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Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog? German Shepherds can be utilized for a variety scent-work roles including cadaver searches or narcotics and explosives detection. These roles can require extensive obedience and protective training. Responsible breeders pair their top adult dogs together, test for genetic issues and raise puppies in optimal conditions. Breeders who are responsible will charge a premium for their services. Health Old German Shepherd Dogs tend to be healthier than contemporary counterparts due to the fact that they were breed to work and herd, not for looks. A lack of inbreeding to improve appearance has also made them less susceptible to hereditary diseases like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. However it is still advisable to inquire about genetic health testing when sourcing an older German Shepherd. To keep your old German Shepherd in good health It is essential to groom it regularly and brush its teeth and undergo a regular dental check-up. They shed all year long and their fur can get caught in furniture, carpets and even clothing. A proper brushing regimen and lint-roller can reduce shedding and help keep the coat healthy. It is also recommended to trim their claws on a regularly to avoid them becoming excessively large and causing pain, and be aware that they might suffer joint problems as they age. They may suffer from osteoarthritis (a joint-affecting inflammation of the long bone) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans (HOD). HOD is a condition that affects young dogs and causes lameness, fever and painful, swollen, joints. It can be avoided by feeding your GSD a diet low in calcium and giving them joint protection supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin as well as MSM. To be healthy and happy, these large and strong dogs need daily exercise. You can take them for walks or let them play with their favorite toys in the backyard or park, or even play fetch in your home. It is recommended to divide their food into two portions to avoid gastric dilation and volvulus, which are common in large breeds with deep chests like GSDs. Old German Shepherds are extremely loyal and are great companions, but they have a strong prey drive that can cause problems for children or pets when not properly controlled through early socialization and training. They can also be protective of their family members and owners which could lead to aggression or territorial behavior if not addressed with early training and regular positive reinforcement. Training German Shepherds are smart Highly capable of training and excel in a variety working disciplines. They are awe-inspiring to learn and extremely energetic, so they need a patient and consistent owner with firm yet kind leadership. They need ample physical and mental activity each day to remain happy and healthy. They need to be focused, healthy and fit. They are herding dogs by nature, and with the proper training, they can become exceptional police and service dogs. They are also excellent companions for families with kids of all ages, as long as they are well-socialised at an early age. They may be more reserved around strangers than breeds such as Golden Retrievers but they will nevertheless respect their owners and follow orders. It is important to keep in mind that German Shepherds are naturally inclined to protect their owners and possessions, even if they are not in danger. It is crucial to get your dog professionally-trained (and prior to the critical 16-week period). A well-trained and confident German Shepherd will understand the distinction between a man walking down the street minding his own business versus someone trying to break into your home. Another thing to consider with the GSD is their love of food. Their strong herding roots mean they will seek out anything that looks edible and they're more likely to overeat. To avoid becoming obese and prevent them from becoming obese, they must be taught to manage their eating habits. This can be accomplished through regular exercise, which helps to keep their bodies fit and manage their weight. It can also help to keep their brains active, which reduces the chance of being bored and aggressive. This can be achieved by using structured training disguised as fun that stimulates their brain and body. This will also increase their focus and ability to work and learn under stress in chaotic environments like busy streets or competitions. It helps them concentrate on the task and ignore distractions. It's akin to the technique used by athletes to maintain the highest level of performance in stressful situations. Socialization It is crucial that your Old German Shepherd Dog be socialized at a young enough age to ensure that they grow up confident and content. This can help to prevent future behaviour problems like fearfulness or aggression, and also help to build an excellent relationship with you. Socialization should start in the first few months of puppyhood and continue through their entire development. Talk to a dog behaviorist or an experienced trainer to offer tips on how to help your puppy become more social. Your dog's personality and history will determine how long it takes to train him. Some dogs require more time and patience to train, while others are quick learners. Always utilize positive reinforcement to reinforce successful outcomes and keep training sessions short and regular. This will aid your dog to internalize commands and increase their overall learning abilities. As with all dogs It's equally important to provide your Old German Shepherd Dog with plenty of exercise every day. This will keep their body and mind active and give them the physical and emotional energy to enjoy their golden years. This could include regular walks as well as safe playtime and structured training. If you're not sure how much exercise your dog requires, talk to a vet or a qualified fitness trainer. It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd Dog with children and other animals at a young age due to their protective instincts. This will help them to be calm and friendly with strangers, and also reducing their tendency to bark or become nervous around new people or environments. It is recommended that you introduce your pet to other dogs and children in a safe environment while they are young so that they can have a positive association at an early age. Although the Old German Shepherd breed has a less pronounced history of inbreeding compared to its more standard counterpart, they do suffer from common health issues, including elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy anal furunculosis, as well as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). They also are susceptible to heat strokes, which is why it's crucial to keep them out of the heat during the summer months. Exercise German Shepherds are energetic dogs that require a lot of daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. healthy. They require a mix of off-leash walks, walks in a safe space as well as agility training and even games like tug-of-war to meet their physical and mental fitness needs. If they are not given the opportunity to release their energy the intelligent and hardworking breeds may become restless. This can lead to undesirable behavior like digging up the yard or decorating your living room using whatever they can find and the stress it causes their owners and neighbors. Exercise is the best way to harness their energy and prevent them from becoming bored or destructive. When working out her comment is here to be aware of their limitations. They might not be able to run long walks or play fetch as they did when they were younger. They may also tire more quickly or be less engaged in these activities. If you observe signs like excessive panting or the time it takes to walk or running or a lack of interest in the exercise, you must take a break and let them recover. Even though your old German Shepherd may be unable to go for long walks or plays fetch, they can take pleasure in other activities like swimming and playing tug-ofwar. These exercises aren't just comfortable for their joints but can also help them burn excess energy. Massage is another great way to strengthen the muscles of your German Shepherd. This simple activity can reduce the stiffness of muscles, ease pain and strengthen their bond with you. It is recommended to start small and progress to 15 minutes or more of gentle massage of their neck, shoulders and spine. Also, massage their ears. Overall, an old German Shepherd should be getting at least two hours of physical activity each day with more time for play and training on top of that to keep their bodies and minds active. This can be accomplished in short sessions throughout the day, or in the evenings, when they're the most active.