13 Things You Should Know About Buy A German Shepherd That You Might Not Have Known
Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in a setting that has plenty of open space to exercise and train. You'll have to find a reputable dog breeder who offers temperament and health tests for every litter they sell.
Look for puppies who are curious and tolerant of people. Avoid those who show territorial aggression. This can be dangerous to those who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can help decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are thought to live longer than other breeds. However, they could be susceptible to certain health problems. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease), degenerative myelopathy and bloat, allergies, cancer and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest routine veterinary checks, a balanced and healthy diet, physical and mental exercise, and prompt intervention in the event of any health issues.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be over-exerted as it could result in joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These can be painful for the dog. Utilizing a weight loss program, reducing their level of activities, taking joint-protection supplements, and administering anti-inflammatory medicines can ease symptoms like limping and reduced range of motion.
A common health problem in German Shepherds, pannus can affect the cornea. If not treated promptly it could lead to blindness. This condition is more common in dogs living at high altitudes or in areas of high pollution. It is important to keep your German Shepherd inside during the sunniest parts of the day, ensuring a shaded area or putting on the use of doggie sunglasses can help to keep the condition from happening.
Like a lot of large breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life, which can be painful for the dog. While look at this site is susceptible to this condition, the risk is greater for larger breeds. If you decide to adopt an adult German Shepherd, make sure to select an accredited breeder and provide them plenty of exercise within a fenced-in yard. This will lessen the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and need to be kept busy. They thrive in a house with large open spaces and regular walks.
They are highly intelligent and are able to respond to training and therefore it's a good idea to start with some basic obedience training with your new puppy. Start with basic commands like "sit down', "down" and "stay". Once your dog has mastered the basics, you can move to more complex obedience training like "come on command" as well as "leave".
It can also help prevent adult fear by exposing your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and humans. It's important to introduce them to other animals and people in a safe environment such as an animal-friendly café or in a park. Treats as rewards can assist your German Shepherd to become more aware on their surroundings to ensure they're not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become afraid.
It's important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, so they will do things like play with and chew on everything. It's a good idea to start training them early so they don't get sucked into pet owners or other animals.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is a crucial time to get familiar with various sights, sounds, and smells. The Fear Period is a time where they are unable to comprehend things that we may find safe (such as children or loud noises). During this period it is essential to expose your German shepherd to a variety of things in order to prevent developing fears later in the course of.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some socialisation and obedience training classes especially in the case of other family members who will be able to assist them out. Having someone else who can reinforce the good behaviours that you're working on with your German Shepherd will allow you to see progress faster and also provide your German dog some regularity to ensure that they do not feel overwhelmed by all the new experiences at one time.
Exercise
German Shepherds require a daily workout because they are very active dogs. This activity is beneficial to the dog as well as its owner. It aids the dog maintain a healthy weight and keep its muscles supple and strong. It can also help to prevent health issues like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help to keep the dog's mind sharp and lower the risk of behavioral issues.
Regular exercise is particularly essential for German Shepherds working line that are bred to be used in police and military work. It can help to avoid destructive behaviors, such as excessive digging or chewing. It can also assist in improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs since they are bursting with energy. However, it's important not to over-exert themselves because this could cause damage to joints and bones. This is particularly relevant if your dog is still growing. This can happen up until 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Walking them on a regular basis can aid in improving cardiovascular health, control their weight, and reduce stress levels. It can also help them develop social skills by exposing them new animals and people. This will make it easier for them to adapt to new environments and cope with stress-inducing events in the near future.
A good guideline for determining the amount of exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to get five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a slow pace) per month of age. This can be played and training, but should be monitored at all times. It is also recommended to let your dog rest when exhausted.
A few activities that offer plenty of physical and mental stimulation for German Shepherds are playing fetch and tracking, agility exercises such as obedience training, and games like hide and seek. This can be a great way to get your puppy to utilize its natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom that can result in negative behavior such as destructive chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly smart dogs and respond well to early training. However, they are big dogs with lots of energy, and they require plenty of space to use up their energy. If they are not given enough exercise, they can turn destructive. Additionally, their natural instinct to protect can turn into aggression if not properly socialized and trained from puppyhood.
Choose a breeder that is open about his breeding practices and offers AKC papers to each puppy. He should be able to inform you about the personalities of each puppy as well as how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should let you play with the puppies along with their mother and stud (if they are in residence).
Ask the breeder to provide references from previous customers. Consult local vets or animal shelters to find credible breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy who is unsocialized or unhealthy. He can also explain how he has planned the breeding to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He might even be able to offer you an alternative puppy should the one you choose not work out.
You should look for a healthy and robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppy should be alert, curious and active, but not overly active or anxious. A sluggish, lethargic or aggressive puppy is a red flag and should be avoided.
Observe the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his pet's littermates or other animals. He should be curious and unafraid of approaching other dogs. He should also demand attention from people with confidence. If he picks one of the puppies in the litter It is important to remember that this behavior could continue throughout his life and cause him to be difficult to live with.
Visit your doctor and make sure that the puppy is up-to date on all vaccinations. They should also be microchipped. Introduce him to your family when they are still a puppy so that you can begin teaching him basic house rules and behavior.