Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of buying one, find an accredited breeder.
Find a dog with a balanced temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and with the people.
Breeders with good reputations adhere to strict ethical breeding practices and give priority to health clearances for their puppies. They will provide a pedigree as well as medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds possess a strong confidence level and are strong dogs. They also have a natural need for protection. They can be cautious of strangers, particularly at first but tend to warm up quickly once well-socialized. They are known for their confidence and fearlessness when faced with danger. This makes them an excellent option for military, police and guard dog duties. They are able to guard the people they love and their belongings.
Whether you're looking for an obedience competition, service dog, or a loyal family pet The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent breed. Their ability to learn and accomplish tasks is one of the reasons they're so popular. They are able to are quick to bond with their families, and they enjoy participating in every activity at home. They're also a great choice for children. They're energetic and play with children and other dogs. Like all dog breeds however, they can be aggressive with strangers and other pets. Socialization and training early will help prevent aggression issues.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is essential. You'll want to choose a German Shepherd breeder that follows standards such as screening and health testing, socialization, and raising their puppies indoors. You can usually determine the credibility of a breeder by going to the facility, meeting the parents and other siblings, and asking questions about genetic history and health clearances.
Because the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it is prone to bloat, which could be life-threatening. To minimize the risk, be sure to provide your puppy with plenty of water and feed him frequently and ensure a safe food bowl.
German Shepherds, like many herding breeds, can be sensitive. They will bark to alert their owners to strangers or intrusions. However they can be taught to be calm and confident in greeting visitors. You should also take your dog to puppy classes or employ an expert dog trainer if you are unfamiliar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is getting the right training and exercise to prevent him from becoming destructive or even attempting to escape. A microchip and a 24PetWatch membership can help you return your pet if he ever runs away.
Health
The GSD is a robust breed, but just like any other dog, they are prone to certain hereditary conditions and diseases. Do your research and make sure you are buying from a trusted breeder who is concerned about the health of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet with the owners and ask for health clearances and socialization records before making an purchase.
www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de , a disorder that affects the joint, is a common problem in German Shepherds and weakness of the skeletal muscle, especially in older dogs. These issues can be easily controlled with a balanced diet and exercise, as well as supplements and physical therapy.
Epilepsy can also be inherited in GSDs. It's usually caused by a metabolic problem (low blood sugar organ failure, toxin or organ failure). It may also occur when there is no other cause and is referred to as primary epilepsy or epilepsy idiopathic. If your dog is suffering from this condition it will require ongoing medication in order to control seizures.
Cancer is a different affliction that affects GSDs, particularly hemangiosarcoma. This is malignant tumor that grows in blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. Lethargy, swelling, as well as sudden collapse are the most common symptoms. The condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms.
Allergies are also a frequent problem for GSDs and can lead to itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you'll have to conduct a complete medical workup including a thorough history and exam and diagnostic testing of the ears and skin, labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that affects GSDs. It causes them to lose their mobility, typically in their 20s or early 20s. The cause of this disease is an inherited mutation that can be identified through DNA testing. The symptoms of the disease include increasing difficulty getting up, a lack of ability to stand or jump in pain, as well as a loss of muscle mass in the thighs. There is no cure for the condition, but it can be controlled with physical therapy and medication.
Training
GSDs have an innate work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, as well as protection training. Their versatility makes them ideal service dogs and bomb sniffing dogs as well as guides for blind.
As breeds German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and eager to please. They are easily bored and may develop obsessive behaviors without adequate physical or mental stimulation. They require a patient, consistent and well-trained trainer to help them achieve their full potential.
If you're looking to buy a purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you choose a breeder that is reputable and who has the dog's wellbeing in mind. They must have a screening process to ensure that puppies will be a good fit to their families. They should also offer documents of the dog's pedigree, health certificates, and recommendations for training and care.
The breed standard states that while every German Shepherd is different, they should all be active, athletic and alert. They must be also secure around their family members and sociable. You can ask the breeder questions about their breeding program, and also look at their puppies to assess their physical characteristics and manner of conduct.
Many people mistake the traditional German Shepherd behaviors of barking or lunging at movement with aggression, but these are just normal responses that occur when a dog gets triggered by something moving nearby. Some German Shepherds who put their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers have a genetic shyness that can be cured through socialization, but not "cured."
While certain breeds shed hairs throughout the year, most dogs shed their hair only twice a year -- for three weeks in spring, when they switch from an icy winter coat to a lighter summer one and then again in the fall when they are preparing to transition back to a thicker winter coat. This means you'll need to keep up with regular walks, plenty of playtime and exercise, and a lot of lint rollers. A well-trained and socialized German shepherd will bring you years of friendship, love, and loyalty.
You can also read about how to take care of yourself.
German Shepherds need to be trained regularly to avoid undesirable behavior such as excessive barking, excessive digging and chewing. They are highly intelligent dogs that learn easily and enjoy having a purpose in life. They can be bored if they are left alone for a long time. It is essential to provide them with a huge backyard or dog park to harness their energy.
Breeders who are reputable can provide you with documents proving the pedigree of the puppies and their parents' health clearances. You should also visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to ensure that the breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia Bloat and skin issues, heart disease as well as ear infections, and various other ailments. They are more likely to develop cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, which affects organs that are rich in blood including the liver as well as the spleen.
The spleen and blood vessels that supply it are enclosed by an extremely tough, fibrous connective tissue called the peritoneum. If the peritoneum is inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal swelling can cause complications such as liver disease, kidney infection and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have two coats that require regular brushing in order to prevent matting and tangling. The breed experiences an annual molting process at least once a year, and you can use a de-shedding tool, undercoat rake, or slicker brush to help keep the amount of shedding to an absolute minimum.
GSDs can be affected by intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). It occurs when the cushion of jelly that sits between two vertebrae ruptures or becomes sloppy and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty in jumping up and down stairs, or moving around, a reluctance to move with a hunched back, and dragging of the back feet. If you notice these signs take immediate action to see a veterinary doctor since the condition may develop quickly and result in paralysis and even death. A veterinary doctor can move discs to lessen symptoms or eliminate them.