How To Explain Buy A German Shepherd To A Five-Year-Old
Buy here will thrive in an environment that offers plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll want to search for a reputable breeder that offers health and temperament testing for every litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies that are curious and tolerant of people. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for visitors. Early socialization and obedience training can reduce aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds live longer than most other breeds, however they are prone to some particular health issues. Responsible breeders screen their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) and bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest regular veterinary examinations, eating a balanced and healthy diet, physical and mental exercise, and prompt intervention in the case of any health concerns.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be over-worked since it can result in joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can be painful for the dog. Weight loss, reducing activity as well as taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help ease symptoms such as walking slower and less mobility.
Another common health issue in German Shepherds is pannus, which affects the cornea and could cause blindness if not treated promptly. This condition is more prevalent in dogs living at higher altitudes, those with high exposure to UV light, or those who live in areas that have high levels of air pollution. The best way to prevent this from happening is done by keeping your German Shepherd inside during the hottest parts of the day. You can also provide a shaded space or try a pair doggie sunglasses.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life and can cause pain for the dog. This condition can be present in any breed, however the risk is higher for larger breeds. Selecting an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder and providing them with plenty of exercise in a secure yard, can help lessen the impact of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and require constant stimulation to keep them busy. They will thrive in a house with large open spaces and regular walks.
They are highly sensitive and will respond well to training, so it's a good idea to do some basic obedience training with your new puppy. A good place to start is with basic commands like'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once your dog has learned the basics, you can move on to more advanced obedience exercises like "come on command" as well as "leave".
Making sure that you get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people will also help prevent fearfulness in adulthood. Introduce them to people and other animals in a controlled setting such as a dog-friendly park or cafe. Using treats as rewards can help your German Shepherd learn to focus in their presence to ensure they're not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become scared.
Remember that your German shepherd is still a puppy. They will chew and play with anything. It's best to start training them at an early age so they don't get sucked into other pets or people.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to make familiar with various sights and sounds, as well as smells. The Fear Period is a time when they struggle to understand things that we may find safe (such as children or loud sounds). During this time it's important to expose your German Shepherd to lots of different things so that they don't develop fears later on in life.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some classes in obedience and socialisation especially in the case of other family members who might be able to help them out. It is easier to monitor improvements if you have someone else to help reinforce the good behavior you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also give your German Shepard some consistency to ensure that they don't become overwhelmed by too many experiences all at all.
Exercise
German Shepherds require regular exercise because they are very active dogs. This activity is good for the dog as well as its owner. It helps the dog maintain an ideal weight and keeps the muscles strong and flexible. It also helps avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help to keep a dog's brain alert and decrease the chance of behavioral issues.
Proper daily exercise is especially important for working line German Shepherds that are bred to be used in police and military work. It can help in avoiding destructive behaviors, like excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen bonds between dog and pet owner.
Puppy dogs have lots of energy and will need more exercise. However, it is important not to overdo it as it can cause damage to the dog's joints and bones. This is especially relevant if your puppy is still growing, which can happen up to 12 months of age.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that last for a lifetime. Regular walks can improve cardiovascular health, aid in managing their weight and stress levels. Through exposing them to other people and animals and animals, they can develop their social abilities. This can help them adapt to new environments, and cope with stressful situations in the near future.
A good guideline to determine how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to do five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a slow pace) every month. It can be a combination of play and training, however it must be monitored at all times. It is also a good idea to allow the dog to take a break when it is tired.
Some activities that provide an abundance of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds are playing fetch and tracking, agility exercises as well as obedience training games like hide and seek. This is a great way for your puppy to exercise its hunting instincts and also to stop boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who respond well to early guidance. They are large dogs that have a lot of power and require space to burn it off. If they aren't given enough exercise, they can turn destructive. Also, their natural protectiveness can turn into aggression if not properly socialized and taught as puppies.
Select a breeder who is open about his breeding practices and offers AKC papers to each puppy. He is also expected to tell you about each of the puppies' personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should allow you to play with the puppies along with their mother and the stud dog (if living in the same residence).
Be sure to ask the breeder for references from previous buyers. Contact local veterinarians or animal shelters to find credible breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy who is undersocialized or unhealthy. He can also explain the way he has planned the breeding to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He may also be able to offer you a replacement puppy in the event that the one you pick doesn't work out.
Find a strong and healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, curious, and active but not overly hyperactive or anxious. A dog that is slow or aggressive should be avoided.
Observe how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his companions and other pets. He should be curious and not afraid of interacting with other dogs. He should also seek attention from people with confidence. If he singles out one of the puppies in the litter it is important to keep in mind that this behavior could continue throughout his life and cause him to be difficult to live with.
Visit your vet and make sure that your puppy is up to date 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 house rules and obedience.