Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're considering buying one, make sure you choose an accredited breeder.
Find a dog that has a balanced temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with the other puppies and the people.
Breeders with good reputations adhere to ethical breeding practices and give priority to health clearances for their pups. They will provide a litter's pedigree and medical documents.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a powerful sense of security and are strong dogs. They also have a natural instinct for security. They are a bit wary at first, but become more comfortable after being socialized. The confidence and apprehension in the face of danger can make them an ideal choice for military, police and guard dog roles. They can also be a protector of their possessions and people.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as an aid dog, obedience competition or a loyal family pet. Their ability to learn and accomplish tasks is among the reasons why they're so popular. They bond quickly with their families and are able to participate in all activities at home. They're also a great choice for children. They're lively, and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like all dog breeds, they can also be agressive with other dogs and strangers. Early training and socialization will assist in preventing aggression.
It is essential to determine whether a breeder follows ethical breeding practices. You should look for a German Shepherd breeder that follows guidelines like screening and testing for health as well as socialization and raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can generally determine the integrity of the breeder 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 can cause it to get bloated. This could be fatal. To lessen the risk, give your puppy lots of water. Also, be sure that you feed him regularly, and use a bowl that is secure.
Like many herding dogs German Shepherds can be nippy. They will naturally bark to alert you of approaching intruders or strangers. However they can be taught to calmly and confidently greet visitors. You should also take your dog to puppy classes or employ an animal trainer if are not familiar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly trained and exercised to stop him from causing harm or trying to escape. A microchip, as well as 24PetWatch, can help you find your dog in the event that he gets away.
Health
The GSD is a strong breed, but just like any other dog, they are prone to certain hereditary diseases and conditions. Do your research and make sure you purchase from a trusted breeder who cares 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.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) and skeletal muscle weakness. This is especially true for older dogs. These problems can be easily treated with healthy diet and exercise and supplements and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is also inherited in GSDs. It's usually caused by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar organ failure, toxin or organ failure). It can also happen if no other cause is found and is referred to as primary epilepsy or epilepsy that is idiopathic. If your dog suffers from this condition it will require ongoing medication in order to control seizures.
Cancer is another condition that can affect GSDs especially hemangiosarcoma. It is a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. Lethargy, swelling, as well as sudden collapse are all signs. This condition is extremely painful and there is no cure, so treatment revolves around controlling the symptoms.
Allergies are also a frequent issue in GSDs. They can cause itchy skin, ear infections and digestive issues including vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If you suspect your dog is allergic, you'll need to conduct a complete medical checkup, which includes a thorough examination and history, as well as diagnostic testing of the ears and skin as well as labwork and fecal test.
Degenerative myelopathy may affect GSDs and cause them to lose mobility. This condition usually manifests in the early 20s. The disease is caused by a genetic mutation that can be identified through DNA testing. The signs of the disease include gradual difficulty getting up, a decreased willingness to jump or stand, pain, and a loss of muscle mass in the thighs. The disease isn't curable, but it is managed 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 diverse skills make them excellent service dogs, bomb and drug sniffers, and guides for blind people.
As breeds German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and eager to delight. They are easily bored and can develop obsessive behavior without enough mental or physical stimulation. They require a reliable, consistent, and patient trainer to help them reach their full potential and assist them to remain calm in the face of distractions.
If you're considering buying a purebred German Shepherd, be sure to locate a reliable breeder who is working with the dog's best interests in mind. They should use a screening procedure to determine if the puppies are suitable to their family. They must also provide documentation on the dog's pedigree as well as health clearances as well as recommendations for training and care.
Although each German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that these dogs should be active, athletic and alert, as well as protective and biddable with family members. You may want to ask the breeder about their breeding program and visit some of the puppies in person so that you can assess their demeanor and physical characteristics.
Many people confuse the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movements as aggression. These are normal reactions that occur when dogs are activated whenever something happens close to them. blaue schäferhunde who put their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers are born shy. This can be helped by socialization, but not "cured."
While some breeds shed a few hairs throughout the year. Most dogs only shed heavily twice per year -- for three weeks in spring as they transition from a thicker winter coat to a softer summer coat, and again in the fall when they are preparing for the transition back to an even thicker winter coat. This means you'll need to keep up with regular walks as well as plenty of playtime and exercise, and plenty of lint rollers. A well-trained, properly socialized German shepherd will bring you years of affection, loyalty and love.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
German Shepherds must be trained consistently to prevent undesirable behavior such as excessive barking, digging too much and chewing. They are intelligent dogs who love to learn and have a purpose. If left unattended for long periods of time, they can become bored and destructive. A large dog or backyard park is essential to let them run loose and provide them with a place to go for their intense physical activity.
Breeders who are reputable can provide you with documents that prove the pedigree of the puppies and their parents' health certificates. You should also meet the parents of the puppies in order to confirm that the breeder is ethical in their breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, skin problems, heart disease and ear infections as well as various other ailments. They are more likely to develop cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma that affect organs that are blood-rich including the liver as well as the spleen.
The the peritoneum is a spongy, tough connective tissue that surrounds the spleen, as well as the blood vessels which supply it. Inflammation of the peritoneum can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation can lead to other complications like kidney infection, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing to avoid tangling and matting. The breed goes through a molting period once or twice a year and you can utilize a de-shedding tool, undercoat rake or slicker to help keep the amount of shedding to a minimum.
GSDs can be affected by a condition called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This happens when the jelly-like pad that is between the vertebrae breaks and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty in jumping, climbing stairs or moving around, being reluctant to move, a hunched back and dragging of the back feet. If you observe these signs you should seek medical attention immediately as the condition can progress quickly and cause paralysis and even death. A veterinarian can reposition a disc to reduce symptoms or eliminate them completely.