Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are great service dogs for the police, military and other authorities. They are smart and loyal, as well as protective. schäferhund kaufen österreich are also extremely active and require plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Their natural protectiveness can manifest as aggression towards strangers, so early training and socialization are crucial. They may also display behaviors that are compulsions, like repetitive actions such as tail-chasing.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy, however good breeding practices may reduce the risk of certain health issues. Breeders with a good reputation check their parents' health to prevent passing preventable issues to puppies, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy.
All puppies, regardless of their breeding history should be thoroughly examined by a vet before they are released to their new homes. This allows the veterinarian to detect and treat any health issues as soon as possible, thereby reducing the risk of complications and improve the outcome.
Regular veterinary visits are essential for the health of your German Shepherd. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt with vaccinations and other preventive measures can help your pet live a long and healthy life.
Certain health issues that are specific to German Shepherds include autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma, epilepsy/seizure disorders and bleeding conditions. These conditions can be managed and prevented by consuming the correct diet, avoiding table foods and treats, and starting preventive medications as soon as possible.
All dogs suffer from digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. This is often caused due to eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies and the underlying medical condition. A commercial food that is of high quality, frequent urination and the consumption of water and limiting sweets can help in addressing digestive issues.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (also known as gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This condition is caused by the stomach filling with gas and twists on itself, preventing blood flow and resulting in death within a few hours if untreated. GDV symptoms include heaving, retching, but not swallowing. They also have an enlarged stomach, restlessness and a lack of energy. Preventive surgery that sutures or tacks the stomach in place can reduce the risk of this deadly illness.
Dental disease is another frequent problem that affects all dogs, but particularly German Shepherds. If left untreated tartar build-up could lead to gum disease and infection of the roots of the teeth. In the end, your German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require a lengthy and costly treatment, which could be difficult on your pet emotionally and financially.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been used extensively for protection, service and police dogs. They are active, athletic and highly trained. They are a good fit for active people with lots of time to training, exercise and cleaning up hair shed. They are also ideal for those who wish to have a reliable, highly capable friend.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes children and older adults. They are protective of their loved ones and may not be comfortable with strangers. They are most comfortable with consistent, fair and firm training methods. They also need a lot of stimulation in their minds, so it is crucial to offer a variety of games and puzzles for training.
If you are shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who cares about the quality of their pups and wants to communicate with you. They should be able to show you the mother and litter as well as their health history, their environment where they were raised and be able to answer your questions. They can tell you about the socialization of the pups and how they compare to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely to be from mills than reputable breeders. They are usually bred to make money and may be suffering from serious issues genetically. A reputable breeder will screen their breeding stock to prevent hereditary diseases and other health issues from developing in the pups.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it is essential to begin training as early as possible. Teach basic commands such as sit down, stay, and sit. Also train your dog on leash so your German Shepherd is calm when they are out and out and about. Early obedience training is important to stop them from chasing anything that moves. You can also engage their natural instincts to herd by doing some recall exercises.
Spend a lot of time with them while they're young, so that they can begin to appreciate you. This is crucial because they have a crucial socialization period from about 16 weeks old, after which they might be less open to new experiences, people and places.
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). Additionally, you'll need to purchase grooming appointments along with pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Consider the additional costs of dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training. This could cost thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Look for a breeder that adheres to high standards and good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for documentation of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for both the father and mother and temperament testing for the litter.
Talk to veterinarians and local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. These people regularly interact with animals and are aware of a lot about ethical breeders.
Although a German shepherd's herding instinct can cause him to leap and chase other people, he will respond to discipline and training. Introduce your family members to him as he grows. German Shepherds are extremely attached to their families and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental diseases. It begins with tartar buildup and progresses into gum inflammation and the roots of teeth. This is a condition that is widespread and can lead tooth loss and serious complications like liver, kidney, and heart disease.
Cancer is a different issue particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a kind of cancer that causes blood-rich tumors, which are typically found in the spleen or heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone and intestinal.
Retrieving the German Shepherd from a shelter is an option for those who can't afford to pay the cost of buying a purebred puppy. The staff at the shelter can help you select a dog who has an excellent temperament and is compatible with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog may be less expensive than buying one, and adoption fees typically include initial medical exams as well as vaccinations, spaying or neutering. The staff at the shelter may give advice on how you can prepare your home for a dog. For example they will tell you which items to stored away and where.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be very active, so it's crucial to give them an opportunity to release their energy. If they don't have enough exercise it could result in them being bored and redirecting their energy to something unintentional, like digging through the yard or chewing on whatever is in reach.
It's important to expose them to a variety of people, places, and situations while they are young, as it will help them realize that not everyone is a threat. This can be done by taking walks on the street or in parks, getting to know neighbors during play sessions and even taking them to places they haven't been before (as as they're safe).
It's a good idea in addition to going out and socializing, to incorporate obedience training during workouts. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to sit and remain on his mat. It could be as complicated as working on heel or playing recall games.
Dog sports such as agility or flyball are excellent for your German Shepherd pup and can also help them improve their mental abilities. Make sure you begin slowly with these kinds of activities so you don't overexert your dog. Be sure to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can lead to heat-related illness in puppies.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. They need this to get physical activity and to explore the world outside of their own home. It's a good idea vary where you go during these walks so that they experience new surroundings and are exposed to the many sounds in this wonderful world that they live in.