Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If schäferhund baby kaufen considering purchasing one, look for an accredited breeder.
Find a puppy with an the same temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and with the people.
Breeders who are reputable adhere to ethical breeding practices and give priority to health clearances of their puppies. They will give a litter's pedigree as well as medical documents.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a strong sense of security and are strong dogs. They also have a natural instinct for security. They may be apprehensive at first, but become more comfortable after being socialized. The confidence and apprehension in the face of danger can make them a great choice for police, military, and guard dog roles. They also can be guardians of their people and possessions.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as a service dog, obedience competitor, or as a loving family pet. One of the reasons they are so popular is their ability to learn and perform different tasks. They are quick to bond with their families and are active in the daily activities in their homes. They're also a great choice for children. They're lively, and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like schäferhund kaufen welpe of dog they can also be aggressive with other dogs and strangers. Training and socialization early can assist in preventing aggression.
It is important to know whether a breeder follows ethical breeding practices. You should look for a German Shepherd breeder that follows the guidelines for screening and health testing as well as socialization and raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can generally determine the breeder's integrity if you visit the facility, meet the parents and their children, and inquire about genetics and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, which can cause it to Bloat. This could lead to fatality. To reduce the risk, be sure to give your puppy plenty of water and feed him frequently and give him an appropriate food bowl.
Like many herding dogs, German Shepherds can be nippy and will naturally bark to warn you of approaching intruders or strangers. However they can be taught to calmly and confidently greet visitors. It is also recommended to take your dog to puppy classes or engage a dog trainer if you are not familiar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd gets the proper training and exercise that will prevent him from being destructive, or trying to escape. A microchip and a 24PetWatch membership can also help to return your pet if he ever does escape.
Health
The GSD is an extremely robust breed. But, just like any other breed, it may be susceptible to certain hereditary ailments and diseases. It is essential to do your research to ensure that you buy from a trusted breeder who cares about the health and wellbeing of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet with the owners and request health clearances and socialization records before making an purchase.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) as well as weakness of the skeletal muscle. This is particularly true for dogs who are older. These issues can be easily controlled with healthy diet and exercise, as well as supplements and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is another hereditary disease that can be seen in GSDs. It's typically caused by a metabolic issue (low blood sugar or organ failure) or an underlying toxin. It can also occur if there is no other cause, which is called primary or epilepsy that is idiopathic. If your pet is diagnosed with this disorder, he will need lifelong medication to help control seizures.

Cancer can also affect GSDs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that develops on blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. Symptoms include lethargy, swelling and sudden collapse. The condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.
Allergies can be a problem for GSDs. They can cause itchy skin, ear infection and digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will need to do a complete medical workup including a thorough history and exam, tests for the ears and skin as well as labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy can affect people with GSDs, causing them to lose mobility. This condition usually manifests in the 20s and early 20s. This disease is caused by an inherited mutation that can be detected through DNA tests. The signs of the disease include gradual difficulty getting up, a lack of willingness to jump or stand with ease, pain, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. There is no cure for the condition, but it is treatable with physical therapy and medication.
Training
GSDs have an impressive work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, and training in protection. Their versatile skills also make them excellent service dogs sniffers, drug and bomb sniffers, as well as guides for blind people.
German Shepherds as a breed are smart and eager to be pleasing. They can easily become bored, and can develop obsessive behavior without adequate physical or mental stimulation. They need a solid constant, patient, and consistent trainer to help them develop their full potential and help them remain focused even in the face of distractions.
If you're considering buying a purebred German Shepherd, be sure to locate a reputable breeder who works with the dog's best interests in mind. They should conduct screening procedures to determine if the puppies are a good fit to their family. They should also provide documentation on the puppy's pedigree and health clearances as and recommendations for training and care.
The breed standard says that although each German Shepherd is different, they should all be athletic, active and alert. They must be also secure around their family members and sociable. You may want to ask the breeder about their breeding program and visit some of the puppies in person so that you can evaluate their temperament and physical characteristics.
Many people mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movements as a sign of aggression. These are just natural reactions that occur when a dog is activated when something moves nearby. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads or hide from strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" through socialization but not cured.
While some dogs shed hairs through all year long, the majority shed heavily only twice a year. They shed heavily for three weeks during spring, when they transition from an extra thick coat in winter to a lighter one during summer, and then again in autumn when they prepare to return to a thicker coat in winter. That means you'll have to keep up with daily walks as well as plenty of playtime and exercise, and a lot of lint rollers. A well-trained and socialized German shepherd will give you years of friendship, love, and loyalty.
Care
German Shepherds need to be trained consistently to prevent undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, digging too much and chewing. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to learn and have a reason for being. If left alone for long periods they could become bored and destructive. A large dog or backyard park is essential to help them channel their energy and give them a outlet for their high level of physical activity.
Breeders who are reputable can provide you with documents proving the pedigree of the puppies and their parents' health clearances. You should also visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to ensure that the breeder follows ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia Bloat and heart disease, skin problems, ear infections and a number of other conditions. They are more likely to develop cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma which affects organs that are blood-rich including the liver as well as the spleen.
The Peritoneum is a fibrous and tough connective tissue that covers the spleen, as well as the blood vessels that supply it. Peritoneal inflammation can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal inflammation could lead to other complications, including kidney infection, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich will go through a molting cycle once or twice a years. You can use a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake or a slicker to reduce the amount of shed.
GSDs can be affected by a condition known as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This happens when the jelly-like cushion that lies between the vertebrae breaks and presses on the spinal chord. Signs include difficulty moving, climbing stairs, or jumping. They also may be slumped-back posture and dragging the feet behind. If you observe any of these symptoms you should consult a physician immediately. The condition could quickly progress and cause paralysis or even death. A doctor can reposition discs to ease symptoms or eliminate them.