit obsessive behavior without enough mental or physical stimulation. They require a patient, consistent and an experienced trainer to help them achieve their full potential.
If you're planning to purchase a purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you choose a breeder who is reliable and has the dog's well-being in mind. They should have a screening process to ensure that puppies will be a good fit to their families. They should also provide you with proof of the puppy's pedigree, health certificates, as well as recommendations regarding care and training.
The breed standard says that although every German Shepherd is different, they should all be active, athletic and alert. They should be also cautious of their family members and sociable. You may want to ask the breeder about their breeding program, and then see some of the puppies in person so that you 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 simply natural responses that happen when a dog gets triggered by something in the vicinity. Certain German Shepherds who place their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers have a genetic shyness that can be helped by socialization, but not "cured."
While certain breeds shed a few hairs throughout the year, the majority of dogs shed only twice a year -- for three weeks in spring as they transition from a thicker winter coat to a lighter summer coat, and again in fall as they prepare for the transition back to an even thicker winter coat. You'll need to keep up with daily walks, playtime exercise, and lots of lint-rollers. Having a well-trained and properly socialized German Shepherd in your home will mean a great deal of love, loyalty, and companionship for many years to come.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds require a consistent training to prevent undesirable behaviors such as chewing, digging and excessive barking. They are intelligent dogs who love to learn and have a purpose. They can get bored if they are left alone for long periods. A large backyard or dog park is essential to channel their energy and provide them with a place to go for their high levels of physical activity.
Reputable breeders are able to provide you with pedigree records and health clearances for the parents of the puppies. You should visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to verify that the breeder follows ethical breeding practices.
Because of their genetic predisposition, GSDs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia Bloat, heart disease, skin problems as well as ear infections, and various other ailments. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects blood-rich organs including the spleen and liver.
The spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it are surrounded by an extremely tough, fibrous connective tissue called the peritoneum. When the peritoneum gets inflamed, it can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal inflammation could lead to other complications including kidney disease, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed will go through a molting process once or twice a year. You can use a deshedding tool such as an undercoat rake or a slicker to reduce the amount of hair shed.
GSDs can be affected by intervertebral disk diseases (IVDD). This happens when the jelly-like cushion that lies between two vertebrae ruptures or becomes sloppy and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty moving, climbing stairs or jumping. They also include a hunched-back and dragging the feet behind. If you observe any of these symptoms you should consult a physician immediately. The condition can rapidly advance and lead to paralysis or death. A veterinarian can reposition discs to ease symptoms or eliminate them altogether.