The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Buy A German Shepherd
Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in a home that has plenty of space for training and exercise. You'll want to search for a reliable breeder that provides health and temperament testing for each litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies who are curious and unafraid to engage with humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for visitors. Early socialization and obedience training can help reduce aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are believed to live longer than other breeds. However, they could be susceptible to certain health issues. Responsible breeders screen their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) and bloat, cancer, allergies, and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will suggest routine veterinary checkups as well as a balanced diet and fitness for the body and mind and early intervention if any health issues occur.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be overworked as it can cause joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, which are painful for the dog. Losing weight, reducing activity as well as taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms such as the loss of mobility and limping.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus. This can affect the cornea and cause blindness if not addressed quickly. This condition occurs more often in dogs at higher altitudes, with an excessive exposure to UV light, or in areas that have high levels of air pollution. Preventing her comment is here can be achieved by keeping your German Shepherd inside during the hottest parts of the day. You can also provide a shaded space or give them a pair of doggie sunglasses.
German Shepherds can suffer from osteoarthritis later in their lives as do other large breeds. It can be painful. Although any breed is susceptible to this condition, the likelihood is greater for larger breeds. Choosing an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder and providing them with plenty of exercise in a well-fenced yard, can help reduce the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a high amount of energy and require lots of activity to burn it off. They will do best in a home with access to large open spaces or can be regularly taken on long walks.
It's a great idea begin with basic obedience classes for your new puppy. They are intelligent and will respond well to training. A good place to start is with basic commands such as'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once your dog is proficient with the basics, you can progress to more advanced obedience training like 'come on command' and 'leave'.
It can also help reduce the fear of adults by exposing your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and humans. Introduce them to other animals in a safe environment, such as a dog-friendly park or cafe. Treats as rewards can aid your German Shepherd become more focused in their presence, so that they are not overwhelmed by strangers and become afraid.
Keep in mind that your German shepherd is still an infant. They'll play and chew on anything. It's a good idea to start training them before they are old enough so that they don't slam into people or other pets.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to make them familiar with different sights and sounds as well as smells. They will go through a time period known as the Fear Period, which means that they may have difficulty understanding certain things that seem safe to us (such as children, loud noises or unfamiliar surfaces). During this period, it is important to expose your German shepherd to a range of situations to avoid developing fears later in life.
You should also enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, especially if other family members can assist. It is easier to track progress if you have someone else to reinforce the good behaviors that you are working on with your German shepherd. This will also give your German Shepard some consistency, so they don't get overwhelmed by too many experiences all at time.
Exercise
German Shepherds require daily exercise because they are extremely active dogs. This activity is beneficial for both the dog and the owner. It helps dogs maintain an ideal weight and keeps its muscles flexible and strong. It also helps avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise is also a great way to keep the dog's mind alert and decrease the chance of developing behavioral issues.
Proper daily exercise is especially essential for working line German Shepherds that are bred to perform police and military work. It can help prevent destructive behaviors like excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Puppies are full of energy and will need more exercise. It is essential to not over-exert your dog as this can damage their joints and bones. This is especially applicable if the puppy is still growing, which is possible at any time up to 12 months age.
Exercise can help puppies establish healthy habits that will last for a lifetime. Taking them for regular walks can aid in improving cardiovascular health, control their weight and lower stress levels. By exposing them to different species of animals and people, it can help them develop their social skills. This will help them to adapt to new situations and deal 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 formal exercise (walking the dog at a moderate pace) per month of age. This exercise can include play and training, however it must be kept under supervision at all times. When the dog is tired, it's a good idea for him to take a break and rest.
German Shepherds are able to benefit from a variety of games, such as fetch and tracking, agility such as obedience, games, and such as hide and seek. This is a great opportunity to help your puppy exercise its hunting instincts and also to stop boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who respond well to early instruction. However, they are large dogs with a lot of energy that need space to use up their energy. If they are not given enough exercise, they could be destructive. Also, their natural protectiveness can turn into aggression if not properly socialized and taught as puppies.
When buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is open about his breeding practices and has the required AKC papers for each puppy. He should be able to inform you about the personality of each puppy and how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should permit you to play with the puppies as well as their mother and stud dog (if in residence).
Ask the breeder to provide references from previous customers. Also, consult local animal shelters and veterinarians for references to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy that is undersocialized or unhealthy. He will also be able explain how he has planned his breeding to emphasize particular qualities in the puppies. He might even be able to offer you a puppy replacement should the one you choose not work out.
Look for a robust, healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. her comment is here should be alert, curious, and active but not excessively anxious or hyperactive. A slow, sluggish, or aggressive puppy is a red flag and should be avoided.
Be aware of the way a German Shepherd puppy acts around his family members and other pets. He should be curious and not afraid of interacting with other dogs. He should also demand attention from people with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the puppies in the litter It is important to remember that this behaviour could persist throughout his life and cause him to be difficult to live with.
Visit your vet and make sure that the puppy is up-to current on all vaccinations. They should also be microchipped. Introduce your family to him while you are still a puppy, to begin teaching him the basics of house rules and behavior.