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 need to find a reputable dog breeder who offers temperament and health tests for each litter they sell.
Look for puppies that are curious and fearless of humans. Avoid those who exhibit territorial aggression, which can be dangerous for visitors. Early socialization and training in obedience can help mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds are known to live longer than other breeds. However, they could be prone to certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible screen their puppies for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) and degenerative myelopathy and bloat, allergies, cancer, and heart disease. A reputable vet will advise regular veterinary examinations, a balanced and healthy diet, mental and physical exercise, and early intervention in the case of any health issues.
German Shepherds should not exert too much themselves despite their athletic nature. This can cause joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia, which can be painful. Using 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 promptly, it can lead to blindness. This condition is more prevalent in dogs living at higher altitudes, those with an excessive exposure to UV light or in areas that have high levels of air pollution. Keep your German Shepherd indoors during the hottest times of the day, providing a shaded area or even the use of doggie sunglasses can help stop the condition.
German Shepherds are susceptible to osteoarthritis later in life similar to other large breeds. It can be painful. Although any breed can suffer from this condition, the chance is higher for larger breeds. If schäferhund kaufen österreich decide to adopt an adult German Shepherd, make sure you choose an accredited breeder and provide plenty of exercise in the confines of a yard that is fenced. This will reduce the impact of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a large amount of energy and require lots of activity to burn it. They are a great fit in a home with large open spaces and regular walks.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to training, so it's a good idea to do some basic obedience training with your new puppy. Start with simple commands such as'sit and stay', "down" and "stay". Once your dog has learned the basics, you can progress to more challenging obedience exercises like "come on command" and "leave".
It is important to get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people will also help prevent fearfulness in adulthood. It is important to introduce them to other people and animals in a controlled environment like an animal-friendly café or in a park. Rewarding them with treats can assist your German Shepherd learn to focus in their presence to ensure they're not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become scared.
It's important to keep in mind that your German Shepherd is a puppy, so they will do things like chew and play with everything. It's a good idea for you to start training them early so 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 experience a period of time known as the Fear Period, which means that they'll have trouble interpreting certain things that may seem safe to us (such as children, loud noises, or unfamiliar surfaces). During this time, it is important to expose your German shepherd to a variety of things to avoid developing fears later in life.
It's also a good idea to get your German Shepherd puppy into some classes for socialisation and obedience especially if you have other family members who might be able to help them out. It is easier to see progress if you have someone else to help reinforce the good behavior you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also help to give your German Shepard a sense of consistency and help them not get overwhelmed by too many different experiences at all.
Exercise
German Shepherds are highly active dogs that require plenty of exercise. This activity is good for the dog and its owner. It helps the dog maintain an ideal weight and keeps its muscles flexible and strong. It also helps combat health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can keep a dog's mind sharp and lower the chance of having problems with behavior.
Proper daily exercise is especially important for German Shepherds working line that are bred to be used in police and military work. It can help in avoiding destructive behavior, such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help to improve obedience training and improve the relationship between dog and owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs because they are bursting with energy. It is important to not over-exert your dog as this can damage their joints and bones. This is particularly the case if your puppy is still growing. This can happen up to 12 months.
Exercise for puppies can also help them develop healthy habits that will last for the remainder of their lives. Regular walks can boost cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and ease stress. It will also help them develop social skills by exposing them new people and animals. This can help them adapt to new situations, and deal with stressful situations in the near future.
A good rule of thumb to determine how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to get five minutes of formal exercise (walking the dog at a moderate pace) each month. It can be a combination of play and training, but it should be supervised at all times. If your dog is exhausted it is a good idea for him to take a break and rest.
A few activities that offer an abundance of physical and mental stimulation for German Shepherds include playing fetch and tracking, agility exercises such as obedience training, and games like hide and seek. This is a great way to get your puppy to use its natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom, which can cause negative behaviors such as destructive chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are extremely 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 burn off the energy. If they aren't given enough exercise, they can turn destructive. Their natural protective nature can be a source of aggression if they are not properly socialized or taught from the time of puppyhood.
When you are buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is honest about his breeding practices and provides the necessary AKC papers for each puppy. He should be able tell you about the personality of each puppy as well as how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should allow 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. Consult local vets or animal shelters to get a list of credible breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy who is unsocialized or unhealthy. He will be able explain how he designed the breeding program to highlight certain characteristics in the pups. He may even be able to give you a replacement puppy should the one you choose doesn't work out.
Find a strong and healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be curious, alert and active, but not overly active or anxious. A sluggish, unfocused, or aggressive puppy is an indicator of trouble 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 not be afraid to interact with other dogs, and should demand attention from other people with confidence. If he picks one of the other puppies in the litter, it's important to note that this behavior could continue into adulthood and make him difficult to live with.
Visit your doctor and make sure that your puppy is up to current on all vaccinations. They should also be microchipped. Introduce him to your family when you are still a puppy so that you can begin teaching him basic rules of the house and behavior.