Should You Buy a German Shepherd Baby?
German shepherds are smart and confident breed that could make excellent companions. You can expect to pay between $200 and $3000 for a puppy purchased from a reliable breeder.
Backyard breeders may sell puppies for cheaper prices, but their pups are more likely to be afflicted with serious health issues. Backyard breeding is often associated with hip dysplasia inherited from parents and other genetic conditions.
Health
German Shepherd puppies can be very intelligent, but only if they're healthy. They require constant handling and stimulation to keep their minds active and their personalities lively. A healthy puppy also has a keen desire to learn and eagerly respond to commands from training. This makes them great police canines, service dogs and even therapy dogs.
Responsible breeders monitor their parents for health issues to avoid passing these hereditary diseases on to their puppies. It is important to inquire with the breeder questions about the parents' health histories and genetic testing prior to buying a German Shepherd puppy. Craigslist and other classified websites are a good option to find purebred dogs for sale at a lower price. These puppies are rarely produced by healthy parents and could be suffering from hip dysplasias, elbow dysplasias, or degenerative myelopathy.
These genetic issues can cause neurological problems that affect the brain, spine or muscles. For instance, some German Shepherds suffer from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as well as of Willebrand disease, bloat or heart issues. A lot of these ailments can be prevented with eating a healthy diet, regular exercise and regular vet checks.
A healthy puppy will have a strong immune system and is less likely to develop hereditary illnesses as they grow older. They should be physically active and mentally alert.
You can adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue center or buy one from a trusted breeder. Rescue centers typically offer a variety of breeds of dog, including German Shepherds, and will provide more details about the specific dogs.
Regardless of where you take your German Shepherd puppy, it's an excellent idea to create a pet insurance. Although it's a cost that is recurring but it can to pay for medical treatment and medications for your dog in the event that an injury or illness happens. It's generally best to begin this coverage right away prior to your puppy becoming sick or injured, so you can choose the best plan for your needs. Your German Shepherd puppy should be fed a complete, commercially-available dog food every day.
Training
If you're thinking of purchasing a German shepherd puppy, it is important to be aware of your lifestyle and the needs of your family. GSDs are highly intelligent and very active dogs that require a large amount of physical activity and stimulation for their minds. They also require to be socialized from a young age to overcome their inherent fear of strangers. GSDs are also highly trainable, so they respond well to positive reinforcement. Be prepared to spend a lot of training time with your dog. Participate in deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen -training classes or hire a trainer who is experienced to show you how to train your dog.
You will also need to ensure that your dog gets plenty of grooming and exercise. The breed sheds a lot and you'll have to clean regularly to get rid of hair from floors and furniture. You will need to brush your long-haired German Shepherd regularly (especially on the legs and face) to keep its fur tidy and free of tangles. You can cut down on the amount of hair that you have to vacuum by investing in a tool for shedding and a furminator.
GSDs are extremely intelligent and very energetic and require constant training to learn obedience commands and house manners. They also require to be able to interact with strangers in a secure and controlled environment from the beginning of their life to overcome their instinctive fear of strangers. GSDs can be difficult for owners who are not experienced and it is best to consult an experienced trainer to ensure that you have been fully trained and ready to care for this beautiful and capable breed.
GSDs are a large muscular breed that is at risk of developing certain diseases, like spinal cord diseases. They can also suffer from genetic eye conditions. To prevent these health problems it is recommended that you purchase a German Shepherd puppy from an accredited dog breeder that performs regular health screenings and provides vaccinations and veterinary care. Consider getting a dog health insurance policy, such as the one offered by trupanion. This will cover emergency vet treatment in the event that your dog is diagnosed with a medical condition.
Exercise
German Shepherds are athletic dogs and require a lot of exercise throughout the day. They shed more than other breeds and must be bathed and brushed regularly. They are best at homes with gardens rather than apartments or condominiums due to their size. Playing with your German Shepherd daily and taking him on walks or runs is the best way to keep him moving. Make sure to exercise him regularly to avoid weight problems and behavioral issues.
Like other breeds of dogs, German Shepherd puppies are susceptible to certain health conditions. This includes elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy (a condition that affects the hind legs), and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). To protect your German Shepherd from these ailments you must find an accredited breeder. Breeders who are reputable will conduct several health tests and offer treatment and training for the breed. They might charge more than breeders who don't take the time to test for these conditions.
As they get older, German Shepherds may develop other illnesses in addition to the genetic conditions. They are prone musculoskeletal issues, especially in the spine and knees. They can also suffer from depression or anxiety. It is crucial to seek treatment for these disorders as soon as is possible.
Although there are German Shepherds for sale in pet stores and on the internet but it is best to purchase a puppy from an established breeder. Breeders who are reputable focus on raising puppies with excellent temperaments and ethical breeding practices. They will also have a pedigree of working dogs and successful competition dogs. They might offer more expensive puppies than breeders who focus on selling the most gorgeous puppies.
Care
German Shepherd puppies need a secure area to play and get their energy out. This will keep them from chewing or barking at things they shouldn't. It is also advisable to invest money into obedience training to keep your puppy from becoming a naughty dog. This will teach your German Shepherd commands like "sit", "down" and "come."
A yard that is properly fenced can also shield your German Shepherd puppy from being distracted by the pets of your neighbors or other animals. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy as soon as possible to other family pets so that they can become familiar with each other when they reach the age of adulthood. A well-bred German Shepherd should be fine with smaller dogs and cats but they may also be tempted to chase them.
Buying a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder will ensure that your new puppy is healthy and has been screened for the most common ailments. It is more expensive to purchase a German Shepherd through a reputable breeder than from a pet store or other unreliable source, however the cost is worth it if you are looking for a happy and healthy dog.
Puppies require a lot of care in the beginning and throughout their lives. They will require vaccinations and regular veterinary visits. Routine grooming appointments (300-400 dollars) and premium food (700-$1200 per year). Additional expenses include high-quality food and collars, toys, as well as leashes. $500-$800 per year). Dog walker or boarding could add $500-$1000 to the cost of owning a German Shepherd.
As they grow, puppies undergo "gangly" phases in which their muscles aren't fully developed, and they look a little skeletal. This is normal and expected. Like a human 18 years old the teenagers will not appear as full figured as adults for a while.
In an effort to save money, backyard breeders often do not take the time to conduct health screenings. This can cause a myriad of health issues, ranging from hip dysplasia to autoimmune diseases. The purchase of your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder is the only way to be sure that your new puppy is not suffering from these ailments. You will save money by not having to pay expensive vet bills or treatment in the future for your German shepherd.