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 are also extremely active and require plenty of stimulation and exercise.
Their natural protectiveness can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers, therefore early training and socialization is essential. They can also exhibit behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health however, good breeding practices can help lower the risk of certain diseases. Breeders who are reputable monitor parents to ensure that they do not pass on preventable diseases, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
All puppies, regardless of breeding history, should be thoroughly inspected by a vet before they are taken to their new homes. This allows vets to detect any health issues and treat them as quickly as they can to minimize complications and improve outcomes.
When it concerns the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinary visits are vital. Regular veterinary exams as well as vaccinations, and other preventive measures can ensure that your pet enjoys a a long, happy life.
Certain health issues that are specific to German Shepherds include autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma, seizures and epilepsy disorders, as well as bleeding conditions. Many of these conditions can be controlled or prevented by implementing a healthy diet, avoiding treats and table food and introducing preventive medication as soon as is possible.
A common health issue that affects all dogs is digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. This can be caused due to eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies and underlying medical conditions. Commercially produced high-quality foods regular urination, drinking water and limiting sweets can help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds have narrow, deep chests, which make them susceptible to bloat which is also known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). This is a condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, cutting off blood flow, and possibly resulting in death within a matter of hours if untreated. GDV symptoms include retching, heaving, but not swallowing. They can also be characterized by an enlarged stomach, restlessness, and lethargy. A preventive procedure that sutures or tacks the stomach in place will reduce the risk of this devastating illness.
Dental disease is a different issue that can affect all dogs, but in particular German Shepherds. If not treated, tartar build-up can cause gum disease and infection of the roots of the teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth, or require costly and lengthy treatment. This could be emotionally and financially difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been extensively used for protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, active and highly trained. They are good for people who have a lot of time to devote to training, exercise and cleaning the shed fur. They are also a great fit for people who want a highly capable, loyal friend.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a highly reliable companion and the ideal choice for many family members, including children and older adults. They can be protective of their family members and remain aloof towards strangers. They are best trained by using fair, firm and constant training methods. They also require a lot of mental stimulation, which is why a good variety of training games and puzzles is essential to keep them engaged.
Look for an German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and wants to build an ongoing relationship with you. They should be able to show you the mother, the litter and their health history and the environment in which they were raised, and answer all your questions. They will also be able to tell you how the pups were raised and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies from pet stores, as they tend to come from mills rather than breeders that are reputable. They are usually created to generate money and may have serious issues genetically. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to avoid hereditary illnesses and other health issues from developing in the pups.
It is important to start training your puppy as soon as possible, no matter the breed you select. Teach basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. Work on leash-training so that your German Shepherd will remain calm when you are out and about. They are curious, which is why early obedience training is essential to stop them from chasing after anything that moves. Recall exercises are an excellent way to stimulate their natural herding instincts as well.
Make sure you spend lots of time with your German Shepherd while they are young so that they will grow to enjoy being with you. This is crucial because the socialization period lasts until they are 16 weeks old. After that, they may become less open to new people, places, and experiences.
Care
No matter where you purchase your German Shepherd from, he'll require constant attention. This includes annual visits to the vet as well as vaccinations and preventive medication ($700-$1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments, pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Think about the additional costs associated with dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training. These costs could add up to several thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Find
schäferhundwelpen that has high standards and follows good breeding methods. Request the breeder to provide evidence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for the father and mother and temperament testing for the litter.
Ask local veterinarians, German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. They are often in contact with animals and know how to breed ethically.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct might cause him to want to chase and leap on people, he will respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to every member of your family as you grow. German Shepherds are extremely bonded to their families and require lots of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental diseases, which starts with tartar buildup and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of teeth. It's a common problem that can lead to loss of teeth and serious complications such as liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a concern for dogs who are older. Hemangiosarcoma is a kind of cancer that causes blood-rich tumors, usually in the spleen and the heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone and intestinal.
Rescuing the German Shepherd from shelters is a viable alternative for those who cannot afford the expense of buying a purebred dog. Shelter staff can help you select a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle and has a great temperament. Adopting a pet is less expensive than buying one. Adoption fees usually include initial medical exams and vaccinations, aswell spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter may offer advice on how to prepare your home for dogs. For example they will tell you what items should be removed and where they should be.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active and need to have a outlet for their energy. If they are not given sufficient physical exercise, this can cause them to become restless, and redirecting their energy into unproductive activities, such as digging up the yard or chewing on things that are within reach.

It's also a good idea to expose them to a variety of different people, locations, and situations while they're young, as this will help them understand that not everyone is a threat. You can accomplish this by taking them on walks, going to the parks, engaging in play with their neighbors or taking them somewhere they've never been before.
Aside from getting out and having a good time It's also a good idea to include obedience training into your exercises. It could be as simple as teaching your dog to stay on his mat. It could be more complicated than heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports like agility or flyball can provide a great workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also help them develop their mental skills as well. Start slowly, so as not to overexert the puppy. Be sure to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can cause heat-related illnesses in young dogs.
In addition to these activities, it's a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. It is essential to give them physical exercise and also to experience the world beyond their own. It's a good idea diversify your routes on your walks to ensure that they see new environments and are exposed to the sounds in the wonderful world that they live in.