Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?
German Shepherds are employed in a variety of scent-work roles such as cadaver search and narcotics, as well as explosives detection. These roles can require extensive obedience and protection training.
Responsible breeders pair their finest adult dogs together, and test for genetic issues and raise their puppies in optimal conditions. These breeders charge a premium rate for their services.
Health
Old German Shepherd Dogs tend to be healthier than modern counterparts because they were breed to work and herd, not for appearances. A lack of inbreeding to enhance appearance has also made them less prone to hereditary conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia. However you should not forget to inquire about genetic health testing when purchasing an older German Shepherd.
To keep your older German Shepherd in good health, you will need groom it frequently and clean its teeth and have an annual dental exam. They shed year-round and their fur can be caught in furniture, carpets, and clothing. A regular brushing routine and lint roller can minimize shed and help keep their coats healthy. Cut their claws regularly to prevent them from becoming excessively large, causing pain and discomfort. Also, be aware that as they age they may develop joint issues. They may suffer from osteoarthritis (a joint-related inflammation of the long bone) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans (HOD). HOD is a genetic disease that affects young dogs. It causes joint pain, swelling and can cause lameness, fever and a decreased appetite. It can be prevented by feeding your GSD an eat that is low in calcium and providing them with joint-protection supplements, like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM.
These large strong dogs require daily exercise to shed excess energy and stay happy and healthy. You can take them on walks, or let them play with their favorite toys in the backyard or park, or even play fetch in your home. Separating their food into two portions will help prevent bloat, gastric dilation, or volvulus. These are common problems in large breeds with chests that are deep such as GSDs.
Old German Shepherds are extremely affectionate and make wonderful companions, but they have an intense prey drive that could be a problem for small children or pets when not properly controlled through early socialization and training. They also can be protective of their owners and family, which could lead to aggressive behavior and barking if they aren't well-trained and socialized.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable, which allows them to excel in many working disciplines. They are extremely active and eager to learn, so they require a patient pet owner who is consistent and dependable. To stay healthy, happy and focused they must be physically and mentally active every day.
They are herding dogs of nature, and with the right training, they can be exceptional police and service dogs. They are also great companions for youngsters of all ages when they are socialized at an early age. They may be more distant from strangers than happy-golucky breeds like Golden Retrievers, but they will be loyal to their owners and obey commands.
One thing to be aware of with German Shepherds is their instinct to defend people and objects, even non-threats. It is essential to have your dog trained professionally (and prior to the crucial 16-week period). A trained and confident German Shepherd will understand the distinction between a man walking down the street thinking about his own business versus someone who is trying to gain entry into your home.
The GSD's passion for food is another thing to think about. Their strong herding inclinations make them seek out any food item that looks edible and they're more likely to overeat. To avoid obesity and prevent them from becoming obese, they must be taught to manage their eating habits. This can be accomplished through regular exercise, which also helps to keep them physically fit and manages their weight. It can also help to keep their brains active, which can reduce the chance of being bored and aggressive. One way to accomplish this is through structured training that's disguised as play, that will keep their minds and bodies stimulated. This will improve their concentration and ability to learn and work under stress in chaotic environments like busy streets or competitions. This is because it teaches them to focus their attention on the task at hand and not be distracted by distractions. It's similar to the method employed by athletes to keep their performance at the highest level in high-pressure situations.
Socialization
It is important that your old German Shepherd Dog be socialized at a young enough age to ensure that they develop into confident and happy. This will help prevent future behaviour problems, such as fearfulness and aggression, and build a strong relationship with you. Typically, the process of socialization should begin early in puppyhood and continue throughout their development. Consult a trained trainer or canine behaviorist to provide advice on the best method of socializing your dog.
This will depend on your dog's temperament, personality and past. Some breeds require more patience and time to train, whereas others are quick learners. Keep your training sessions short, consistent and positive. This will allow your dog learn commands and increase their overall learning ability.
As with all dogs is equally important to give your Old German Shepherd Dog with ample exercise each day. This will keep your dog's Old German Shepherd mentally and physically stimulated, and ensure that they have the energy to enjoy their golden age. This will include daily walks as well as playtime that is safe and structured training. If you're uncertain about the amount of exercise your dog requires talk to your fitness trainer or vet.
Due to their natural protective instincts, it is essential to make sure you socialize your German Shepherd Dog at an young age with other people or children, as well as other pets. This will allow them to be calm and friendly towards strangers, and also decreasing their tendency to bark or be anxious when they encounter new environments or people. It is important to introduce your puppy to other pets and children in a safe environment as they grow to ensure they establish a positive relationship from an early age.
The Old German Shepherd has a lesser history of inbreeding relative to its more standard counterpart. However, they do suffer from some common health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasias, anal furunculosis and dilated myelopathy. Heat strokes are another problem that should be kept out of direct sunlight during the summer heat.
Exercise
German Shepherds have a high level of energy, and require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. To meet their physical and psychological demands for exercise, they require a mixture of walks, off leash play in a secure area as well as agility training, and even games like tug-ofwar.
If they are not given the opportunity to release their energy they are hard-working and intelligent breeds can become restless. This can lead to unsavory behaviors like digging up the yard or redecorating your living room with whatever they can reach - not to mention the stress it causes their owners and neighbors. Exercise is an excellent way to channel your dog's energy and prevent them from becoming bored or destructive.
When working out an older German Shepherd Dog it's important to be aware of their limitations. They might not be in a position to run for long distances or play fetch like they used to when they were younger. They may also become tired faster or become less interested in these activities. If you notice signs of fatigue, such as excessive panting, lag time in their run or walk, or disinterest in continuing the exercise, it's essential to stop and give them a chance to recover before trying again.
Even if your German Shepherd is no anymore able to go for long walks or play fetch, he could still benefit from other sports like swimming and tug-of-war. These exercises aren't just easy on their joints, but also allow them to burn excess energy.
Massage is another great way to strengthen the muscles of your German Shepherd. This simple exercise can help reduce the stiffness of muscles, ease pain and strengthen the bond between them and you. Start small and gradually increase the time you spend massaging their neck, shoulders and spine.
In reinrassiger schäferhund , a German Shepherd needs a minimum of two hours of physical activity each day with more time for play and training on top of that to keep their minds and bodies active. This can be accomplished in short sessions throughout the day or in the evenings, when they're the most active.