Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup

Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking about buying one, find a reputable breeder.

Find a puppy with an even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and with people.

Breeders who are reputable adhere to strict ethical breeding practices, and give priority to health clearances for their puppies. They will provide pedigrees and medical records for the litter.

Temperament

German Shepherds have a strong sense of confidence and are strong dogs. They also have a natural need for protection. They are often cautious of strangers, particularly initially, but they tend to get comfortable quickly after being socialized. This confidence and courage in the face of danger could make them a good choice for Altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen military, police and guard dog positions. They are able to guard people and their possessions.

The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as an aid dog, obedience competition or a loyal family pet. Their ability to learn and complete tasks is one of the reasons they're so popular. They have a strong bond with their family members and are able to participate in every activity at home. They're also a great choice for children. They're energetic, and will happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like all dog breeds they can also be a bit aggressive with strangers and pets. Socialization and training early will help prevent aggression issues.

It is crucial to determine if a breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices. You'll need to find a German Shepherd Breeder who follows the rules, including screening for health and testing as well as socialization and raising their pups in a home. You can usually determine the integrity of the breeder if you visit the facility to meet the parents and siblings and ask questions about genetics as well as health clearances.

The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, making it prone to get bloated. This could be fatal. To lessen the risk, make sure you give your puppy lots of water, and make sure to feed him regularly, and use a secure bowl.

German Shepherds, as with many herding breeds can be sensitive. They will bark to warn their owners to strangers or intruders. However, they can be taught to calmly and confidently greet visitors. It's recommended to take your dog to puppy obedience classes and/or enlist the services of an experienced dog trainer, particularly in case you're not a fan of this breed of dog. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is getting the right training and exercise that will prevent him from being destructive, or even attempting to escape. A microchip, in conjunction with 24PetWatch, can help you find your pet in the event that he runs away.

Health

The GSD is a sturdy breed, but like any other dog breed, they are susceptible to certain hereditary conditions and diseases. Do your research and make sure you purchase from a reputable dog breeder that prioritizes the health of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet with the owners and request health clearances and socialization records prior to making an purchase.

German Shepherds are susceptible to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) and weakness of the skeletal muscle. This is especially the case for older dogs. These issues can be treated by healthy diet, exercise, supplements and physical therapy.

Epilepsy is a different hereditary disorder that can be found in GSDs. It's usually triggered by a metabolic issue (low blood sugar or organ failure) or an underlying toxin. It can also happen if there is no other cause this is known as primary or epilepsy that is idiopathic. If your pet is diagnosed with this disorder it will require a lifetime medication to control seizures.

GSDs can also be affected by cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that grows on blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. Symptoms include lethargy and swelling, as well as sudden collapse. This condition is extremely painful and there is no cure, so treatment revolves around managing the symptoms.

Allergies can also be a concern for GSDs. They can trigger itchy skin, ear infection, and digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will have to conduct a complete medical check-up that includes an exhaustive history and examination, examination of the ears and skin as well as labwork and fecal tests.

Degenerative myelopathy is one of the diseases that can affect GSDs and causes them to lose mobility, usually in their early 20s. This disease is caused a genetic mutation that can be identified through DNA tests. The symptoms of the disease progress and include difficulty getting up and down, a refusal to jump or rise, a loss of thigh muscle mass and pain. There is no cure for the condition, but it can be controlled with physical therapy and medications.

Training

GSDs have an innate work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience, agility, and training in protection. Their versatility makes them excellent service dogs and bomb sniffing dogs, as well as guides for blind people.

German Shepherds as a breed are intelligent and eager to be pleasing. However, they are easily bored and prone to obsessive behavior if they don't get enough physical or mental stimulation. They require a patient, consistent and solid trainer to help them reach their full potential.

If you're planning to purchase an purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure to choose an breeder with a good reputation and who has the dog's welfare in mind. They must have a screening process to ensure that the puppies are a good fit for their families and provide you with documentation of the puppy's pedigree, SchäFerhund Kaufen öSterreich health certificates, as well as recommendations for training and care.

Although every German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that the dogs are active, athletic, alert, protective, and able to bond with family members. You might want to inquire with the breeder about their breeding program and purebred German Shepherd puppy see some of the puppies in person to can assess their demeanor and physical traits.

Many people mistake the traditional German Shepherd behaviors of barking or lunging at movement with aggression, but these are simply natural responses that happen when a dog is triggered by something moving nearby. Some German Shepherds who cover their heads or hide from strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" through socialization but not completely cured.

While some dogs shed hairs through the year, the majority shed a lot only twice per year. They shed heavily for three weeks during spring when they change from an extra thick coat in winter to a lighter coat during summer, and then again in autumn when they prepare to return to a thicker coat during winter. You'll need to maintain regular walks, playtime, exercise, and lots of lint-rollers. A well-trained, well-socialized German shepherd will bring you years of friendship, love, and loyalty.

You can also read about how to care for yourself.

German Shepherds should be trained regularly to avoid undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking, excessive digging, and chewing. They are extremely intelligent dogs that learn easily and love to have some purpose in their lives. If left unattended for long periods of time they may become bored and destructive. A large dog or backyard park is the best way to channel their energy and give them a outlet for their high level of physical activity.

Breeders with a good reputation are able to provide you with pedigree papers and health clearances for the parents of the puppies. You should also visit and meet the parents of the puppies to ensure the breeder has ethical breeding practices.

Because of their genetic predisposition, GSDs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, heart disease, skin problems, ear infections and a number of other conditions. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma which is a type of cancer that affects blood-rich organs, including the liver and spleen.

The spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it are protected by a tough, fibrous connective tissue, known as the peritoneum. Inflammation of the peritoneum can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal swelling could lead to complications such as liver disease, kidney infection and pancreatitis.

German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed goes through a molting process once or twice per year. You can use a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake or a slicker, to reduce the amount of hair shed.

GSDs can suffer from a condition known as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This happens when the jelly-like padding that lies between the vertebrae breaks and presses on the spinal chord. Signs include difficulty getting up stairs, moving around, or jumping. They also include a tilted back and dragging the feet behind. If you notice any of these symptoms seek out a doctor immediately. The condition can rapidly progress and cause paralysis or death. A doctor can move the disc to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.