Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores sell German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of buying one, make sure you find a reliable breeder.
Look for a dog with an even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and people.
Reputable breeders adhere to strict ethical breeding practices and will prioritize health clearances for their puppies. They will provide pedigrees and medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a powerful sense of security and are strong dogs. They also have a natural need for protection. They can be wary at first, but warm up quickly after being well-socialized. The confidence and apprehension in the face of danger can make them a good choice for police, military and guard dog roles. They can be protective of individuals 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. One of the reasons they're so well-known is their ability to learn and accomplish different tasks. They have a strong bond with their family members, and they enjoy participating in any activity at home. These dogs are also great for children. They're active and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like all dog breeds however, they can be agressive with strangers and other pets. Socialization and training early will assist in preventing aggression.
It is crucial to determine if a breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices. You'll need to find a German Shepherd Breeder who follows the rules, including screening and testing for health, socialization and raising their pups in a home. You can usually determine the integrity of the breeder if you visit the facility to meet the parents and their children and ask questions about genetics and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, which makes it more prone to Bloat. This can be fatal. To minimize the risk, feed your puppy lots of water. Also, be sure that you feed him regularly and use a bowl with a secure seal.
German Shepherds, as with many herding breeds can be nippy. They can bark to alert their owners to the presence of strangers or intruders. However they can be trained to calmly and confidently greet visitors. It is also recommended to take your dog to puppy classes or employ an expert dog trainer if you aren't familiar with this formidable breed. This will ensure your German Shepherd gets the proper training and exercise to stop him from being destructive, or even attempting to escape. A microchip and a 24PetWatch membership will also assist in locating your pet in the event that he does run away.
Health
The GSD is a very sturdy breed. However, as with any other breed, it may be susceptible to certain genetic ailments and diseases. Do your research and make sure you purchase from a reputable dog breeder that prioritizes the health of their dogs. Before purchasing go to the place and meet the owners. Also, inquire about health certificates and socialization documents.
German Shepherds are susceptible to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) as well as skeletal muscle weakness. This is especially true for dogs who are older. These problems can be managed through healthy diet, exercise, supplements and physical therapy.
Epilepsy can also be inherited in GSDs. It's usually caused by a metabolic problem (low blood sugar, organ failure or toxin). It can also happen if there is no other reason, which is known as Idiopathic or primary Epilepsy. If your dog is suffering from this condition it will require a lifetime of medication to manage seizures.
Cancer is a different affliction that affects GSDs, particularly hemangiosarcoma, which is a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. The symptoms include fatigue and swelling, as well as sudden collapse. The condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.
Allergies can also be a problem for dogs with GSD. They can cause itchy skin, ear infection and digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you'll require a thorough medical check-up that includes an exhaustive history and examination, tests for the ears and skin as well as labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that affects GSDs. It causes them to lose their mobility, generally in their early 20s. This disease is caused by an genetic mutation and is identified by DNA testing. The symptoms of the disease include gradual difficulty getting up, a decreased ability to stand or jump with ease, pain, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. There is no cure for the disease, but it is treatable with physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs have an innate work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, as well as protection training. Their versatile skills also make them excellent service dogs sniffers, drug and bomb 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 a flurry of behaviors if they do not receive adequate stimulation in their minds or bodies. They require a reliable steady, consistent, and patient trainer to help them develop their full potential and help them remain confident even in the face of distractions.
If you're considering buying a purebred German Shepherd, be sure to choose a reputable breeder who works with the dog's best interests in mind. They should conduct a screening procedure to determine if the pups are suitable for their family. They must also provide documentation of the dog's pedigree as well as health clearances as and recommendations for training and care.
The breed standard says that although each German Shepherd is different, they should all be athletic, active and alert. They must also be secure around their family members and sociable. You might want to inquire with the breeder about their breeding program and see some of the puppies in person so you can observe their behavior and physical characteristics.
Many people misunderstand the traditional German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at motion as a sign of aggression. These are all natural behaviors that occur when dogs are activated when something moves nearby. Some German Shepherds who put their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers are born shy. This can be cured through socialization, but is not "cured."
While some dogs shed hairs throughout the entire year, most shed heavily just twice a year. They shed heavily for three weeks in spring when they change from an engorged coat in winter to a lighter coat during summer, and then later in autumn, as they prepare to revert to a thicker coat during winter. This means you'll need to keep up with regular walks with plenty of playtime, exercise, and plenty of lint rollers. A well-trained and socialized German Shepherd in your life will mean a great deal of love, loyalty and companionship for many years to come.
Care
German Shepherds need to be taught consistently to avoid undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking, digging too much and chewing. They are extremely intelligent dogs that are able to learn and enjoy having an objective in life. They can become bored when left to themselves for long periods of time. A large dog or backyard park is the best way to help them channel their energy and provide them with a place to go for their intense physical activity.
Reputable breeders will be able to provide you with pedigree documents and health clearances for the parents of the pups. You should visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to confirm that the breeder is committed to ethical breeding practices.
GSDs, as a result of their genetic predisposition are more prone to elbow and hip dysplasias, bloats disease and skin problems. They are also prone skin conditions, entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de ear infections, and ear infections. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma a form of cancer that affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver.
The spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it are surrounded by a tough, fibrous connective tissue called the peritoneum. Peritoneal inflammation can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation can cause other complications, including kidney infection, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed goes through a molting process once or twice a years. You can employ a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake or a slicker to reduce the amount of shed.
GSDs may suffer from a condition known as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). It occurs when the jelly-like cushion that lies between the vertebrae breaks and presses against the spinal chord. The symptoms include difficulty in jumping up and down stairs, or moving around, being reluctant to move with a hunched back, and the dragging of the feet behind. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately. The condition could quickly progress and cause paralysis or death. A veterinarian can reposition discs to lessen symptoms or eliminate them altogether.