Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of purchasing one, look for an accredited breeder.
Find a puppy with an the same temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and people.
Breeders who are reputable adhere to strict ethical breeding practices, and give priority to health clearances of their pups. They will provide a pedigree as well as medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds are strong powerful dogs that have an instinctual sense of security. They can be wary initially, but they become more comfortable after being well-socialized. They are well-known for their courage and saftey when faced with danger. This makes them an excellent choice for police, military and guard dog duties. They can also be protective of their belongings and family members.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as an obedience competitor or 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 every activity at home. These dogs are also great with children. They are energetic and will play with children as well as other dogs. Of course, like all breeds of dogs they are prone to nipping with strangers and other pets. Early training and socialization will aid in preventing aggression issues.
It is important to know if a breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices. You'll want to choose a German Shepherd breeder that follows guidelines like health testing and screening, socialization, and raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can often determine the integrity of a breeder by visiting the facility, talking to the parents and other siblings, and asking questions about the genetic history and health clearances.
Because the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it's susceptible to bloat, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk, make sure you give your puppy plenty of water. Also, be 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 intruders. They can be taught how to calmly and confidently greet visitors. It's recommended to take your dog to puppy obedience classes or engage the help of a knowledgeable dog trainer, especially if you're not familiar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly trained and exercised to keep him from being destructive or trying to escape. A microchip and a 24PetWatch membership can help you return your pet if he ever does escape.
Health
The GSD is a sturdy breed, but just like any other dog breed, they are susceptible to a variety of hereditary diseases and conditions. Do your research and ensure you purchase from a reliable breeder who cares about the health of their dogs. Before making a purchase, visit the facility and meet the owners. Also, request health certificates and socialization documents.
Hip dysplasia, an illness that affects the joint, is common among German Shepherds, as is weakness of the skeletal muscle, especially in older dogs. These problems can easily be managed by a balanced diet and exercise as well as supplements and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is another hereditary condition that is found in GSDs. It's typically caused by a metabolic issue (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 epilepsy that is idiopathic. If your dog is suffering from this condition it will require ongoing medication to control seizures.
GSDs can also be affected by cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that grows on blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. Lethargy, swelling, and sudden collapse are the most common symptoms. This condition is extremely painful and there isn't a cure, so treatment revolves around managing the symptoms.
Allergies can be a problem for dogs with GSD. They can cause itchy skin, ear infection as well as digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you'll need to do a complete medical workup including a thorough history and exam as well as examination of the skin and ears as well as labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that affects GSDs and cause them to lose their mobility, typically in their early 20s. This disease is caused an inherited mutation that can be detected through DNA testing. Symptoms of the disease progress and include difficulty getting up and down, a refusal to climb or jump, a loss of the muscle mass of the thigh and pain. There is no cure for the disease but it can be controlled with physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs are well-known for their strong work ethic, and they benefit from advanced training in obedience, agility, and protection. Their versatile skills also make them excellent service dogs, bomb and drug sniffers, and guides for the blind.
As a breed German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and eager to please. However, they are easily bored and susceptible to obsessive behavior if they don't get enough stimulation in their minds or bodies. They require a strong constant, patient, and consistent trainer to help them reach their full potential and help them remain calm when faced with 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 interest in mind. They should conduct a screening procedure to determine if the pups are an appropriate fit to their family. They must also provide documentation of the puppy's pedigree and health clearances as well as suggestions for training and care.
The breed standard says that although every German Shepherd is different, they should all be active, athletic and alert. They should be also secure around their family members and sociable. It is possible to ask the breeder about their breeding program and see some of the puppies in person so that you can observe their behavior and physical traits.
Many people mistake the classic 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 whenever something happens close to them. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers are born shy. This can be helped through socialization, but it is not "cured."
While some breeds shed a few hairs throughout the year, most dogs only shed heavily twice a year -- for three weeks in spring as they switch from a thicker winter coat to a thinner summer one and then again in autumn as they prepare to switch back to an even thicker winter coat. That means you'll need keep up with daily walks as well as plenty of playtime and exercise, and a lot of lint rollers. A well-trained and socialized German Shepherd in your life will bring a lot of loyalty, love, and companionship for the years to come.
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German Shepherds should be trained consistently to prevent undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, excessive digging and chewing. They are intelligent dogs who are eager to learn and have a reason for being. They can be bored if they are left alone for long periods. It is essential to provide them with a huge backyard or dog park in order to harness their energy.
Reputable breeders will provide you with documents that prove the pedigree of the puppies and their parents health clearances. You must also meet the parents of the puppies to make sure the breeder follows ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and bloat, skin issues, heart disease, ear infections and many other ailments. They are more likely to develop cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma which affects organs that are rich in blood, including the liver and spleen.
The the peritoneum is a spongy, tough connective tissue that covers the spleen and the blood vessels that supply it. When the peritoneum gets inflamed it can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal swelling can lead to complications such as kidney disease, liver disease, and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have a double coat that require regular brushing in order to avoid matting and tangling. The breed will go through a molting cycle every once or twice per year. You can employ a deshedding tool, an undercoat rake, or a slicker, to reduce the amount of shed.
GSDs may suffer from a condition known as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause happens when the jelly-like pad that lies between the vertebrae breaks and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty moving, climbing stairs, or jumping. They also include a slumped-back posture and dragging the feet behind. If you notice these signs you should seek medical attention immediately since the condition may progress quickly and result in paralysis and even death. A doctor can move the disc to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.