Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherds are excellent service dogs for the police, military and other governmental agencies. They are smart, loyal, and protective. They are also extremely active and require plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Socialization and early training are crucial because their natural protection can manifest as aggression towards strangers. They may also exhibit compulsions such as repetitive behaviors, like tail chasing.
Health
German Shepherds generally have good health, though good breeding practices can help reduce the likelihood of some diseases. Reputable breeders monitor their parents to prevent passing on preventable problems to their puppies, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
Whatever their breeding history, all puppies should be thoroughly examined by a vet before they leave for their new homes. This helps the vets detect any health issues and treat them as soon as possible to prevent complications and improve results.
When it concerns the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular veterinary visits are vital. Routine veterinary exams, vaccinations and other preventive care will allow your pet to live a long and happy.
Certain health issues that are that are specific to German Shepherds include the autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma epilepsy/seizure disorders and bleeding conditions. Many of these conditions can be controlled or prevented by implementing a healthy diet avoidance of sweets and table foods and introducing preventive medication as early as possible.
A common health issue that affects all dogs is digestive issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. This can be due to eating the wrong food, food allergies, or the underlying medical condition. High-quality commercial foods regular urination, drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets can help with digestive issues.
German Shepherds are more prone to bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their deep, narrow chests. This condition occurs when gas is absorbed by the stomach and then twists around itself, cutting off the blood supply, resulting in death if not treated. Signs of GDV include retching or trying to heave but not swallowing, an increased abdomen, lethargy, restlessness and lying in a prayer position with the head lowered. Preventive surgery to fixate or suture the stomach in place may reduce the chance of developing this deadly illness.
Dental disease is another common problem that affects all dogs, but especially German Shepherds. In the absence of treatment, tartar can cause gum disease and infection at the roots of teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth or require expensive and extensive treatment. This could be emotionally and financially difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively used as service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are active, athletic and extremely capable of training. They are good for people who have plenty of time to train, exercise and cleaning up shed fur. They are also a good fit for people who want an extremely reliable, trustworthy friend.
A trained and well-trained German Shepherd dog is a highly reliable companion and the best choice for many family members including children as well as older adults. They are protective of their beloved ones and may be aloof with strangers. These dogs do best with fair, firm and consistent training methods. They also require plenty of stimulation mentally, which is why it is important to provide a variety puzzles and training games.
If you are shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder that cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to communicate with you. They will be able to show you the mother, litter, their health background as well as the environment in which they were raised and will be able to answer all your questions. They can tell you about the socialization of the pups and how they are compared to their siblings.
Be cautious of puppies that are available at pet stores, since they are more likely to come from mills rather than breeders that are reputable. They are typically bred for profits and could be afflicted with serious genetic problems. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock to avoid hereditary diseases and other health issues from arising in the pups.
No matter how you choose your puppy, it is essential to start training early on. Teach basic commands like sit, stay and down. Also do some leash training to ensure that your German Shepherd is at peace when you are out and out and about. Training for obedience in the beginning is crucial to keep them from chasing everything that moves. Recall exercises are a great way to engage their natural herding instincts as well.
Make sure you spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd while they are young, so they can develop a love for being with you. This is crucial because they have a crucial socialization phase from around 16 weeks old, after which they may be less receptive to new people, experiences and places.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
No matter where you buy the German Shepherd, he will require ongoing care. This includes annual visits to the vet as well as vaccinations and preventive medication ($700-$1200 annually). You'll also have to pay for grooming appointments, pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Consider the additional costs of dog walker, boarding and professional obedience training, which could add up to thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's lifespan.
Choose a breeder who has high standards and adheres to good breeding practices. Ask the breeder to provide documentation of elbow and hip dysplasia screenings for the father and mother and for temperament testing of the litter.
Talk to veterinarians and local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers to get recommendations. They are knowledgeable about animals, and they know the basics about ethical breeders.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct may cause him to want to chase and leap on people, he'll respond well to discipline and training. Introduce him to all members of your family as he grows. German Shepherds are very attached to their families and require a lot of socialization.
Dogs are susceptible to dental diseases. It starts with tartar buildup before progressing to infection of the gums and the roots of teeth. This is a condition that is common and can lead to tooth loss and serious complications like liver, kidney, and heart disease.
Cancer is a problem for older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer that develops blood-rich tumors that are usually found in the spleen and heart. Other types of cancer include lung, bone, and the intestinal.
Retrieving the German Shepherd from shelters is a viable alternative for those who cannot afford the expense of buying a purebred dog. The staff at the shelter can assist you choose a dog that has a an excellent temperament and is compatible with your lifestyle. Adopting a pet is less expensive than buying one. The adoption fees typically include initial medical exams and vaccines, as well spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can offer advice on how to prepare your home for a new puppy for example, making sure your home is secure and removing any items that can be chewed or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be very active and it is important to give them the opportunity to let their energy go. If they don't have enough physical activity this can lead to them becoming restless and redirecting their energy to something unintentional like digging through the yard or chewing at whatever is in reach.
You can also expose them to a variety of types of people, places, and situations when they are young. This will help them understand that not everyone is a threat. You can do this by taking them for walks, going to parks, interacting during play with their neighbors or going to places they've not been before.
It's a good idea in addition to going out and socializing to incorporate obedience training during workouts. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to sit and remain on his mat. It can be more complicated than heelwork or playing games of recall.
Dog sports such as agility or flyball are great for your German Shepherd pup and can also help improve their mental abilities. Just be sure to begin slow with these types of activities so you don't overexert your dog. Avoid exercising your German Shepherd during extreme weather conditions. This could lead to illnesses related to heat in puppies.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. This is important for them to get some physical exercise and also to experience the world outside their home. It is important to take them to different places so they can explore new sounds and surroundings.