Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?
German Shepherds are used in many scent-work jobs like cadaver search, narcotics and explosives detection. These roles can require extensive obedience and training in protective techniques.
Responsible breeders pair their best adult dogs, recheck them of any genetic health issues and raise puppies under optimal conditions. These breeders charge a premium rate for their services.
Health
Old German Shepherd Dogs are healthier than modern German Shepherd Dogs, because they were bred for work and to herd, rather than for appearance. They are also less likely to develop hereditary ailments such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia due to the lack of inbreeding for appearance that plagues modern GSDs. But, you should still ask about genetic health testing when you purchase an older German Shepherd.
Maintaining your older German Shepherd healthy requires careful grooming, regular tooth brushing, and annual dental exams. Their fur can get caught up in your furniture, clothes, and carpets. They shed all year round. A proper brushing regimen and lint-roller can reduce shedding and help keep the coat healthy. Cut their claws regularly to prevent them from becoming overgrown, causing discomfort and pain. Be deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung that as they age, they can develop joint issues. This can be osteoarthritis, Panosteitis (an inflammation of the long bones that affects the joints), and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans of the Shoulder (HOD). HOD is an inherited condition that affects young dogs and causes painful, swollen joints and can cause lameness, fever and a decrease in appetite. It is preventable by feeding your GSD diet that is low in calcium and providing them with joint protection supplements, like glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM.
These big, strong dogs need daily exercise to help burn off excess energy and remain happy and healthy. You can take them on walks or let them play with their favorite toys in the backyard or park or play fetch in your home. It is important to split your food into two portions in order to prevent bloat or gastric dilation and volvulus, which are common in large breeds with deep chests like GSDs.
Old German Shepherds are very loyal and make devoted companions, but they have a strong prey drive that could be a problem for children or pets when not properly controlled through early socialization and training. They may also be protective of their owners and families, which can lead to barking or territorial behavior if not addressed with early training and consistent positive reinforcement.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable, allowing them to excel in a variety of work disciplines. They are extremely energetic and eager to learn, which is why they require a patient and caring owner who is consistent and dependable. To remain healthy and happy, they need to be physically and mentally active every day.
They are herding dogs by nature, and with proper training, they can become excellent service and police dogs. They also make excellent companion pets for children of all ages, provided that they are socialized from a young age. They might be more reserved around strangers than breeds such as Golden Retrievers, but they remain loyal to their owners and follow orders.
One thing to keep in mind with German Shepherds is their natural instinct to protect people and things, even from non-threatening threats. It is crucial to get your dog professionally-trained (and prior to the critical 16-week period). A trained and confident German Shepherd will understand the difference between a person walking down the street minding his own business versus someone trying to break into your house.
Another aspect to take into consideration when considering a GSD is their love for food. Their strong herding roots means they'll want to grab anything that looks edible, and they're prone to overeating. They must also be taught to control their food intake to prevent weight gain. This can be accomplished through regular exercise, which helps keep them physically fit and manages their weight. It also keeps their brains busy and reduce the chance of aggression and boredom. This can be achieved by using structured training disguised as fun that stimulates their brain and body. This will increase their ability to focus and perform under pressure in a chaotic environment like busy streets and contests. This is because it will teach students to concentrate their attention on the task at hand and ignore distractions. It is similar to the techniques used by athletes to maintain their performance at the highest level in high-pressure situations.
Socialization
Like all dogs, it's essential to socialize your Old German Shepherd Dog from a young age to ensure that they grow up content and confident. This can help to prevent future behaviour problems like fearfulness or aggression, and build an enduring relationship with you. Socialization should start in the first few months of puppyhood and continue throughout their development. Talk to a dog behaviorist or an experienced trainer to give you tips on how to get your puppy socialized.
It will differ based on your dog's personality, temperament, and history. Some dogs may 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 to learn commands and enhance their overall ability to learn.
As with all dogs, it's also crucial to give your Old German Shepherd Dog with daily exercise. This will keep their body and mind active and give them the mental and physical energy to enjoy their golden years. This will usually include daily walks, playing time in a safe area, and some structured training. If you're unsure about how much exercise your dog needs, speak to a veterinarian or fitness trainer.
It's important to socialize your German Shepherd Dog with children and other animals at a young age due to their instincts to protect. This will help them be calm and friendly towards strangers, while also reducing their tendency to bark or get anxious around strangers or new environments. In the ideal scenario, you should introduce your pet to other dogs and children in a controlled environment while they are young to ensure an enjoyable and positive relationship from an early age.
The Old German Shepherd has a lower rate of inbreeding when compared to its more standardized counterpart. However, they still suffer from common health problems, including elbow and hip dysplasias as well as dilated myelopathy and anal furunculosis. They also are susceptible to heat strokes, which is why it's important to keep them away from the heat during the summer months.
Exercise
German Shepherds are energetic dogs that require lots of daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. healthy. They require a mixture of walks, off-leash playing in a secure area as well as agility training. There are even games such as tug-of-war, to fulfill their physical and mental exercise needs.
If they are not given an opportunity to release their energy the intelligent and hardworking breeds can become agitated. This could lead them to engage in unsavory actions like digging up your yard or redecorating the living room with anything they can reach. And then there's the frustration this causes their owners and neighbours. Exercise is an excellent method to channel your dog's energy and prevent them from becoming bored or destructive.
It's crucial to be aware of the limitations of an older German Shepherd Dog when exercising. 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 get tired faster or lose interest. If you observe signs like excessive panting or slowness when walking or running, or a lack of interest in the sport, it is best to take a break and let them recover.
Even if your German Shepherd is no anymore able to go for long walks, or play fetch, he may still benefit from other sports like swimming and tug-of-war. These types of activities are not hard on joints and enable them to burn off excess energy while having fun.
Another great exercise that can strengthen your old German Shepherd's muscles is massage. This simple activity can reduce muscle stiffness, pain, and strengthen their bond with you. It's best to begin small and gradually progress to 15 minutes or more of gentle massage of their neck, shoulders as well as their spine and ears.
In the end, a German Shepherd should be getting a minimum of two hours of physical exercise each day with more time for play and training added on top of that to keep their bodies and minds active. This can be done at short intervals throughout the day, or in the evenings, when they are most active.