Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A popular choice for military, police and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, protective and extremely loyal. They're also extremely active, and require plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Socialization and early training are essential because their natural protectiveness can manifest as aggression towards strangers. They may also display compulsive behaviors like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, but good breeding practices may reduce the risk of developing certain health issues. Reputable breeders screen their parents to avoid passing on preventable problems to their puppies, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy.
No matter what their breeding background, all puppies should be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian before they go to their new homes. This allows the vets to identify any health issues and treat them as soon as they can to minimize complications and improve results.
When it concerns the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinarian visits are crucial. Regular veterinary examinations as well as vaccinations and other preventive measures can help your dog live a long and healthy life.
German Shepherds are at risk for an autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma or seizures/epilepsy. They are also prone to bleeding disorders. Many of these ailments can be managed or prevented by implementing a healthy diet avoidance of treats and table food and introducing preventive medication as soon as is possible.
A common health issue that affects all dogs is digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. It can be caused by eating the wrong type of food, food allergies and 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 have deep, narrow chests, which can cause them to bloat and gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV).
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Links to an external site. is a condition that occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and then twists on itself, preventing blood flow and result in death within a couple of hours if untreated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching but not swallowing. They also include an enlarged stomach, irritability, and lethargy.
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Links to an external site. that sutures or tacks the stomach to lower the risk of this deadly disease.
Dental disease is another frequent problem that affects all dogs, but especially German Shepherds. If not treated, tartar build-up can cause gum disease and infection of the root of the teeth. At some point the German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and expensive treatment, which could be difficult for your pet emotionally as well as financially.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively used as police, service and protection dogs. They are intelligent breeds for herding. They are athletic, active and extremely capable of training. They are a good fit for those who are very active and have plenty of time to devote to training, exercising and cleaning up shed hair. They are also great for those who wish to have a loyal, highly capable friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd is a reliable pet for all family members. This includes children and older adults. They are protective of their loved ones and may be aloof with strangers. They respond best to fair, consistent and firm training methods. They also require lots of mental stimulation, so a good variety of games and puzzles for training is vital to keep them focused.
Find a German Shepherd breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to develop an ongoing relationship with you. They should be able show you the mother, litter, their health background, the environment where they were raised, and answer all your questions. They will be able tell you about the socialization of their puppies and how they compare to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies at pet stores, since they are more likely to be from mills than reputable breeders. They are typically bred to make money and may have serious issues genetically. A reputable breeder checks their breeding stock to prevent hereditary disease and other health issues from occurring in the pups.
It is important to start training your puppy as quickly as possible, regardless of which puppy you choose. Teach basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. Train on leash-training to ensure that your German Shepherd will remain calm when you are out and about. Training in obedience early is essential to stop them from chasing everything that moves. You can also help them develop their natural instinct to herd by performing some recall exercises.
Spend a lot of time with them while they're young so they can learn to love you. This is crucial because the period of socialization lasts until they are 16 weeks old. After that, they might be less open to new people or places and experiences.
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No matter where you purchase your German Shepherd from, he'll require a lot of attention for the rest of his life. This includes vaccinations, preventive medications and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments as well as pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Consider the costs of dog walking, boarding, and professional obedience training. These can add up to thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Choose a breeder who adheres to high standards and good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of hip and elbow dysplasia screenings for the mother and father and temperament tests for the litter.
Talk to veterinarians and local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for suggestions. They are often in contact with animals and are aware of how to breed ethically.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct could cause him to want to chase and jump on people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce your family members as the puppy grows. German Shepherds are very close to their families and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are prone to dental diseases, which starts with tartar build-up and develops into infection of the gums and roots of teeth. It's a common issue that can cause loss of teeth and severe complications like kidney, liver and heart disease.
Cancer is another concern particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer that develops blood-rich tumors that are usually found in the spleen or heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal.
The option of rescuing a German Shepherd from shelters is a viable alternative for those who cannot afford the expense of buying a purebred dog. Shelter staff can assist you to select a dog that fits your lifestyle and has a good temperament. Adopting a dog may be less expensive than purchasing one, and adoption costs typically include medical exams as well as vaccinations, spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter can also give advice on how you can prepare your home to accommodate a dog. For example, they can tell you what items should be removed and where they should be.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be very active, so it's important to give them an opportunity to release their energy. If they don't get enough physical activity it could result in them becoming restless and redirecting their energy to something unintentional such as digging up the yard or chewing on anything that is in reach.
It's important to expose them to a range of different people, places, and situations while they're young, since this will help them understand that not everyone is a threat. You can do this by taking them on walks, going to the parks, engaging in the time with your neighbors, or even taking them somewhere they've never been before.
It's a good idea, in addition to going out and socializing to incorporate obedience-training during workouts. It can be as simple as teaching children to sit and stay on their mats, but it could be as complicated as doing heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports like flyball or agility are an excellent exercise for your German Shepherd puppy and also improve their mental abilities as well. Make sure you start gradually with these exercises to ensure you don't stress your puppy. And always remember to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can lead to heat-related illness in puppies.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. This is important for them to get some physical activity and to discover the world beyond their own. It's a good idea diversify your routes during these walks so that they can experience new places and are exposed to the sounds in the wonderful world that they live in.