Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores sell German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of buying one, make sure you choose a reputable breeder.
Look for a puppy with the same temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies as well as with people.
Reputable breeders follow strict ethical breeding practices and prioritize health clearances for their puppies. They will provide a pedigree as well as medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds are confident, powerful dogs with an instinctual sense of safety. They are a bit wary at first, but warm up quickly after being well-socialized. The confidence and apprehension in the face of danger could make them an ideal choice for military, police, and guard dog roles. They can protect people and their possessions.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as an aid dog, obedience competition or a loyal pet for the family. Their ability to learn and complete tasks is one of the reasons they're so popular. They are able to are quick to bond with their families and enjoy taking part in any activity at home. These dogs are also great with children. They're lively, and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause of dog, they can also be aggressive with strangers and pets. Early training and socialization will help prevent aggression issues.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is important. You'll need to find a German Shepherd Breeder who follows standards, such as screening and testing for health as well as socialization, and bringing their pups in a home. You can usually assess the breeder's integrity if you visit the facility, meet the parents and siblings and ask questions about genetics as well as health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, which makes it more prone to get bloated. This could be fatal. To minimize the risk, be sure to give your puppy plenty of water and feed him regularly and ensure an appropriate food bowl.
German Shepherds, as with many herding breeds, can be very nippy. They will bark to warn their owners to the presence of strangers or intruders. However they can be trained to be calm and confident in greeting visitors. It's also a good idea to take your dog to puppy obedience classes and/or engage the help of a seasoned dog trainer, particularly in case you're not a fan of this breed of dog. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is getting the right training and exercise to prevent him from being destructive, or trying to escape. A microchip and 24PetWatch membership can also help to return your pet's owner if he does run away.
Health
The GSD is a very sturdy breed with a lot of strength. But, just like any other breed, it may be susceptible to certain hereditary diseases and conditions. Do your research and ensure you purchase from a reliable breeder who is concerned about the health of their dogs. Before purchasing go to the place and meet the parents. Also, request health clearances as well as socialization records.
German Shepherds are at risk of hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) as well as weakness of the skeletal muscle. This is especially true for older dogs. These problems can be managed through an appropriate diet as well as exercise, supplements, and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is another hereditary disease that can be seen in GSDs. It's usually triggered by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar or organ failure) or a toxin. It can also happen if no other cause is found, which is called primary epilepsy or epilepsy that is idiopathic. If your dog has this condition it will require a lifetime of medication to control seizures.
Cancer is another condition that affects GSDs, especially hemangiosarcoma. It is an aggressive tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. Symptoms include lethargy and swelling, as well as sudden collapse. This condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms.
Allergies can be a problem for dogs with GSD. They can trigger itchy skin, ear infections and digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will have to conduct a complete medical examination that includes a thorough history and exam and tests for the ears and skin, labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that affects GSDs and causes them to lose their mobility, typically in their 20s or early 20s. The cause of this disease is through a genetic mutation which can be detected through DNA tests. The signs of the disease are a increasing difficulty getting up, a decreased ability to stand or jump with ease, pain, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. The disease isn't cureable, but it can be managed through physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs have an impressive work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, and protection training. Their versatility makes them excellent service dogs as bomb and drug sniffers and guides for blind people.
German Shepherds are smart and eager to delight. They can easily become bored, and may develop obsessive behaviors when they do not receive enough physical or mental stimulation. They require a reliable, consistent, and patient trainer to help them reach their full potential and help them remain confident when faced with distractions.
If you are looking to purchase an purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you select an breeder with a good reputation and has your dog's wellbeing in mind. They should conduct screening procedures to determine if the puppies are a good fit for their family. They should also provide documentation on the dog's pedigree as well as health clearances as well as suggestions for training and care.
While every German Shepherd has a unique temperament, the breed standard indicates that these dogs should be athletic, active, alert, protective, and biddable with family members. You can ask the breeder questions about their breeding program, and you may take a look at some of their puppies to assess their physical characteristics and demeanor.
Many people mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movement as an indication of aggression. These are all natural behaviors that occur when the dog is triggered when something moves nearby. Some German Shepherds who cover their heads or avoid strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" by socialization, but not necessarily cured.
While some breeds shed a few hairs throughout the year, the majority of dogs only shed heavily twice a year -- for three weeks in spring, when they switch from an extra thick winter coat to a softer summer coat and then in fall as they prepare to switch back to a thicker winter coat. That means you'll have to keep up with regular walks as well as plenty of playtime and exercise, and plenty of lint rollers. A well-trained and socialized German shepherd will bring you years of love, loyalty and companionship.
Care
German Shepherds require consistent training to avoid undesirable behaviors such as digging, chewing, and excessive barking. They are extremely intelligent dogs that can be taught easily and are awed by having a purpose in life. If left alone for long periods they may become bored and destructive. A large dog or backyard park is a must to let them run loose and provide them with a place to go for their intense physical activity.
Breeders who are reputable are able to provide you with pedigree documents and health clearances for the parents of the pups. You should also visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to ensure that the breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices.
GSDs, as a result of their genetic predisposition, are more prone to hip and elbow dysplasias, bloats disease, and skin issues. They may also be susceptible to skin conditions, ear infections and ear infections. They are more likely to develop cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma which affects organs that are blood-rich including the liver and spleen.
The spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it are protected by an extremely tough, fibrous connective tissue called the peritoneum. When the peritoneum gets inflamed it can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal swelling can cause complications such as liver disease, kidney infection, and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed will go through a molting cycle once or twice per year. You can employ a deshedding tool, an undercoat rake, or a slicker to reduce the amount of hair shed.
GSDs can suffer from a condition called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This happens when the jelly-like padding that lies between the vertebrae tears and presses against the spinal cord. Symptoms include difficulty moving, climbing stairs, or jumping. They also may be slumped-back posture and dragging the back feet. If you observe any of these symptoms you should consult a physician immediately. The condition can quickly advance and lead to paralysis or even death. A veterinary doctor can move discs to lessen symptoms or eliminate them altogether.