Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A popular choice for military, police and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, protective and loyal. They are also extremely active and require plenty of stimulation and exercise.
Their natural protectiveness can manifest as aggression toward strangers, which is why early training and socialization is essential. They can also exhibit compulsions, such as repetitive actions like tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices may reduce the risk of developing certain health issues. schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz who are reputable screen parents to prevent passing on preventable diseases like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
All puppies, no matter what their breeding history, should be thoroughly examined by a vet prior to when they are sent to their new homes. This helps the vets detect any health issues and treat them as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of complications and increase results.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are vital to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary exams as well as vaccinations and other preventive measures can help your dog lead a long and happy life.
German Shepherds are prone to an autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma or epilepsy/seizure disorder. They may also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. Many of these conditions can be controlled or prevented by implementing a healthy diet by avoiding sweets and table foods and taking preventive medication at the earliest possible time.
A common health issue that can affect all dogs is digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. It can be caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies or underlying medical conditions. Commercially produced high-quality foods, frequent urination, drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets can ease digestive issues.
German Shepherds are more prone to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This condition occurs when the stomach is filled with gas and twists around itself, preventing blood flow, and possibly result in death within a matter of hours if not treated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching, but not swallowing. They can also be characterized by an enlarged stomach, irritability and a lack of energy. A preventive procedure that sutures or tacks the stomach in place can reduce the risk of contracting this deadly illness.
Dental disease is a different issue that can affect all dogs, but especially German Shepherds. If left untreated tartar build-up could lead to gum disease and infections of the root of the teeth. In the end you German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and expensive treatment, which can be a burden for your pet emotionally and financially.
Training
German Shepherds are widely used for service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent breeds for herding. They are athletic, active and highly trained. They are an ideal fit for active people with plenty of time to devote to training, exercise and cleaning up shed hair. They are also a good fit for people who want a highly capable, loyal friend.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes children as well as older adults. They can be protective of their family members, and are aloof towards strangers. They are best trained by using fair, firm and consistent training methods. They also require lots of mental stimulation, which is why an array of games and puzzles is essential to keep them interested.
Find a German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and wants to develop an ongoing relationship with you. They should show you the mother and litter and their health history, the environment where they were raised, and answer your questions. They should also be able tell you how the pups were raised and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely from mills rather than breeders who are reputable. They are typically bred for profit and may have serious genetic problems. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to prevent hereditary illnesses and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
No matter how you choose your puppy, it's important to begin training your puppy early. Teach basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. Also, work on leash training to ensure your German Shepherd is calm when they are out and out and about. They are curious, so early obedience training is essential to stop them from chasing after anything that moves. You can also stimulate the natural instincts of herding by doing some recall exercises.
Spend plenty of time with your German Shepherd when they are young, so they will grow to enjoy being with you. This is important because the socialization period lasts until they reach 16 weeks old. After that, they may become less open to new people, places, and experiences.
You can also read about how to take care of yourself.
Regardless of where you purchase the German Shepherd, he will require ongoing care. This includes vaccinations, preventive medication and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). Additionally, you'll need to purchase grooming appointments as well as pet food and a yearly pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Consider the additional costs of dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training. These costs could cost a few thousand dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Look for a breeder that has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Request the breeder to provide evidence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia tests for the father and mother as well as temperament tests for the litter.
Ask your veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog trainers and groomers for recommendations. These people are familiar with animals and know the basics about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct may make him want to chase and leap on people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce your family members to him as the puppy grows. German Shepherds have strong bonds with their families and need plenty of interaction.
Dogs are susceptible to dental diseases, which starts with tartar build-up, and then develops into infection of the gums and the roots of teeth. It's a problem that is widespread and can lead tooth loss and other serious complications like kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Cancer is another issue, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that forms blood-rich tumors, usually in the spleen and heart. Other types of cancer include bone, lung and intestinal.
If you can't afford the cost of a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you may be able to save one from a shelter. The staff at the shelter can assist you select a dog with good temperament and that will fit with your lifestyle. Adopting a pet is cheaper than purchasing one. The adoption fees typically include initial medical exams and vaccinations, as well as spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can give you advice on preparing your home for a new dog by making sure that the space is safe and putting away anything that could be chewed or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs, and it's crucial to find a way to channel their energy. If they don't get enough exercise it could result in them being restless and redirected the energy into something that isn't desirable, like digging through the yard or chewing at whatever is within reach.
You can also expose them to different types of people, places, and situations when they are young. This will help them to understand that there is no danger to everyone. This can be done by walking in the street or in parks, interacting with the neighbors during playtimes, and even taking their children to places that they've never been before (as as they're safe).
In addition to getting out and having a good time It's also a great idea to include obedience training into your exercises. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to sit on his mat. It can be more complicated than heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports such as agility or flyball can provide an excellent exercise for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Begin slowly to ensure that you don't to over-exert the puppy. Avoid exercising your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This could lead to heat-related illnesses in young dogs.
Apart from these activities, it's also a good idea just to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. They need this to get physical activity and to explore the world beyond their own home. It's a good idea to diversify your routes during these walks so that they see new environments and are exposed to the sounds in the wonderful world they live in.