Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?
German Shepherds are employed in a variety of scent-work roles like cadaver search, narcotics and explosives detection. These roles require extensive obedience and training in protection.
Responsible breeders pair up their best adult dogs, recheck their dogs of genetic health issues and raise puppies under optimal conditions. These breeders will charge an extra fee for their services.
Health
Old German Shepherd Dogs tend to be healthier than their contemporary counterparts due to the fact that they were breed to work and herd, not for appearances. They are also less likely to suffer from hereditary ailments like hip and elbow dysplasia due to the absence of inbreeding for appearance that plagues modern GSDs. That said you should not forget to inquire about genetic health testing when sourcing an older German Shepherd.
To keep your older German Shepherd in good health It is essential groom it frequently and brush its teeth and have an annual dental check-up. They shed all year round and their fur could get caught in furniture, carpets and even clothing. 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 might suffer joint problems as they age. They may suffer from osteoarthritis (a joint-related inflammation of the long bone) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans (HOD). HOD is a genetic condition affecting young dogs that causes joint pain, swelling and can cause lameness, fever and a decrease in appetite. It can be prevented by feeding your GSD an eat that is low in calcium and providing them with joint-protection supplements, like glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM.
To remain healthy and happy, these large and strong dogs require regular exercise. You can take them for a walk or let them play with their favorite toys in the park or backyard or play fetch in the home. Divide their meals into two portions will aid in preventing gastric dilation or volvulus. These are the most frequent issues in large breeds with chests that are deep such as GSDs.
Old German Shepherds are loving and loyal companions. However they also have a strong urge to hunt. This can be a problem for children and pets if they are not managed through early socialization and obedience training. They can also be protective towards their owners and family members, which can result in aggression and barking when they are not well-trained and socialized.
Training
German Shepherds are smart Highly trainable and excel in many working disciplines. They are eager to learn and extremely energetic, so they need an attentive and steady owner with firm yet kind leadership. They require plenty of physical and mental exercise each day to remain happy and healthy. They need to be focused, healthy and fit.
They are herding dogs by nature, and with right training can become excellent service and police dogs. They are also excellent companion pets for families with kids of all ages, provided they are socialized well from a young age. They may be a little more reserved with strangers than the happy breeds like Golden Retrievers, but they will respect their owners and follow the rules.
One thing to keep in mind with German Shepherds is their natural instinct to protect people and objects, even non-threatening threats. This is why it's important to have your dog professionally trained (and to do this before the crucial period of 16 weeks). A well-trained and confident German Shepherd will understand the difference between a person walking down the street thinking about his own business versus someone who is trying to gain entry into your home.
Another thing to consider with a GSD is their love for food. Their strong herding inclinations make them seek out anything that looks edible, and they're also prone to eating too much. To prevent obesity it is essential that they are taught how to control their eating habits. Regular exercise can help them stay physically fit and maintain their weight. It also helps keep their brains active, which decreases the chance of boredom and aggression. This can be achieved through structured training disguised as fun which will stimulate their mind and body. This will help improve their ability to focus and perform under pressure in chaotic environments such as busy streets and competitions. This is because it teaches students to concentrate their attention on the task at hand and avoid distractions. It is a similar technique as the one employed by athletes in high-pressure situations to maintain their peak performance.
Socialization
It is important that your Old German Shepherd Dog be socialized at a young enough age to make sure they develop into confident and happy. This can help avoid future behaviour problems like fearfulness or aggression, and build a strong relationship with you. Socialization should begin in the first few months of puppyhood and continue throughout their development. Ask a qualified trainer or a canine behaviorist to help you determine the best way to socialize your dog.
Your dog's personality and history will determine the time it takes to train him. Certain breeds may require more patience and time to train, whereas others are quick learners. Keep training sessions short, consistent and positive. This will improve your dog's ability to learn and understand commands.
Like all dogs, it's also crucial to give your Old German Shepherd Dog with ample exercise each day. This keeps their bodies and minds stimulated and ensure they have the physical and emotional energy to enjoy their golden years. This will include 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 a vet or a qualified fitness trainer.
Because of their inherent protective instincts, it's important 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 friendly and calm towards strangers. It will also reduce the likelihood that they become anxious or bark at strangers or in unfamiliar places. You should introduce your puppy to other animals and children in a safe environment when they are young so that they develop an enjoyable relationship from an early age.
Although the Old German Shepherd breed has a less pronounced history of inbreeding compared to its more standard counterpart, they do have a few common health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, degenerative myelopathy anal furunculosis and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). They also are susceptible to heat strokes, which is why it's crucial to keep them away from the sunlight during hot weather.
Exercise
German Shepherds have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to remain healthy and happy. To satisfy More Help and mental requirements for exercise, they require the right mix of walks, off leash play in a secure area as well as agility training, and even games such as tug-of-war.
If they aren't given an opportunity to let their energy flow they are hard-working and intelligent breeds may become restless. This can lead to undesirable actions like digging up the yard or redecorating your living room with whatever they can reach - not to mention the irritation it causes their owners and neighbors. Exercise is the best method to channel their energy and prevent them from becoming destructive or bored.
It's important to know the limitations of an older German Shepherd Dog when exercising. They might not be able to take long runs or play fetch as they used to when they were younger. They might also be more tired or become less enthusiastic. If you notice signs of fatigue, such as excessive panting, slowness during their run or walk or a lack of enthusiasm for the activity, it's important to stop and give them a chance to recover before trying again.
Even if your German Shepherd is no anymore able to go for long walks, or play fetch, he could still benefit from other sports like tug-of-war and swimming. These activities are not just easy on their joints but also allow them to burn excess energy.
Another excellent exercise that can strengthen your old German Shepherd's muscles is massage. This simple activity can ease the stiffness of muscles, ease pain and strengthen the bond between them and you. It's best to start small and work your way up to 15 minutes or more of gentle massage of their neck, shoulders and spine. Also, massage their ears.
In general, an older German Shepherd should get at minimum two hours of physical activity per day. Playtime and training will be added to that to keep their mind and body active. This can be done in short sessions throughout the day, or in the evenings, when they're the most active.