Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?
German Shepherds are a great choice to perform a variety of scent-related tasks like search for cadaver or narcotics and explosives detection. These jobs require a lot of obedience and training in protection.
Responsible breeders pair their top adult dogs together, and test for genetic problems and raise puppies in 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 herding, rather than for looks. They are also less likely to suffer from hereditary ailments like hip and elbow dysplasia due to the absence of inbreeding for looks that plagues modern GSDs. That said, you should still ask about genetic health testing when you purchase an older German Shepherd.
Keeping your older German Shepherd healthy requires careful grooming regularly, regular tooth brushing and annual dental exams. Their fur can get tangled up in your furniture, clothes and carpets. They shed all year round. A regular brushing routine and lint-roller can reduce shedding and help keep the coat healthy. You should also trim their claws on a regular basis to avoid them becoming excessively large and causing pain, and be aware that they could suffer from joint problems as they get older. 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 inheritable condition that affects young dogs and causes joint pain, swelling as well as fever, lameness, and a decreased appetite. It can be prevented by feeding your GSD a diet low in calcium and by providing them with joint-protection supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM.
To stay healthy and happy, these big and strong dogs need daily exercise. This could be as simple as taking them on an outing or playing in the yard or at the park with their favorite toys, or playing fetch inside the house. You should always split their food into two portions in order to avoid gastric dilation and volvulus, which are common in deep-chested large breeds like GSDs.
Old German Shepherds are very affectionate and make wonderful companions, but they have an intense prey drive that can cause problems for small children or pets if they are not properly controlled by early socialization and training. They can also be protective of their family members and owners and can result in aggression or territorial behavior if not addressed with early training and constant positive reinforcement.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable, which allows them to excel in many work disciplines. They are eager to learn and extremely energetic, so they need a patient and consistent owner who is firm but gentle direction. To stay healthy, happy and focused, they need to be physically and mentally active every day.
They are naturally herding dogs, and with the right training, they can be great police and service dogs. They are also great companion pets for children of all ages if they are socialised from a young age. They might be more reserved with strangers than breeds like Golden Retrievers but they will still respect their owners and follow commands.
One thing to keep in mind with German Shepherds is their instinct to protect both people and objects, even non-threatening threats. It is crucial to get your dog professionally-trained (and prior to the crucial 16-week period). A German Shepherd that is confident and well-trained will know the difference between someone walking down the street and one who is trying to break into your home.
Another aspect to take into consideration when considering the GSD is their love of food. They are susceptible to overeating due to their strong herding instincts. They also need to be taught to manage their food intake in order to prevent weight gain. This can be accomplished through regular exercise that helps to keep their bodies in shape and control their weight. It also keeps their minds active, which reduces the chances of aggression and boredom. This can be accomplished through structured training disguised as a fun activity, which stimulates their mind and body. This will help improve 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 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 make sure they develop into confident and happy. This will help prevent future behaviour problems like fearfulness or aggression, and build an enduring relationship with you. Socialization should start in the puppyhood years and continue through their entire development. Consult a trained trainer or a canine behaviorist to advise you on the best way to socialize your dog.
The dog's personality and his history will determine the time it takes to train him. Certain breeds require more time and patience to train while others are quick learners. Keep the training sessions short, regular and positive. This will increase your dog's ability to learn and internalize commands.
It's important to give your Old German Shepherd Dog daily exercise, just like you would a normal dog. This will keep your dog's Old German Shepherd physically and mentally stimulated and ensure that they are physically fit enough to enjoy their golden age. This usually includes daily walks, playtime in a secure area, and some structured training. If you are unsure how much exercise your dog requires, talk to your vet or a trained fitness trainer.
It's important to socialize your German Shepherd Dog with children and other animals as early as possible due to their protective instincts. This will allow them to be calm and friendly to strangers, as well as decreasing their tendency to bark or get anxious when they encounter new environments or people. Ideally, you should introduce your dog to other pets and children in a controlled environment while they are young so that they can have a positive association from an early age.
Although the Old German Shepherd breed has an eminently less long history of inbreeding than its more standardized counterpart, they have some common health issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, degenerative myelopathy, anal furunculosis, and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). schäferhund abzugeben of heat strokes is another concern, so keep them out of direct sunlight in hot weather.
Exercise
German Shepherds have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to remain healthy and content. To satisfy their physical and mental requirements for exercise, they require the right mix of walks, off-leash play in a secure space as well as agility training, and even games such as tug-of-war.
These intelligent, working breeds will become restless in the absence of an outlet to channel their energy. This can lead to undesirable behaviors like digging up the yard or redecorating your living room with whatever they can reach - not to mention the frustration it causes for their owners and their neighbors. Exercise is a great way to channel your dog's energy and prevent them from becoming bored or destructive.
When exercising an older German Shepherd Dog it's important to be aware of their limitations. They might not be capable of running long distances or play fetch like they used to when they were younger. They might also be more tired or become less enthusiastic. If you observe signs of fatigue such as excessive panting, slowness in their run or walk, or disinterest in continuing the exercise, it's crucial to stop and allow them to recover before you try again.
Even if your German Shepherd is no anymore able to go for long walks, or play fetch, he could still benefit from other activities like swimming and tug-of-war. These kinds of exercises are not hard on joints, but they will allow them to get rid of excess energy while having fun.
Massage is a great method to strengthen the muscles of your German Shepherd. This simple exercise can help reduce stiffness and pain while strengthening the bond between them and you. Start small and gradually increase the amount of time you spend massaging their necks shoulders, spine and neck.
In general, an older German Shepherd requires at least two hours of exercise each day. Training and playtime can be added to it to keep their body and mind active. This can be done in intervals of time throughout the day, or in the evenings when they are the most active.