The Worst Advice We've Received On Buy A German Shepherd
Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in an environment that has plenty of room for exercise and training. You'll want to look for a reliable breeder that provides tests for temperament and health for each litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies that are curious and fearless of people. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can reduce aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds live longer than most other breeds, yet they are more prone to specific health problems. Responsible breeders screen their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) Bloat as well as cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will suggest regular checkups with the vet, a balanced diet, exercise for the body and mind and early intervention if any health issues occur.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be over-exerted as it could cause joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, which can be painful for the dog. A weight loss program and reducing their exercise, taking joint protection supplements, and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms such as limping and decreased range of motion.
A common health problem in German Shepherds, pannus can affect the cornea. If not treated immediately, it can lead to blindness. This condition is more prevalent in dogs living at high altitudes or in areas with severe pollution. Keeping your German Shepherd indoors during the sunniest parts of the day, providing a shaded area or even the use of doggie sunglasses can help prevent the condition.
Like a lot of large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life and can cause pain for the dog. While any breed can suffer from this condition, the likelihood is higher for larger breeds. Selecting an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, and supplying them with plenty of exercise in a secure yard, can help reduce the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a large amount of energy and require lots of activity to burn it. They will do best in a house that has access to large open spaces, or can be regularly taken for long walks.
It's a great idea to begin with basic obedience classes for your puppy. They are intelligent and will be responsive to training. Start with basic commands like "sit and stay', "down" and "stay". Once your dog has mastered the basics, you can move on to more challenging obedience exercises such as "come on command" and 'leave'.
It can also help prevent adult fear by giving your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and people. It is important to introduce them to other people and animals in a controlled environment like an animal-friendly café or in a park. 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.
Remember that your German shepherd is still an infant. They will chew and play with anything. It's also an excellent idea to train them early to avoid jumping up on other pets or people to ensure that they're at ease with all members of your family.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and smells, as well as sounds during the first year of their lives. They will experience a period of time called the Fear Period, which means that they'll have trouble interpreting certain things that may appear safe to us (such as children, loud noises, or unfamiliar surfaces). During this period it is essential to expose your German shepherd to a range of situations to avoid developing fears later on in the course of.
It's also recommended to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some classes for socialisation and obedience, especially if you have other family members who will be able to help them out. A person who can reinforce the good behavior you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you to see progress faster and also provide your German dog some consistency to ensure that they don't get overwhelmed by all the new experiences at one time.
Exercise
German Shepherds are extremely active dogs that require lots of exercise every day. This activity is beneficial to the dog and its owner. It aids the dog keep a healthy weight and keep its muscles strong and supple. It also helps to avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help keep a dog's mind sharp and decrease the chance of having behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are specially bred for military and police work, so daily exercise is vital. It can help to avoid destructive behaviors, like excessive digging or chewing. It can also help to improve obedience training and improve the bond between dog and its owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs since they have boundless energy. However, it's important not to overdo it as it can cause injury to joints and bones. This is especially the case if your puppy is still growing. It can happen up until 12 months.
Exercise for puppies can also help them develop healthy habits for the rest of their lives. Regular walks can promote cardiovascular health, aid in managing their weight and reduce stress. It can also help them develop social skills by exposing them to strangers and animals. This will help them adapt to new environments, and deal with difficult situations in the future.
A good rule of thumb to determine how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to do five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a slower pace) each month. This exercise can include play and training, but it should be kept under supervision at all times. If the dog is tired it is a good idea to let him rest.
Some activities that provide a great deal of physical and mental stimulation for German Shepherds include playing fetch and tracking, agility exercises as well as obedience training games like hide and seek. This is the perfect way to teach your puppy to utilize its natural hunting instincts, and also prevent boredom, which could lead to negative behaviors like destructive chewing or digging.
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German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs and respond well to early training. They are also large dogs with a lot of energy, and they require plenty of space to get rid of their energy. They can be very destructive in the absence of adequate exercise. Their natural instinct to protect themselves can be a source of aggression in the event that they aren't socialized or trained from the beginning of puppyhood.
Select a breeder who is honest about his breeding practices and gives AKC papers to every puppy. He will also be able to tell you about each puppy's personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should let you to play with the puppies and their mother and stud dog (if in residence).
Ask deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen for references from previous customers. Also, check with local veterinarians and animal shelters for recommendations to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy who is not well-socialized or unhealthy. He can also explain the way he has planned the breeding to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He may be able to provide you with a replacement puppy should the one you select doesn't work out.
Look for a healthy-looking, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies must be alert, curious and active, but not anxious or hyperactive. A slow, sluggish or aggressive puppy is an indication of danger and should be avoided.
Be aware of 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 be able to demand attention from people with confidence. It is important to keep in mind that if he decides to focus on one puppy from the litter over the others, this behavior may persist into adulthood.
Visit your veterinarian and ensure that your puppy is up to current on all vaccinations. They must also be microchipped. Introduce him to your family when he is still a puppy, to begin teaching him basic rules of the house and basic obedience.