Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?
German Shepherds are a great choice for a variety scent-work roles including search for cadaver or narcotics and explosives detection. These jobs require a lot of obedience and safety training.
Responsible breeders pair up their top adult dogs, recheck them of any genetic health issues, and raise puppies in optimal conditions. These breeders 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 looks. Inbreeding is not a factor to improve appearance has made them less susceptible to hereditary diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia. It is still recommended to get genetic health tests if you are looking to purchase an older German Shepherd.
Keeping your older German Shepherd healthy requires careful grooming, regular tooth brushing, and annual dental exams. They shed year-round and their fur can get tangled in your carpets, furniture and even clothing. A regular brushing routine and lint roller will help reduce shed and keep their coat healthy. Cut their claws regularly to keep them from becoming overgrown, causing pain and discomfort. Also, be aware that as they get older, they may develop joint issues. This can be osteoarthritis, Panosteitis (an inflammation of the long bones that affects joints), and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans of the shoulder (HOD). HOD is an inheritable condition that affects young dogs and causes painful, swollen joints, lameness, fever, and a decreased appetite. It can be avoided by feeding your GSD diet that is low in calcium, and providing them with joint protection supplements, like glucosamine and chondroitin as well as MSM.
These large, strong dogs need daily exercise to shed excess energy and stay happy and healthy. You can take them for a walk or let them play with their favorite toys in the backyard or park, or even play fetch in the home. It is recommended to divide their food into two portions to prevent bloat or gastric dilation and volvulus which are common in deep-chested large breeds like GSDs.
Old German Shepherds are affectionate and loyal companions. However they also have a strong urge to hunt. This could make them difficult for small pets and children when it isn't managed through early socialization and obedience training. They may also be protective of their owners and families, which can lead to territorial or barking behavior if not addressed through early training and regular positive reinforcement.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent Highly trained and excel in a variety of working disciplines. They are eager to learn and are extremely active, so they need an attentive and steady owner who can provide firm but kind direction. They need ample physical and mental fitness each day to remain happy, healthy and focused.
They are herding dogs in nature, and with the right training can become exceptional police and service dogs. They are also great companion pets for children of all ages if they are socialised from a young age. They may be more aloof with strangers than the happy breeds such as Golden Retrievers, but they will respect their owners and follow commands.
One thing to keep in mind with German Shepherds is their natural instinct to protect both people and objects, even non-threats. This is why it's important to get your dog professionally trained (and to do this before the crucial time of 16 weeks). A German Shepherd that is confident and well-trained will be able to tell the difference between someone who walks down the street and someone who is trying to break into your home.
Another aspect to take into consideration when considering a GSD is their love for food. They are more prone to eating too much due to their strong herding instincts. To avoid obesity and prevent them from becoming obese, they must be taught how to control their eating habits. Regular exercise can help them remain physically fit and maintain their weight. It also helps keep their brains active, which reduces the risk of boredom and aggression. One method to achieve this is through structured exercise disguised as play, that will keep their minds and bodies stimulated. This will improve their concentration and ability to learn and work under pressure in a chaotic environment, like busy streets or contests. It helps them concentrate on the task and ignore distractions. It is similar to the techniques used by athletes to maintain the highest level of performance in stressful situations.
Socialization
Like all dogs, it is essential to socialize your old German Shepherd Dog from a young age to ensure that they grow up confident and happy. This can help avoid future issues with behaviour, such as fearfulness and aggression, and help build an enduring relationship with you. Typically, the socialization process should begin as early as the puppyhood stage and continue throughout their development. Consult a trained trainer or canine behaviourist to advise you on the best method of socializing your dog.
This will depend on the dog's temperament, personality, and history. Certain breeds require more time and patience to train, while others are quick learners. Always utilize positive reinforcement to reinforce successful outcomes and keep the training sessions short and regular. This will enhance your dog's ability to learn and understand commands.
Like all dogs, it's also crucial to ensure that you provide your Old German Shepherd Dog with daily exercise. This will keep them mentally and physically active and give them the energy and physical stamina to enjoy their golden years. This could include regular walks as well as playtime that is safe and structured training. If you are unsure how much exercise your dog needs, talk to a vet or a qualified fitness trainer.
Because of their inherent protective instincts, it is essential to make sure you socialize your German Shepherd Dog at an young age with other people, children, and other pets. This will make them more sociable and calm with strangers. It also decreases the likelihood that they become anxious or bark around new places or people. In the ideal scenario, you should introduce your pet to other dogs and children in a controlled environment when they are puppies so that they have an enjoyable relationship from an early age.
The Old German Shepherd has a lesser history of inbreeding than its more standard counterpart. However, they do suffer from common health issues, like elbow and hip dysplasias as well as dilated myelopathy and anal furunculosis. Heat strokes are another issue and should be kept away from direct sunlight during the summer heat.
Exercise
German Shepherds have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to remain healthy and content. They require a mix of walks, blaue schäferhunde off-leash playing in a safe space as well as agility training and even games like tug-of-war to meet their physical and mental exercise requirements.
If they don't have a way to release their energy they are hard-working and intelligent breeds can become restless. This could lead to undesirable actions like digging up the lawn or decorating your living room with whatever they can reach and the frustration it causes for their owners and their neighbors. Exercise is an excellent way to channel your dog's energy and keep them from being bored or destructive.
When working out an older German Shepherd Dog it's important to be aware of their limitations. They might not be in a position to run for long distances or play fetch as they used to when they were younger. They might also get tired faster or become less enthusiastic about these activities. If you notice signs of fatigue, such as excessive panting, lag time during their run or walk or a lack of enthusiasm for the exercise, it's crucial to stop and give them a chance to recover before trying again.
Even although your old German Shepherd may not be able to go for long walks or play with toys, they can enjoy other exercises such as swimming and playing tug-of-war. These kinds of exercises are not hard on joints and let them burn off extra energy while having fun.
Massage is another great way to strengthen the muscles of your German Shepherd. This simple activity can help reduce muscle stiffness and pain while strengthening their bond with you. Start small and gradually increase the amount of time you spend massaging their neck, shoulders and spine.
In general, an older German Shepherd requires at least two hours of exercise each day. Training and playtime will be added to that to keep their body and mind in shape. This can be accomplished in short sessions throughout the day, or in the evenings when they're at their most active.