Where to Buy German Shepherd Puppies
A popular choice for military, police and other service dogs German Shepherds are intelligent, secure and loyal. They are also very active and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Early training and socialization is vital because their natural instinct to protect can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They can also display compulsions such as repetitive behaviors like tail chases.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs however, good breeding practices can help reduce the likelihood of some diseases. Breeders who are reputable screen parents to prevent passing on preventable diseases like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy to puppies.
No matter what their breeding history, all puppies should be carefully inspected by a veterinarian prior to when they go to their new homes. This helps the veterinarian determine and address any health issues as soon as possible to avoid complications and improve outcomes.
Regular visits to the vet are crucial to ensure the health of your German Shepherd. Regular veterinary exams, vaccinations and other preventive care can help your pet live an extended, healthy life.
German Shepherds are prone to an autoimmune disease, hemangiosarcoma or seizures/epilepsy. They may also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. These ailments can be treated and prevented by consuming the correct diet, avoiding table food and treats, and starting preventive medication as early as possible.
All dogs can suffer from digestive issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. This is often caused by eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies and other medical conditions. High-quality commercial food, frequent urination, drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets can help ease digestive problems.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (also known as gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This condition is caused by the stomach filling with gas and then twists on itself, preventing blood flow, and possibly resulting in death within a matter of hours if untreated. Symptoms of GDV include the tendency to retch or try to heave but not swallowing, an increased abdomen, lethargy, restlessness and sitting in a prayer posture with the head lowered. Preventive surgery to suture or tack the stomach may reduce the chance of contracting this deadly illness.
Dental disease is another frequent issue that can affect all dogs, but in particular German Shepherds. If not treated, tartar build-up can cause gum disease and infection of the roots of the teeth. Your German Shepherd may eventually lose her teeth or require costly and lengthy treatment. This could be financially and emotionally difficult for your pet.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that have been used extensively for protection, service and police dogs. They are athletic, energetic and highly trainable. They are a good fit for active people with plenty of time to training, exercise and removing hair that has fallen out. They are also a great option for those looking for a trustworthy, reliable friend.
A well-trained German Shepherd is a reliable companion for all family members. This includes children and older adults. They are able to protect their family members and remain aloof towards strangers. They are best trained with fair, firm, and constant methods of training. They also require lots of mental stimulation, so an array of games and puzzles for training is vital to keep them focused.
Look for a German Shepherd breeder that cares about their puppies' quality and is eager to establish relationships with you. They should show you the litter and their mother, their health history, their environment in which they were raised, and answer your questions. They will be able to inform you how the pups were raised and how they compare with their siblings.
Be wary of puppies at pet stores, since they are more likely to be from breeders who are reputable. They are usually produced to earn money and may have serious issues genetically. A reputable breeder screens their breeding stock to prevent hereditary disease and other health issues that can arise in the puppies.
Whatever way you decide to choose your puppy, it's important to start training early on. Introduce basic commands such as sit down, stay and sit. Train on leash-training to ensure that your German Shepherd will remain calm when you are out and about. They are curious, and early obedience training is crucial to stop them from running after everything that moves. You can also stimulate the natural instincts of herding by performing some recall exercises.
Spend plenty of time with your German Shepherd when they are young so that they can develop a love for being with you. This is crucial because they have a crucial socialization period from about 16 weeks of age, after which they may be less open to new people, experiences and places.
Care
No matter where you buy your German Shepherd from, he'll require constant attention. This includes annual visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventive medications ($700-$1200 annually). Additionally, you'll need to purchase grooming appointments, pet food and a year-long pet insurance policy ( $250-$300 annually). Think about the cost of dog walking or boarding as well as professional obedience training. These costs can add up to thousands of dollars over the course of your puppy's life.
Choose a breeder who maintains high standards and follows good breeding practices. Ask the breeder for evidence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia testing for the mother and the father, as well as temperament tests for the litter.
Ask veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners and dog groomers and trainers for recommendations. These individuals are familiar with animals, and they know a great deal about ethical breeders.
Although a German shepherd's herding impulse may cause him to jump and chase people but he will be able to respond to training and discipline. Introduce him to every member of your family as you grow. German Shepherds are very close to their families and need a lot of interaction.
Dogs are prone to dental diseases. It starts with tartar buildup and progresses to infection of the gums, and roots of teeth. It's a condition that's frequent and can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications like liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is another concern and is a major concern in dogs of a certain age. Hemangiosarcoma is a kind of cancer that causes blood-rich tumors that are usually found in the spleen and heart. Other cancers include lung bone and intestinal.
If you're unable to afford the expense of a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you might be able to get one from a shelter. Shelter staff can help you choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and has a positive temperament. Adopting a dog may be less expensive than buying one, and adoption costs usually include medical examinations as well as vaccinations, spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can also provide advice on how to prepare your home for a dog, such as making sure the area is safe and clearing away anything that could be chewed on or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies are incredibly active dogs and it's important to have a outlet for their energy. If they don't get enough exercise this can lead to them being restless and redirected the energy into something that isn't desirable such as digging through the yard or chewing at whatever is in reach.
It's important to expose them to a variety of people, places and situations when they are young, as it will help them realize that not everyone is a potential threat. This can be accomplished by taking walks on the street and in parks, interacting with the neighbors during playtimes or even taking them to places they haven't been before (as long as they are secure).
Aside from getting out and being social, it's also a good idea to include obedience training into your exercises. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to sit on his mat. It can be as complicated as heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports such as agility or flyball can provide a great workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also improve their mental abilities as well. Start slowly, so as not to overload the puppy. And always remember to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, since this can lead to heat-related illness in young dogs.
You can also take your German Shepherd pup for daily walks. They need to be involved in exercise and explore the world outside of their home. It is important to take them to different places to explore new sounds and surroundings.