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Should You Buy a German Shepherd? The purchase of a German Shepherd is a huge commitment emotionally as well as financially. You can avoid making a mistake that will cost you time and money by doing your homework upfront. Talk to local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Make sure you and your family commit to regular walks and games as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to prevent boredom and frustration which could lead to chewing on furniture and shoes. Find a Reputable Breeder You'll want to find a breeder who is knowledgeable and responsible. They will be transparent about their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They'll also take care not to breed puppies that carry genetic diseases. You can find reputable breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations or checking the websites of dog clubs and events. Breeders will often have a facility where they raise their dogs, and also offer classes for training for a fee. This is a great way to bond with your dog and get them started on basic obedience training. Find a breeder who breeds for health and temperament instead of looks or coat color. A reputable breeder will adhere to strict standards for breeding and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also certify their puppies' health through orthopedic and DNA tests. The red flags are breeders who do not offer preventive care, like vaccines and deworming, or who insist that their supplements are superior to those provided by your vet. Be cautious of breeders who ask you to sign contracts with conditions you don't like. Breeders who are able to raise puppies as a profession have a lot of responsibility. They have many people who rely on them to deliver high-quality puppies. Breeders who don't adhere to high quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed. If you choose a backyard breeder, you could end up with a dog that is unhealthy and unpredictable in its behavior. These dogs are often found on message boards or online forums, seeking assistance to address the numerous issues with their temperament and health they suffer from. A poor breeder or one who is breeding in their backyards has no knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are looking to make a profit and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in a variety of venues in addition to basic obedience. They will train and name their dogs in Schutzhund and other competitions. Talk to Local Veterinarians German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They were bred as herding dogs and frequently work for the police and military as service dogs, but they also make loyal family pets. They are susceptible to boredom and require plenty of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play. Before you get a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations regarding ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care facilities, such as shelters and private owners. They will know the best breeders in your locality. Ask them about any genetic diseases that are common to the breed. You should ask about genetic diseases that are common to the breed. If you live in New York, there are several top-of-the-line animal clinics with staffs that are specialized in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These hospitals are equipped with the latest facilities and their staff is trained to treat a variety of ailments and conditions that are common in this breed. You can also contact the local German Shepherd clubs. These groups have lists of dog breeders who are reputable and can direct you in the right directions. You can also inquire whether the parents of the breeder have been tested for genetic disorders. Hip dysplasia is a typical issue for German Shepherds. The hip joint does not fit perfectly. This could lead later on to painful arthritis. More inspiring ideas should x-ray dogs and only select dogs who have healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is also a common problem for the breed and a good breeder must have both parents screened for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as heart valve disease 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 indicates that the breeder isn't following strict breeding protocols. It's also not a good idea to transport puppies over long distances. This can cause stress and even cause respiratory problems. Find a breeder with specialized Expertise German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts and enthusiasm for learning, which make them excellent dogs for working. They also make good guard dogs and are renowned for their devotion to family members. However, this protection can become aggressive when the dog isn't well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is lively and requires plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can cause behaviour problems like chewing furniture or barking. It is crucial to select a dog that fits your lifestyle and environment. If you are looking to find an German Shepherd puppy, consider speaking with local veterinarians to get suggestions from breeders who are ethical. Veterinarians are in a unique position to offer guidance on where to buy quality German Shepherds because they work closely with many animal care providers, including shelters, breeders and individual owners. Look for a breeder who keeps a close 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 in which their puppies are fostered. A reputable breeder will provide you with a health certificate for each puppy they sell, detailing the pup's genetic history. This includes the hereditary diseases that are common in the breed such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide an overview of recommended vaccinations and medications for puppies, which you should adhere to in order to reduce the risk of disease. It is essential that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will enable your vet to identify any possible issues before they become more serious and can help prevent problems like bloat, skin conditions, and heart disease. Because the breed is prone to heart problems, it is particularly important to listen to your heart with a stethoscope, and take an X-ray of the chest during routine exams. German Shepherds can last up to 12 years with the proper care. Be sure you can afford to buy one and that you have enough time. You should also think about whether you have enough space to house an enormous dog. Be prepared to spend more on food and grooming equipment. Early training requires time. German Shepherds are working dogs that have the ability to protect themselves and a natural urge to herd. They are also extremely fearless which is why they make excellent military and police dogs. But these traits could be problematic for the home of a dog. For instance, they might lunge at cars or bark at people when they feel threatened. They may also bite. Picking a puppy that has the right temperament can help you address these problems. However you must put in the time and effort for early training. This includes housetraining as well as addressing food aggressiveness (GSDs are guardians of their food). Your German Shepherd needs to be active in order to stay well-trained. This could include long hikes, joggs and runs, as well as fetch games. Games for the nose and puzzles will help to stimulate their minds. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly. The best place to start in the search for a breeder who is ethical is to speak with local veterinarians. They are familiar with many animals and can suggest ethical breeders and dog training. You can also speak with pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your region. When you decide to buy a GSD, make sure that the breeder offers health guarantees. This can help protect you in case of serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency). There are other methods to acquire an German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centres are usually able to offer German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues may be available online. If you are planning to adopt a GSD through a rescue centre, make sure you learn as much about the pup's background as you can prior to when you bring them home. This will allow you to determine whether they'll be an appropriate fit to your lifestyle. Also, be sure to ask about any behavioral or health issues your dog has faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs who will be able to respond well to appropriate training if they are properly socialized during their puppyhood.