Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of buying one, look for a reliable breeder.
Find a dog with an even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with the other puppies and people.
Breeders who are reputable adhere to ethical breeding practices, and give priority to health clearances for their pups. They will provide pedigrees and medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a powerful confidence level and are strong dogs. They also have a natural instinct for security. They are a bit wary initially, but become more comfortable after being socialized. This confidence and courage in the face of danger can make them a great choice for police, military and guard dog roles. They also can be guardians of their belongings and family members.
If you're in search of an obedience competition, service dog, or loyal family pet The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent breed. Their ability to learn and perform tasks is one of the reasons why they're so popular. They are able to have a strong bond with their family members, and they enjoy participating in any activity at home. They are also great with children. They're active and play with children and other dogs. Like all breeds of dog, they can also be aggressive with other dogs and strangers. Socialization and training early will aid in preventing aggression issues.
It is important to know whether a breeder follows ethical breeding practices. You should look for a German Shepherd breeder that follows standards such as screening and testing for health socialization, as well as raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can usually determine the integrity of a breeder by visiting the facility, talking to the parents and other siblings, and asking questions about genetic history and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, which can cause it to bloat. This could lead to fatality. To lessen the risk, give your puppy plenty of water, make sure to feed him regularly and use a secure bowl.
Like many herding breeds, German Shepherds can be very nippy and will naturally bark to warn you of approaching strangers or intrusions. They can be taught to confidently and calmly greet people. You should also take your dog to puppy classes or hire a dog trainer if you are unfamiliar with this powerful breed. This will ensure your German Shepherd gets the proper training and exercise to prevent him from becoming destructive or even attempting to escape. A microchip as well as a 24PetWatch subscription will also assist in locating your pet's owner if he runs away.
Health
The GSD is a very sturdy breed with a lot of strength. However, like any other breed, it could be susceptible to certain genetic conditions and diseases. Do your research and make sure you purchase from a reputable dog breeder that prioritizes the health of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet the parents and ask for health clearances and socialization records before making a purchase.
Hip dysplasia, an illness that affects the joint is common among German Shepherds and weakness of the skeletal muscle, especially in older dogs. These problems can easily be treated with an exercise program and a balanced diet as well as supplements and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is another hereditary condition that can be seen in GSDs, and it's usually triggered by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar or organ failure) or a toxin. It may also occur when there is no other cause this is known as primary epilepsy or idiopathic epilepsy. If your dog suffers from this condition it will require ongoing 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 spleen and liver. Symptoms include lethargy and swelling. It can also cause sudden collapse. This condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms.
Allergies are a regular problem for GSDs and can result in itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you'll need to do a complete medical check-up that includes a thorough history and exam, diagnostic testing of the skin and ears as well as fecal and lab tests.
Degenerative myelopathy can affect GSDs which causes them to lose mobility. This disease usually occurs in the early 20s. The cause of this disease is an inherited mutation that can be detected through DNA testing. The symptoms of the disease include progressive difficulty in getting up, a decreased willingness to jump or stand in pain, as well as a loss of muscle mass in the thighs. There is no cure for the disease, but it can be controlled with physical therapy and medication.
Training
GSDs are known for their dedication to work and their advanced training in agility, obedience and protection. Their versatility makes them excellent service dogs as bomb and drug sniffers, as well as guides for blind people.
As a breed German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and eager to delight. However, they are easily bored and susceptible to obsessive behaviors without adequate stimulation, either mental or physical. They require an attentive, consistent and solid trainer to help them reach their maximum potential.
If you are looking to purchase an purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you select a breeder that is reputable and has your dog's wellbeing in mind. They should have a screening process to ensure that puppies will be a good fit to their families. They will also offer documents of the dog's pedigree, health clearances and suggestions for care and training.
While every German Shepherd has a unique temperament, the breed standard indicates that these dogs should be athletic, active, alert, protective, and able to bond with family members. It is possible to ask the breeder about their breeding program and visit some of the puppies in person to can assess their demeanor and physical traits.
Many people mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at motion as a sign of aggression. These are normal responses that occur whenever the dog is triggered whenever something happens close to them. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads or avoid strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" through socialization, but not cured.
While certain breeds shed hairs throughout the year, the majority of dogs shed their hair only twice a year -- for three weeks in spring, when they transition from an icy winter coat to a lighter summer coat and then in fall as they prepare to transition back to a thicker winter coat. You'll need to keep up with daily walks, playtime exercise, and lots of lint-rollers. A well-trained and socialized German shepherd will bring you years of love, loyalty and companionship.
Care
German Shepherds require a consistent training to prevent undesirable behavior like digging, chewing, and excessive barking. deutscher schäferhund pflege are extremely intelligent dogs that learn easily and enjoy having an objective in life. If left to their own devices for long periods they could become bored and destructive. A large yard or dog park is a must to channel their energy and provide them with a place to go for their high levels of physical activity.
Breeders with a good reputation can provide you with pedigree records and health clearances for the parents of the pups. You should visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to verify that the breeder follows ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat, skin problems, heart disease, ear infections and many other ailments. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects blood-rich organs including the spleen and liver.
The spleen and the blood vessels that supply it are surrounded by an extremely tough, fibrous connective tissue, known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal inflammation can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation can lead to other complications including kidney disease, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular brushing to avoid matting and tangling. The breed goes through an annual molting process once or twice a year You can also use an undercoat de-shedding tool, rake or slicker brush to help keep the amount of shedding to a minimum.
GSDs can be affected by intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This occurs when the jelly-like padding that sits between the vertebrae breaks and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty jumping up and down stairs, or moving around, a reluctance to move, a hunched back and the dragging of the back foot. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately. The condition can rapidly advance and lead to paralysis or death. A veterinary doctor can move discs to ease symptoms or eliminate them completely.