Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?
German Shepherds are used in a variety of scent-work roles such as cadaver search as well as narcotics and explosives detection. These roles can require extensive obedience and training in protective techniques.
Responsible breeders pair their finest adult dogs together, and test for genetic issues and raise puppies in optimal conditions. Breeders charge a premium price for their services.
Health
Old German Shepherd Dogs are healthier than modern German Shepherd Dogs, because they were bred for work and herding, rather than for appearance. They are also less likely to develop hereditary conditions like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia due to the lack of inbreeding to improve appearance which has plagued modern GSDs. You should still inquire about genetic health tests if are looking to purchase an older German Shepherd.
To keep your older German Shepherd in good health You will need groom it frequently and clean its teeth and undergo a regular dental check-up. Their fur can get caught around furniture, clothing and carpets. They shed all year round. A proper brushing regimen and lint-roller can help to reduce shed and help keep the coat healthy. It is also recommended to trim their claws on regular basis to avoid them becoming excessively large and causing pain. Also, be aware that they may have joint issues as they age. They could have osteoarthritis, Panosteitis (an inflammation of the long bones that affects joints) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans of the Shoulder (HOD). HOD is a condition that affects dogs in their early years and can cause lameness, fever and painful, swollen, joints. It is preventable by feeding your GSD an eat that is low in calcium and providing them with joint-protection supplements, like glucosamine and chondroitin as well as MSM.
To remain healthy and happy, these big and strong dogs require regular exercise. It could be as easy as taking them on an outing or letting them play in the yard or at the park with their favorite toys or playing fetch in the home. Splitting their food into two portions will aid in preventing bloat, gastric dilation or volvulus. These are all common issues in large breeds with chests that are deep such as GSDs.
Old German Shepherds can be loyal and devoted companions. However they also have a strong urge to hunt. This can be a problem for small pets and children if it is not controlled through early socialization and obedience training. They also can be protective of their family and owners, which could lead to aggressive behavior and barking if they are not well-trained and socialized.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable, which allows them to excel in a variety of working disciplines. They are awe-inspiring to learn and are extremely active They require an attentive and consistent owner who can provide firm but kind leadership. They need ample physical and mental exercise every day to stay happy and healthy. They also need to be focused and healthy.
They are herding dogs by nature, and with right training, they can be excellent service and police dogs. They also make excellent companion pets for families with kids of all ages, provided they are socialized at an early age. They may be more reserved with strangers than breeds like Golden Retrievers, but they will still respect their owners and follow commands.
One thing to remember when it comes to German Shepherds is their natural instinct to protect people and objects, even non-threats. This is why it's very crucial to have your dog professionally trained (and to do it prior to the crucial period of 16 weeks). A German Shepherd that is confident and well-trained will know the difference between someone who walks down the street, and someone who is trying to gain entry into your home.
A GSD's love of food is another thing to take into consideration. They are more prone to eating too much due to their strong herding roots. To avoid obesity and prevent them from becoming obese, they must be taught to manage their eating habits. Regular exercise can help them stay physically fit and manage their weight. It can also keep their brains busy and reduce the chance of aggression and boredom. One way to accomplish this is through structured exercise disguised as play, which will keep their bodies and minds stimulated. This will help improve their ability to focus and perform under pressure in stressful environments like busy streets and contests. This is because it will teach them to focus their focus on the task at hand and not be distracted by distractions. It is a similar technique as the one used by athletes in high-pressure environments to keep their performance at its peak.
Socialization
It is crucial that your Old German Shepherd Dog be socialized from a young enough age to make sure they grow up confident and content. This will allow them to avoid future problems with behavior such as fearfulness, aggression and anxiety, as well as helping to build an emotional bond with you. Socialization should start in the first few months of puppyhood and continue through their entire development. Consult a canine behaviorist or an instructor who is certified to offer suggestions on how you can get your puppy socialized.
Your dog's personality and history will determine the time it takes to train him. Certain breeds require more time and patience to train while others are quick learners. Always utilize positive reinforcement to reinforce successful results and keep training sessions short and regular. This will help your dog to internalize commands and increase their overall ability to learn.
It's important to give your Old German Shepherd Dog daily exercise, just like you would with any other dog. More inspiring ideas will keep your dog's Old German Shepherd physically and mentally active, and ensure they are physically fit enough to live their golden years. This includes daily walks as well as playtime that is safe and structured training. If you're not sure the amount of exercise your dog requires, talk to an animal veterinarian or a certified fitness trainer.
Because of their inherent protective instincts, it's essential to make sure you socialize your German Shepherd Dog at an early age with other dogs, children, and other pets. This will make them more sociable and calm towards strangers. It also decreases the likelihood that they become nervous or bark at new places or people. Ideally, you should introduce your dog to other pets and children in a safe environment when they are puppies to ensure an enjoyable relationship at an early age.
Although the Old German Shepherd breed has an eminently less long history of inbreeding than its more standard counterpart, they have a few common health issues, including elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiac myopathy anal furunculosis and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). They are also susceptible to heat strokes, so it's important to keep them away from the sun during hot weather.
Exercise
German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise every day to keep them happy and healthy. To meet their physical and mental demands for exercise, they require a mixture of walks, off-leash play in a secure area, agility training and even games like tug-of-war.
If they aren't given the opportunity to release their energy they are hard-working and intelligent breeds can become agitated. This could lead to undesirable behaviors like digging up the lawn or redecorating your living room with anything they can grab - not to mention the irritation it causes their owners and neighbors. Exercise is a great method to channel your dog's energy and keep them from being bored or destructive.
When working out an older German Shepherd Dog it's important to be aware of their limitations. They may not be as in a position to run for long distances or play fetch as they used to when they were younger. They may also get tired faster or lose interest. If you observe signs such as excessive panting, the time it takes to walk or running or a lack of interest in the sport, it is best to stop and let them recover.
Even if your German Shepherd is no longer able to go on long walks or play fetch, he could still benefit from other activities like tug-of-war and swimming. These exercises aren't just gentle on joints but can also help them burn excess energy.
Massage is another great way to strengthen the muscles of your German Shepherd. More inspiring ideas can reduce muscle stiffness, pain and strengthen their bond with you. Start small and gradually increase the amount of time you spend massaging their necks, shoulders and spine.
In general, an older German Shepherd requires at least two hours of physical activity each day. Playtime and training will be added to that for the sake of keeping their mind and body active. This can be done in short sessions throughout the day or in the evenings when they're most active.