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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 jobs may require a lot of obedience and training in protective techniques. Responsible breeders pair their finest adult dogs, test them for genetic issues and raise puppies in the best conditions. Breeders who do this will charge a premium 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 conditions such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia due to the lack of inbreeding for appearance that has plagued modern GSDs. That said it is still advisable to inquire about genetic health testing when purchasing an older German Shepherd. Keeping your older German Shepherd healthy requires careful grooming, regular tooth brushing, and annual dental examinations. Their fur can get caught up in furniture, clothes, and carpets. They shed all year round. A regular brushing routine and lint roller can minimize shedding and ensure that their coat is healthy. Cut their claws regularly to avoid them becoming excessively large, causing discomfort and pain. Also, be aware that as they age they can develop joint issues. These include osteoarthritis (a joint-related inflammation that affects the long bone) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans (HOD). HOD is an inheritable condition affecting young dogs that causes painful, swollen joints as well as fever, lameness, and a reduced appetite. It is preventable by feeding your GSD a diet low in calcium, and providing them with joint protection supplements, like glucosamine and chondroitin as well as MSM. To remain healthy and happy, these large and strong dogs need daily exercise. It could be as easy as taking them for an outing or letting them play in the backyard or in the park with their favorite toys or playing fetch in the house. Separating their food into two portions can aid in preventing gastric dilation, or volvulus. These are common problems in large breeds with chests that are deep such as GSDs. Old German Shepherds are very loyal and are great pet companions, however they possess an intense prey drive that can cause problems for children or pets if they are not properly controlled by early socialization and training. They can also be protective of their families and owners which could lead to barking or territorial behavior if not addressed through early training and regular positive reinforcement. Training German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable, allowing them to excel in many work disciplines. They are extremely energetic and eager to learn, which is why they require a patient owner who is consistent and dependable. 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 of nature, and with the proper training, they can become excellent police and service dogs. They also make excellent pets for families with children of all ages, provided they are socialized well at an early age. They might be more distant from strangers than happy-go-lucky breeds like Golden Retrievers, but they'll respect their owners and obey commands. It is important to keep in mind that German Shepherds are naturally inclined to protect their owners and belongings, even if they are not in danger. It is important to have your dog trained professionally (and prior to the crucial 16-week timeframe). A German Shepherd that is confident and well-trained will be able to tell the difference between someone who walks down the street and one who is trying to break into your home. The GSD's passion for food is another thing to consider. Their strong herding instincts means they'll seek out any food item that looks edible and they're also prone to eating too much. They must also be taught to manage their food intake to avoid overweight. This can be achieved through regular exercise that helps keep their bodies fit and manage their weight. It also keeps their brains busy which decreases the risk of being bored and aggressive. One method to achieve this is to do it through structured training that's disguised as play, that will keep their minds and bodies stimulated. This will increase their ability to focus and work under pressure in chaotic environments such as busy streets and contests. This is because it teaches them to focus their attention on the task at hand and ignore distractions. It's akin to the techniques employed by athletes to keep peak performance in high-pressure situations. Socialization Like all dogs, it's important to socialize your old German Shepherd Dog from a young age so that they grow up happy and confident. This will help them avoid future behaviour problems such as fearfulness, aggression, and anxiety, and helps to establish a strong bond with you. The process of socialization should begin in early puppyhood and continue throughout their development. Ask a qualified trainer or canine behaviourist to help you determine the best method of socializing your dog. Your dog's personality and history will determine the time it takes to train him. Some dogs may require more patience and time to train, while others are quick learners. Keep your training sessions short, consistent and positive. This will enhance your dog's ability to understand and absorb commands. It's important to give your Old German Shepherd Dog daily exercise, just as you would any other dog. This will keep your Old German Shepherd Dog physically and mentally active, and ensure that they are physically fit enough to enjoy their golden years. This could include regular walks as well as playtime that is safe and structured training. If you're unsure about how much exercise your dog needs, speak to a veterinarian or fitness trainer. Due to their natural protective instincts, it's essential to make sure you socialize your German Shepherd Dog at an early age with other people, children, and other pets. This will make them more sociable and calm around strangers. It will also lessen their tendency to become anxious or bark at new people or places. Ideally, please click the up coming document should introduce your dog to other pets and children in a controlled environment when they are puppies so that they have an enjoyable relationship from a young age. Although the Old German Shepherd breed has an absence of inbreeding than its more standard counterpart, they suffer from common health issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, anal furunculosis, and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). They also are susceptible to heat strokes, which is why it is important to keep them out of the sunlight during hot weather. Exercise German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require lots of exercise each day to keep them healthy and happy. healthy. To satisfy their physical and mental exercise needs, they need an assortment of walks, off-leash play in a safe area as well as agility training, and even games like tug-ofwar. These intelligent, hardworking breeds can become bored in the absence of an outlet for their energy. This can lead them to engage in unsavory behaviors such as digging into your yard or re-decorating the living area with whatever they can reach. And then there's the frustration that this causes their owners and neighbors. Exercise is a great method to channel your dog's energy and keep them from being bored or destructive. It's important to know the limitations of an older German Shepherd Dog when exercising. They might not be able to run long distances or play fetch as they used to when they were younger. They may also tire faster or be less interested. If you notice signs like excessive panting or slowness when walking or running, or a lack of enthusiasm for the exercise, you must take a break and let them recover. Even though your old German Shepherd may not be able to go for long walks or play fetch, they can still take pleasure in other activities like swimming and playing tug-ofwar. These activities are not just easy on their joints but also allow them to burn excess energy. Another great exercise that will strengthen your old German Shepherd's muscles is massage. This simple exercise can help reduce muscle stiffness and pain while strengthening the bond between them and you. Start small and gradually increase the time you spend massaging their neck, shoulders and spine. 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 minds and bodies active. This can be done at short intervals throughout the day, or in the evenings, when they are most active.