Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?
German Shepherds are a great choice for a variety scent-work roles, such as search for cadaver, narcotics detection and explosives detection. These roles can require extensive obedience and protective training.
Responsible breeders pair their finest adult dogs together, and test for genetic issues and raise puppies in optimal conditions. Breeders who are responsible charge a premium rate for their services.
Health
Old German Shepherd Dogs are healthier than modern German Shepherd Dogs, because they were bred to work and to herd rather than for looks. They are also less likely to develop hereditary conditions like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia because of the absence of inbreeding to improve appearance that has plagued modern GSDs. That said it is still advisable to inquire about genetic health tests when sourcing an older German Shepherd.
To keep your old German Shepherd in good health, you will need to groom it regularly and clean its teeth and have an annual dental exam. Their fur can get tangled up in furniture, clothing, and carpets. They shed all year round. A proper brushing regimen and lint-roller will help reduce shed and help keep the coat healthy. It is also recommended to trim their claws on a regular basis to prevent them from becoming overgrown and causing pain. Also, be aware that they may suffer joint problems as they age. This includes osteoarthritis (a joint-affecting inflammation of the long bone) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans (HOD). HOD is a genetic condition that affects young dogs and causes painful, swollen joints, lameness, fever, and a decreased appetite. You can prevent it by feeding your GSD low-calcium diets as well as providing joint protection supplements like glucosamine chondroitin as well as MSM.
To stay healthy and happy, these big and strong dogs require regular exercise. That may be as simple as taking them for walks, letting them play in the yard or at the park with their favorite toys, or playing fetch inside the home. It is recommended to divide their food into two portions to avoid gastric dilation and volvulus, which are common in deep-chested large breeds like GSDs.
Old German Shepherds are extremely loyal and are great companions, but they also have an intense prey drive that can be problematic with small children or pets if not properly controlled with early socialization and training. They can also be protective towards their owners and family members, which could lead to barking and territorial behavior if they aren't properly trained and socialized.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, highly trained and excel in a variety of work-related disciplines. They are eager to learn and highly energetic, so they need an attentive and steady owner with firm yet kind leadership. To stay healthy, happy and focused they must be physically and mentally active all day.
continue reading this.. are herding dogs in nature, and with proper training, they can become exceptional police and service dogs. They are also great companion pets for children of all ages if they are socialised from an early age. They may be more reserved around strangers than breeds like Golden Retrievers, but they will nevertheless respect their owners and follow orders.
One thing to be aware of when it comes to German Shepherds is their natural instinct to protect both people and things, even from threats that aren't actually present. It is essential to have your dog trained professionally (and before the critical 16-week period). A German Shepherd that is confident and well-trained will be able to tell the difference between a person walking down the street and someone who is trying to break into your home.
Another aspect to take into consideration when considering the GSD is their love for food. Their strong herding roots mean they will seek out anything that looks edible, and they're prone to overeating. They must also be taught to manage their food intake to avoid obesity. Regular exercise can help them remain physically fit and control their weight. It can also keep their brains active which decreases the risk of being bored and aggressive. This can be accomplished by using structured training disguised as a fun activity, which stimulates their mind and body. This will increase their ability to focus and work under pressure, in a chaotic environment like busy streets and competitions. It teaches them to focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions. It is similar to the technique employed by athletes to maintain their performance at the highest level in high-pressure situations.
Socialization
It is important that your Old German Shepherd Dog be socialized from 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 also help to build a strong relationship with you. Typically, the process of socialization should begin as early as the puppyhood stage and continue throughout their development. Ask a canine behaviourist or an instructor who is certified to offer tips on how to socialize your puppy.
This will vary depending on the dog's temperament, personality and his past. Certain breeds require more time and patience in training, whereas others are quick learners. Always utilize positive reinforcement to reinforce the success of results and keep training sessions short and regular. This will aid your dog to internalize commands and increase their overall ability to learn.
Like all dogs It's equally important to provide your Old German Shepherd Dog with ample exercise each day. This will keep your dog's Old German Shepherd physically and mentally active, and ensure that they are physically fit enough to enjoy their golden age. This will usually include daily walks, playtime in a safe area, and some structured training. If you're unsure of how much exercise your dog needs consult your vet or a trained fitness trainer.
Because of their natural protective instincts, it's essential to socialize your German Shepherd Dog at an early age with other people, children, and other pets. This will help them be calm and friendly with strangers, and also reducing their tendency to bark or get anxious when they encounter strangers or new environments. It is recommended that you introduce your dog to other pets and children in a controlled environment while they are young so that they can have an enjoyable relationship from an early age.
Although the Old German Shepherd breed has a less pronounced history of inbreeding than its more standardized counterpart, they do have some common health issues, like elbow and hip dysplasia dilated cardiomyopathy, degenerative myelopathy, anal furunculosis, and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). The risk of heat strokes is another concern, so keep them out of direct sunlight during hot weather.
Exercise
German Shepherds have a high level of energy and require daily exercise to remain healthy and content. They require a mix of walks, off-leash playing in a safe space as well as agility training and even games like tug-ofwar to fulfill their physical and mental exercise requirements.
If they are not given a way to release their energy, these intelligent and hard-working breeds can become agitated. This can lead to unsavory behaviors like digging up the lawn or decorating your living room with anything they can grab - not to mention the irritation it causes their owners and neighbors. Exercise is the best way to channel their 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 may not be as able to run long distances or play fetch as they did when they were younger. They may also get tired faster or be less interested. If you observe signs of fatigue such as excessive panting, slowness during their run or walk or a lack of interest in continuing the exercise, it's essential to stop and give them a chance to recover before attempting again.
Even though your old German Shepherd may be unable to take on long walks or plays fetch, they can still enjoy other exercises such as swimming or playing tug-of-war. These types of exercises are easy on their joints, but they will allow them to burn off extra energy while having fun.
Massage is a great method to strengthen the muscles of your German Shepherd. This simple exercise can help reduce muscle stiffness and pain while strengthening your bond with them. It is recommended to begin small and gradually increase the intensity to 15 minutes or more of gentle massaging of their shoulders, necks and spine. Also, massage their ears.
In the end, a German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of physical activity every day, with more playtime and training added on top of that to keep their bodies and minds active. This can be done at intervals of time throughout the day or in the evenings when they are the most active.