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Should You Buy a German Shepherd? A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. Conducting your research prior to purchase will make sure you don't make costly errors. Ask local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Also, ensure that you and your family members are committed to regular walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds need exercise to avoid frustration and boredom that could result in chewed shoes and furniture. Find a Reputable breeder When selecting a breeder you'll want to select one who is responsible and knowledgeable. This means they'll be transparent about their breeding practices and will be willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders. You can find reliable breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations or checking the websites of dog clubs and performance events. Breeders usually have a facility where they take care of their dogs. They also will provide training classes for an additional fee. This is a great opportunity to socialize your pup and start basic obedience training. Look for a breeder who breeds for health and temperament instead of looks or coat color. A reputable breeder follows strict breeding standards, and screens for genetic diseases common to German Shepherd Dogs. They will also confirm the health of their puppies through DNA and orthopedic testing. Some red flags to look out for include breeders who do not provide routine preventive treatments like deworming or vaccinations, or who insists that their supplements are superior than those offered by your veterinarian. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts that contain stipulations you don't agree with. Breeders who are able to raise puppies as a profession are a lot of responsibility. They have many people who depend on them to deliver high-quality puppies. Breeders who don't follow high-quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed. If you select a backyard breeder you may end up with one with a health issue and unstable behavior. These dogs often end up on message boards or online forums seeking help with the myriad of health and temperament issues they face. A mediocre breeder or one who is breeding in their backyard has little understanding of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. Most of the time, they are looking to make a profit, not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder works their dogs in a variety of settings beyond basic obedience. They will train and name their dog in Schutzhund or any other event of performance. Speak to Local Veterinarians German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They were bred to be herding dogs, and are often employed for the military and police as service dogs however, they also make loyal pets for the family. They are susceptible to boredom and need lots of stimulation. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt thrive in homes that have plenty of space and time to play. Before you get a German Shepherd, talk to local vets for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of pet care givers, including shelters and private owners, so they'll have a good idea of the reputable breeders in your region. Ask them about any genetic diseases that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among other conditions. If you reside in New York, there are several top-of-the-line animal clinics with staffs that specialize in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the art equipment and their staff is trained to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments that are common to this breed. You can also get in touch with the local German Shepherd clubs. These groups have lists of reliable breeders, and can guide you in the right directions. You can also inquire if the breeder's parents have been tested for genetic diseases. Hip dysplasia is a frequent problem for German Shepherds. The hip joint is not fitting together perfectly. This can cause painful arthritis later in the course of. Breeders should take x-rays of their dogs and only use those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is a common problem for the breed, and a good breeder must be sure that both parents are screened for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), heart disease of the valvular kind and heart murmurs. You should never buy an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who doesn't have evidence of health testing for both parents. This is a red flag that the breeder might not be following strict breeding practices. It's also unhealthy to transport puppies over long distances. This can lead to stress and respiratory issues. Find a breeder with specialized Experience German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instinct and a love of training which makes them excellent work dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are known for their loyalty to family members. This protective nature can turn violent when a dog isn't properly socialized and trained in its first years of. The breed can be very active and requires plenty of exercise to keep them from getting bored, which can cause behavioural issues such as barking or chewing the furniture. This is why it is crucial to select a dog who is appropriate for your lifestyle and environment. If you're looking for a German Shepherd puppy, consider talking to local veterinarians for recommendations from ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers, including breeders, shelters, and private owners They are in the best position to give suggestions on where to find quality German Shepherds. Look for a breeder who maintains a strong relationship with their breeding stock and is in open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder is able to answer questions regarding health testing, early socialization, and the environment where their puppies are fostered. A reputable breeder will offer a health certificate for each puppy they sell, which will detail the dog's genetic background. This includes hereditary diseases that are common to the breed, such as megaesophagus and exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide a list of recommended vaccinations and medicines for the puppy, which you should follow exactly to help reduce the risk of developing disease. It is important that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will allow your veterinarian to spot any possible issues before they become serious, and help prevent issues such as skin conditions, bloat, and heart disease. It is important to use a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat and also to perform an X-ray of the chest when conducting routine exams. German Shepherds can last up to 12 years when given the right treatment. Before you decide to buy one, make sure that you are able to afford it financially, and have the time to devote to it. Also, consider whether you have enough space to accommodate the large dog. Be prepared to pay more for food, toys and grooming equipment. Early training requires time. German Shepherds are herding dogs with a natural drive to work and an instinct to protect. They also tend to be quite frightened – which is why they are excellent military and police dogs. These characteristics can be problematic for a family dog. If they feel threatened, they might lunge at cars and bark at people. They may also bite. You can tackle these issues by choosing a puppy that has the proper temperament. However, you will need to devote time and effort during the early stages of training. This includes house training and dealing with food-related aggression (GSDs tend to keep their food in a safe place). To be well trained to be well-trained, your German Shepherd will need to get plenty of exercise. This could mean long hikes, joggs and runs and fetch games. Games for the nose and puzzles will help to stimulate their minds. Additionally, they are heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly. Contacting your local veterinarian is a good place to begin when searching for a breeder who is ethical. They are knowledgeable about a variety of animals and can recommend ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also inquire with pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners. If you decide to buy a GSD, look for a breeder that offers health assurances. This will protect you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasias von Willebrand diseases, and EPI. If you are unable to find a reputable breeder There are other options to get a German Shepherd. Rescue centres and animal shelters are often able to provide German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues may also be available on the internet. If you decide to adopt a GSD from a rescue center make sure you know as much as you can about the history of the dog before you decide to take them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog will fit into your lifestyle. Also, make sure to ask about any health or behavioral problems the dog has had. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will respond well to training if they have had proper socialization throughout their puppyhood.