How to Buy a German Shepherd Pup

German Shepherds require regular walks, playtime, and other activities. They should also be socialised at an early age with other dogs and household pets to prevent aggression or dominance issues later in the course of their lives.

Do your homework on the breeder of your puppy and its lineage. Like all dogs, they may inherit genetic disorders like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia (or bloat).

Personality

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who thrive when faced with challenges. They're loyal and obeying, but they're also wary of strangers. They can be extremely cautious and bark at cars, people or other dogs if they believe their family members are in danger.

These powerful dogs are highly-trained and can learn quickly. This makes them a preferred choice for police work, military roles, and search and rescue missions. They're also well-suited to be companions due to their love of the outdoors, are energetic and have a regal attitude that isn't found in other breeds.

The physical and mental acuity of this herding breed makes them a natural athlete, and they do best in an environment where they can make use of their energy. They excel at dog activities like agility, obedience and tests for tracking. They also love obedience, Schutzhund and obedience. The fact that they have a job gives them purpose and helps to stimulate their minds and bodies.

Because of their herding heritage, German Shepherds have an intense prey drive and are susceptible to excessive vocalization when they are bored. This can lead to unwanted behavior if they are not properly controlled, so it's important to get your dog socialized from an early age and give them mental stimulation to keep them busy and happy.

German Shepherds are extremely smart and obedient, which makes them easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. While they can be stubborn and require a firm but gentle method of training to avoid them becoming frustrated or overwhelmed, they're easy to train. It is recommended to engage a professional trainer to assist you with training.

German Shepherds are affectionate and loyal dogs who thrive on the love and attention they receive from their families. They're active and need lots of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If you're considering adopting a pet, be honest about how much time and attention you can devote to their needs. If they are left on their own for too long, they could quickly become destructive or develop depression and anxiety. To avoid this, do not leave your German Shepherd alone for longer than a few hours at a stretch, and then gradually build up to longer periods of time.

Health

German Shepherds are extremely healthy dogs, particularly when they're produced by breeders who are responsible. Breeders test their dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, as well as other diseases that are specific to the breed. It's for this reason that it's crucial to purchase only from a reputable seller. A good breeder will also offer their puppies regular health checks throughout their lives.

GSDs are herding animals and require lots of attention and exercise to stay content. They require at minimum two hours of exercise per day which should include walks and off-lead times in a secure area. The best workout can be accomplished by adding training to the mix. Providing them with enough space to play and move around will also reduce their stress levels.


As with other large dogs, GSDs are prone to arthritis as they grow older. This can cause them to limp, or have a bunny hop gait. Consult your vet to determine the most effective treatment plan. Based on the severity of the problem this could require changes in diet or supplements.

Degenerative myelopathy is a different German Shepherd ailment, which can cause weakness in the hindlegs. Fortunately, physical therapy can slow the progression of this disease.

A few German Shepherds are born with hip dysplasia, meaning their socket joint doesn't fit together well. This can cause pain, difficulty standing, and in more serious cases, paralysis. If your dog suffers from this condition, your veterinarian will suggest a different exercise regimen and a healthier diet to reduce symptoms.

German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancer, specifically bone, lung and abdominal cancers. These cancers can lead to weakness and weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting and a decrease in appetite.

German Shepherds might also have an overactive thyroid which is a hormone imbalance. This can make them frequently urinate, suffer from breathing issues, and become extremely tired. Your vet will be able to detect this symptom by monitoring your dog's heart with a stethoscope and doing an X-ray. Your vet will prescribe medication to control this condition if your dog suffers from it.

Training

German Shepherds are very trainable and respond well even to early training. They are quick to learn and enjoy working with their owners. This makes them a popular breed for police, military, and protection work. Families with kids also love them. Like all dogs, they need to be exercised regularly to eliminate the energy. You must have the time and the space to provide your German Shepherd the daily mental and physical stimulation it requires.

Be sure to investigate the reputation of the breeder prior to you buy a German Shepherd. Choose a responsible breeder that screens their parents to ensure they don't pass on health issues that are preventable, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. It is also important to inquire about the ancestry of the adult and puppy.

If reinrassiger schäferhund want a German Shepherd that can be trained to become an aid dog, or compete in IPO competitions, then go for a working line. These dogs have been through obedience, tracking, and protection training. You can find breeders who are working line throughout North America and Europe. These breeders sell puppies and "started" dogs that have been extensively trained in obedience tracking, tracking, protection and aggression. These puppies and dogs can cost up to $20,000 each.

Before you purchase a German Shepherd, make sure you can afford it. The first year of ownership will cost close to $3500, which includes pet food, veterinary care grooming appointments, insurance for your pet. Then, you can expect to pay an additional $500-$1,500 per year for your dog's health and care. If you can't afford to purchase a German Shepherd dog, consider adopting one from an animal shelter.

When choosing when choosing a German Shepherd, bear in mind their size and strength. They're not ideal for all families and may not be compatible with smaller dogs. They must be kept active to avoid boredom which could lead to destructive behavior. If you do not have the time or space to provide a German Shepherd with the exercise it requires, think about an alternative breed. The ideal German Shepherd will be a loyal and affectionate family member for years to come.

You can also learn how to care for yourself.

German Shepherds are big, strong dogs that require daily exercise to exhaust all their energy. This is why it's crucial to ensure you have enough time and space for this dog prior to making the decision to adopt it. They are also susceptible to separation anxiety, which is why it's crucial to begin with them and socializing from an early age.

Due to their herding heritage, these dogs are very vocal and must be given the opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment. It is crucial to enroll your German Shepherd in obedience classes right from the beginning of their life.

If you decide to train your German Shepherd or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer, you should be prepared for a lengthy commitment. German Shepherds have an average lifespan of 10-12 years. You'll need to make your new dog a part of your family.

The dogs should be fed a commercial food of high quality that is designed to meet their size and age. The recommended serving size is on the packaging. However, it's helpful to ask your veterinarian how much your dog needs to eat every day. Also, you should not feed your German Shepherd any treats that are more than 10 percent of their daily calories allowance.

German Shepherds, just like any other breed of dog are susceptible to a variety of health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia, seizures/epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy and bleeding disorders are all commonly encountered in this breed. Breeders who are reputable will check their dogs for these conditions to reduce the chance of passing these genetic diseases to their puppies.

This breed also has an increased risk of developing bloat. Because they are a barrel-chested breed they are more prone to develop this condition, which can be dangerous if not treated promptly. It is crucial to be aware of the signs of bloat and be aware of when to take your German Shepherd into an emergency vet.