Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?

German Shepherds are used in many scent-work jobs like cadaver search and narcotics, as well as explosives detection. These jobs require a lot of obedience and protection training.

Responsible breeders pair their best adult dogs together, test for genetic problems and raise puppies in the best conditions. These breeders will charge a premium for their services.

Health

Old German Shepherd Dogs are healthier than modern German Shepherd Dogs, because they were bred for work and to herd instead of for looks. A lack of inbreeding to enhance appearance has also made them less prone to genetic diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia. You should still inquire about genetic health tests if you are looking to purchase an older German Shepherd.

To keep your older German Shepherd in good health, you will need to groom it regularly and clean its teeth and have an annual dental check-up. Their fur is likely to get caught around furniture, clothes, and carpets. They shed all year long. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause Links to an external site. and lint-roller can help to reduce shed and help keep the coat healthy. Trim their claws regularly to keep them from becoming too large, which can cause discomfort and pain. Also, be aware that as they age they may develop joint issues. This includes osteoarthritis (a joint-related inflammation of the long bone) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans (HOD). HOD is a condition that affects dogs in their early years and causes lameness, fever and painful, swollen, joints. It is preventable by feeding your GSD an eat that is low in calcium and by providing them with joint-protection supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM.

To stay healthy and happy, these large and strong dogs require daily exercise. You can take them for walks or let them play with their favorite toys in the park or backyard, or even play fetch in the home. You should always split their food into two portions in order to prevent gastric dilation and volvulus which are common in deep-chested large breeds like GSDs.

Old German Shepherds are loyal and devoted companions. However, they also have a strong urge to hunt. This can be a problem for children and pets if it is not managed through early socialization and obedience training. german shepherd kaufen Links to an external site. can also be protective of their families and owners which could lead to barking or territorial behavior if they are not addressed with early training and consistent positive reinforcement.

Training

German Shepherds are smart extremely trained and excel in a variety of working disciplines. They are highly active and eager to learn, so they require a patient pet owner who is consistent and firm. To remain healthy, happy and focused, they need to be physically and mentally active every day.

They are naturally herding dogs, and with the right training, they can be excellent police and service dogs. They are also excellent companion pets for children of all ages, provided that they are socialised from a young age. They might be more reserved around strangers than breeds such as Golden Retrievers but they will nevertheless respect their owners and follow commands.

One thing to be aware of with German Shepherds is their natural instinct to protect people and things, even from non-threats. This is why it's very crucial to have your dog trained professionally (and to do this before the crucial period of 16 weeks). A German Shepherd that is confident and well-trained will know the difference between a person walking down the street and someone who is trying to gain entry into your home.

Another thing to consider with a GSD is their love of food. Their strong herding roots means they'll want to grab anything that looks edible and they're more likely to overeat. They also need to be taught to control their food intake to prevent overweight. This can be accomplished through regular exercise, which helps keep their bodies fit and manage their weight. It also helps keep their brains active, which decreases the risk of being bored and aggressive. A good way to do this is through structured training disguised as play, that will keep their bodies and minds active. This will also increase their focus and ability to learn and work under pressure in a chaotic environment, such as crowds of people or competitions. This is because it will teach students to concentrate their focus on the task at hand and ignore distractions. It is a similar technique to the one used by athletes in high-pressure environments to keep their performance at its peak.

Socialization

It is crucial that your Old German Shepherd Dog be socialized at a young enough age to ensure that they develop into confident and happy. This can help avoid future behaviour problems, such as fearfulness and aggression, and also help to build a strong relationship with you. The process of socialization should begin as early as the puppyhood stage and continue throughout their development. Ask a qualified trainer or canine behaviourist to provide advice on the best way to socialize your dog.

Your dog's personality and history will determine the length of time it takes to train him. Some breeds require more patience and time to train, while others are quick learners. Keep the training sessions short, regular and positive. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen Links to an external site. will allow your dog to internalize commands and increase their overall ability to learn.

It is essential to give your Old German Shepherd Dog daily exercise, just like you would with any other dog. This will keep your German Shepherd dog mentally and physically stimulated, and ensure that they have the energy to enjoy their golden age. This usually includes daily walks, playing time in a safe area and some structured training. If you're not sure how much exercise your dog needs consult a fitness trainer or vet.

Because of their natural protective instincts, it is essential to socialize your German Shepherd Dog at an early age with other people as well as children and other pets. This will help them be calm and friendly with strangers, while also decreasing their tendency to bark or become nervous around new people or environments. You should introduce your puppy to other animals and children in a controlled environment when they are young so that they develop an enjoyable relationship at a young age.

The Old German Shepherd has a lower rate of inbreeding when compared to its more standardized counterpart. However, they still suffer from some common health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasias, dilated myelopathy and anal furunculosis. They also are susceptible to heat strokes, so it is important to keep them away from the heat during the summer months.

Exercise

German Shepherds are full of energy and require regular exercise in order to stay healthy and content. They need a combination of walks, off-leash play in a safe space, agility training, and even games such as tug-of-war, to satisfy their mental and physical exercise needs.

If they aren't given a way to release their energy, these intelligent and hard-working breeds can become restless. This can cause them to engage in a variety of undesirable behavior like digging up your yard or redecorating the living area with whatever they can reach. In addition, they can cause frustration this causes their owners and neighbors. Exercise is the best way to keep them focused and stop them from becoming destructive or bored.

It's crucial to be aware of the limitations of an older German Shepherd Dog when exercising. They might not be capable of running long distances or play fetch as they used to when they were younger. They might also be more tired or lose interest. If you notice signs of fatigue such as excessive panting, a slowing during their run or walk or a lack of enthusiasm for the activity, it's important to stop and give them a chance to recover before trying again.

Even although your old German Shepherd may not be able to go on long walks or play with toys, they can take pleasure in other activities like swimming and playing tug-ofwar. These types of exercises are not hard on joints and let them get rid of excess energy while having fun.

Another great exercise that will strengthen your old German Shepherd's muscles is massage. This simple exercise can help reduce the stiffness of muscles, ease pain and strengthen their bond with you. It is best to begin small and gradually work your way up to 15 minutes or more of gentle massaging of their neck, shoulders as well as their spine and ears.


In general, an older German Shepherd should get at least two hours of physical activity per day. Playtime and training will be added to that in order to keep their body and mind in shape. This can be accomplished at intervals of time throughout the day or in the evenings when they are the most active.