Where to Buy deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich for military, police and other service dogs, German Shepherds are highly intelligent, protective and loyal. They're also incredibly active, and require lots of exercise and stimulation.
Early training and socialization is crucial because their natural protection can manifest itself as aggression towards strangers. They can also display compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive actions such as tail following.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs However, good breeding practices can help lower the risk of certain health conditions. Reputable breeders check their parents' health to prevent passing on preventable problems to their puppies, like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy.
Whatever their breeding history, all puppies must be examined by a veterinarian before they go to their new homes. This allows vets to determine any health issues and treat them as quickly as possible to prevent complications and improve results.
When it comes to the health of your German Shepherd dog, regular vet visits are essential. Regular veterinary exams along with vaccinations and other preventive steps can help your pet live a long, healthy life.
German Shepherds are at risk of autoimmune diseases, hemangiosarcoma, and seizures and epilepsy. They may also be susceptible to bleeding disorders. Many of these conditions can be controlled or prevented by implementing a healthy diet avoidance of treats and table food and taking preventive medication as soon as is possible.
All dogs can suffer from gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. It can be caused due to eating the wrong kind of food, food allergies or the underlying medical condition. A commercial food that is of high quality, frequent urination and drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweets are often helpful with digestive issues.
German Shepherds are more prone to Bloat (also called gastric volvulus or GDV) due to their narrow, deep chests. This is a condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists around itself, cutting off blood flow and potentially leading to death within a couple of hours if untreated. Symptoms of GDV include rectching or attempting to breathe but not swallowing, an increased abdomen, lethargy, restlessness and lying in a prayer position with the head lowered. A preventive procedure to tack or suture the stomach to reduce the risk of contracting this deadly disease.
Dental disease is another frequent issue that can affect all dogs, but in particular German Shepherds. If not treated the build-up of tartar can lead to gum disease and infection of the root of the teeth. At some point, your German Shepherd may lose her teeth or require extensive and expensive treatment, which could be difficult on your pet's emotional well and financially.
Training
German Shepherds have been extensively utilized as service, police and protection dogs. They are intelligent herding breeds. They are active, athletic and highly trainable. They are ideal for those who have a lot of time to devote to training, exercise and cleaning up shed fur. They are also a good fit for people who want a trustworthy, reliable friend.
A trained German Shepherd is a reliable pet for all family members. This includes children and older adults. They are protective of their beloved family members and can be shy with strangers. These dogs are most effective with fair, firm and constant training methods. They also require a lot of mental stimulation, which is why having a variety of games and puzzles for training is essential to keep them engaged.
When shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, look for a breeder who cares about the quality of their puppies and wants to get to know you. They should show you the litter and mother and their health history, the environment where they were raised and be able to answer your questions. They will be able to inform you how the puppies were socialized and how they compare to their siblings.
Be wary of puppies that are sold in pet stores. They are more likely to be mills, not breeders with a good reputation. They are typically bred for profits and could be afflicted with serious genetic problems. A reputable breeder will test their breeding stock to stop hereditary illnesses and other health issues from arising in the puppies.
It is essential to begin training your puppy as quickly as possible, no matter which puppy you choose. Teach basic commands such as sit down, stay, and sit. Learn to leash-train so that your German Shepherd will be calm when you're out and out and about. Training in obedience early is essential to stop them from chasing anything that moves. Doing some recall exercises is a great way to engage their natural herding instincts as well.
Spend plenty of time with your German Shepherd while they are young, so that they learn to love being with you. This is important as the socialization period lasts until they are 16 weeks old. After this, they could become less open to new people as well as new places, experiences, and environments.
Care
Whatever you buy your German Shepherd from, he'll need a lifetime of attention. This includes vaccinations, preventive medication and annual vet visits ($700 to $1200 annually). You'll be required to pay for pet food, grooming appointments, and an annual pet insurance policy. $250-$300 annually). Consider the additional costs of dog walker, boarding, and professional obedience training. This could add up to several thousand dollars over your puppy's lifetime.
Look for a breeder who maintains high standards, and has good breeding methods. Request the breeder to provide documentation of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia tests for the father and mother as well as temperament testing for the litter.
Consult with veterinarians, local German Shepherd owners, dog groomers and trainers to get recommendations. These individuals are familiar with animals and know the basics about breeders who are ethical.
While a German Shepherd's herding instinct may cause him to want to chase and jump on people, he'll react well to discipline and training. Introduce him to all members of your family as you grow. German Shepherds are very close to their families and require plenty of interaction.
Dogs are prone to dental diseases. It begins with tartar buildup before progressing to infection of the gums and the roots of teeth. This is a condition that is common and can lead to tooth loss and serious complications such as liver, kidney and heart disease.
Cancer is a different issue and is a major concern in dogs of a certain age. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that forms tumors rich in blood, is most often located in the heart and spleen. Other cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal.
The option of rescuing the German Shepherd from a shelter is an option for those who can't afford the expense of purchasing a purebred puppy. The staff at the shelter can help you select a dog that fits your lifestyle and has a great temperament. Adopting a dog can be cheaper than purchasing one. The adoption fees typically include initial medical examinations and vaccinations, as well as spaying or neutering. The shelter's staff can also provide advice on how to prepare your home for a new puppy for example, making sure that the space is secure and removing any items that can be chewed or ingested.
Exercise
German Shepherd puppies can be extremely active, and it is crucial to give them a way to let their energy go. If they aren't given enough exercise, it can lead to them becoming restless and directing their energy to undesirable activities like digging up the yard, or chewing on things that are within reach.
It's also a good idea to expose them to a variety of different people, locations and situations when they're young, since this will help them understand that not everyone is a potential threat. This can be done by taking walks on the street and in parks, interacting with neighbors during playtime or even taking their children to places that they've never been before (as long as they are secure).
It's a good idea, in addition to going out and socializing, to incorporate obedience training during exercise sessions. This can be something as simple as teaching your dog to stay on his mat. It could be more complicated than doing heelwork or playing recall games.
Dog sports such as flyball or agility are an excellent workout for your German Shepherd puppy and also work on their mental skills as well. Begin slowly to ensure that you don't to over-exert the puppy. Be sure to avoid exercising your German Shepherd in extreme weather conditions, as this could cause heat-related illnesses in puppies.
Apart from these activities, it's recommended to take your German Shepherd puppy for daily walks. This is important to allow them to engage in physical exercise and also to experience the world beyond their own. It's a good idea change the places you go on your walks to ensure that they experience new surroundings and are exposed to the sounds in the wonderful world they live in.