Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
The purchase of a German Shepherd is a huge commitment, both financially and emotionally. You can avoid making a mistake that will cost you money and time by conducting your research prior to purchase.
Consult your local veterinarian about ethical breeders. Be sure that you and your family members commit to daily walks and games as well as other physical activity. German Shepherds require exercise to prevent frustration and boredom that could cause chewed shoes or furniture.
Find a reputable breeder
When selecting a breeder you'll want to select one who is knowledgeable and responsible. They will be transparent about their breeding methods and willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also be careful to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or look through the websites of dog clubs or events. Breeders usually have a facility in which they raise their dogs, and also offer classes for training at an additional cost. german shepherd kaufen is a good way to socialize your puppy and get started on basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for health and temperament rather than looks or coat color. A reputable breeder adheres to strict breeding standards, and tests for genetic diseases that are common to German Shepherd dogs. They will also certify the health of their puppies by DNA and orthopedic testing.
Some red flags to look out for include breeders who do not provide regular preventive measures like deworming or vaccines, or who insists that their supplements are superior than those offered by your doctor. Be wary of a breeder that requires you to sign a contract with terms you're not comfortable with.
Breeders who are able to raise puppies as a profession have a great deal of responsibility. Many people rely on them to provide quality puppies. If a breeder does not meet the highest standards, it can affect the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a backyard breeder, you may end up with a dog that is unwell and unpredictable in its behavior. The dogs are frequently seen on message boards or in online forums, seeking assistance to address the numerous health and temperament problems they have. A mediocre or backyard breeder isn't aware of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. Usually they are just looking to make money, not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder trains their dogs in meaningful settings apart from basic obedience. They will train and name their dogs in Schutzhund and other events of performance.
Talk to local veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent active dogs that bond deeply with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often work as service dogs for police or the military, but they are wonderful family pets. They require plenty of exercise and are prone to boredom if not adequately stimulated, which is why they thrive in homes with plenty of time and space for them to play and play.
Before you adopt a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians work closely with many pet care providers, including shelters and private owners, so they'll have a an excellent idea of the trustworthy breeders in your region. You should also ask them about the genetic diseases that are prevalent in the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among others.
In New York there are several top-of-the-line facilities with staff members who are trained to work with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These hospitals have state-of-the-art facilities, and their staffs are equipped to deal with a wide variety of illnesses and conditions that are common to this breed.
You should also look into getting in touch with local German Shepherd breed clubs. They have lists of dog breeders who are reputable and can direct you in the right directions. You can also find out if the breeder has had their parents tested for common genetic disorders.
Hip dysplasia is a typical issue in German Shepherds. The hip joint does not fit together perfectly. This could lead later on to arthritis that is painful. Breeders should x-ray dogs and only use dogs with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is also a common problem for the breed and a good breeder should have both parents tested for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart disease of the valvular kind and heart murmurs.
You should never purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who does not prove that they have passed health tests for both parents. This is a red flag that the breeder may not be following strict breeding practices. It's also not healthy to transport puppies over long distances. This can lead to stress and respiratory issues.
Find a breeder who is specialized.
German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts as well as their enthusiasm for learning, which make them excellent dogs for working. They are also good guard dogs and are known for their loyalty towards family members. However, this protection can become aggressive if the dog is not well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise in order to avoid becoming bored. This can lead to issues with behavior such as chewing furniture, or barking. It is important to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle and surroundings.
If you are looking to find a German Shepherd puppy, consider speaking with local veterinarians to get recommendations of ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in a unique position to provide advice on where to purchase high-quality German Shepherds since they are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers, including breeders, shelters and individual owners.
Find a breeder who keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and is in open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions regarding health tests as well as early socialization and the environment where their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder will offer health certificates for each puppy they sell, which will detail the pup's genetic history. This includes hereditary diseases that are common to the breed, such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Additionally, you will be provided with a a list of recommended vaccines and other medications you should follow to reduce the risk of disease.
As with all dogs it is crucial to schedule regular veterinary exams for your German Shepherd. This will allow your vet to identify any potential issues before they become more serious and will help avoid problems such as skin conditions, bloat, and heart disease. It is important to use a stethoscope in order to listen to the heart and also to perform an X-ray of the chest when conducting routine examinations.
German Shepherds can last up to 12 years when given the right care. Before you purchase one, ensure that you have the money to pay for it financially and have the time to it. Also, consider whether you have enough space to accommodate the large dog. Be prepared to pay more for food as well as grooming equipment, toys and grooming supplies.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to Early Training
German Shepherds are herding dogs with a natural desire to work as well as a protective instinct. They are also fairly fearless - this is why they are excellent military and police dogs. These traits can be problematic for a pet that is family. For instance, they might attack vehicles or bark at people when they are afraid. They may also bite.
You can tackle these issues by choosing the puppy with the right temperament. But even so you must put in the time and effort for early training. This includes house training as well as dealing with food-related aggression (GSDs tend to guard their food).
In order to be properly trained to be well-trained, your German Shepherd will need to get plenty of exercise. This can include long hikes, joggs and runs as well as fetch games. Games for the nose and puzzles can to stimulate their minds. They are also heavy shedders and need to be groomed regularly.
The best place to begin in the search for an ethical breeder is to speak with local veterinarians. They are knowledgeable about a variety of animals and can suggest ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also speak with pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your region.
If you decide to buy a GSD choose a breeder who offers health guarantees. This can help protect you in case of serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye disorders hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
If you can't find a reputable breeder, there are other ways to get a German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centers often have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can often be found on the internet. If you are planning to adopt a GSD through an animal rescue center, make sure you learn as much about the pup's history as possible before you take them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog would be a good fit for your lifestyle. Ask about any behavioral or health problems the dog might have experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs. They will respond well to training when they have experienced proper socialization in their early years.