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Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog? German Shepherds are used in various scent-work roles such as cadaver searches, narcotics and explosives detection. These jobs may require a lot of obedience and training in protective techniques. Responsible breeders pair up their best adult dogs, recheck them of any genetic health issues and raise puppies in optimal conditions. 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, instead of for looks. They are also less likely to develop hereditary conditions such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia because of the absence of inbreeding for looks that plagues modern GSDs. It is still recommended to get genetic health tests if you are purchasing an older German Shepherd. Maintaining your aging German Shepherd healthy requires careful grooming regularly, regular tooth brushing and annual dental examinations. They shed all year long and their fur can get tangled in your carpets, furniture and clothing. A proper brushing regimen and lint-roller will help reduce shed and help keep the coat healthy. Cut their claws frequently to avoid them becoming excessively large, causing pain and discomfort. Be aware that as they age, they may develop joint issues. They may suffer from osteoarthritis (a joint-affecting inflammation of the long bone) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans (HOD). HOD is an inheritable condition that affects young dogs and causes joint pain, swelling and can cause lameness, fever and a decreased appetite. It is preventable by feeding your GSD a diet low in calcium, and providing them with joint-protection supplements, like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. These big strong dogs require regular exercise to help burn off excess energy and remain happy and healthy. That may be as simple as taking them on walks or playing in the yard or in the park with their favorite toys, or even playing fetch in the home. It is important to split your meals into two portions to prevent gastric dilation or volvulus, which are common in large breeds with deep chests like GSDs. Old German Shepherds are extremely loyal and make devoted companions, but they have a strong instinct to hunt and can be problematic with children or pets when not properly controlled through early socialization and training. They can also be protective of their owners and families and can result in aggression or territorial behavior if they are not addressed with early training and consistent positive reinforcement. Training German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable, which allows them to excel in many work disciplines. They are very energetic and eager to learn, therefore they require a patient and caring owner who is consistent and dependable. They need ample physical and mental exercise each day to remain happy and healthy. They also need to be focused and healthy. They are naturally herding dogs and with the right training they can become great police and service dogs. They are also excellent pets for families with kids of all ages, provided they are socialized from an early age. They may be a little more distant from strangers than the happy breeds such as Golden Retrievers, however they will respect their owners and obey commands. It is important to remember that German Shepherds are naturally inclined to protect their owners and belongings, even if they are not in danger. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen is why it's important to have your dog professionally trained (and to do it prior to the crucial period of 16 weeks). A trained and confident German Shepherd will understand the distinction between a man walking down the street, minding his own business versus someone trying to break into your home. Another aspect to take into consideration when considering a GSD is their love for food. Their strong herding roots mean they will be drawn to 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 can also help to keep their brains active, which decreases the chance of being bored and aggressive. This can be done through structured training disguised as fun, which will stimulate their mind and body. This will improve their focus and ability to work and learn under pressure in a chaotic environment, like busy streets or competitions. It helps them concentrate on the task at hand and avoid distractions. It's similar to the technique employed by athletes to maintain peak performance in high-pressure situations. Socialization It is important that your old German Shepherd Dog be socialized from a young age to make sure they grow up confident and content. This will help prevent future issues with behaviour, such as fearfulness and aggression, and 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 qualified trainer or a canine behaviorist to help you determine the best method of socializing your dog. This will vary depending on your dog's temperament, personality, and history. Some dogs may require more patience and time to train, whereas others are quick learners. Keep training sessions short, consistent and positive. This will allow your dog learn commands and enhance their overall learning ability. Like all dogs is equally important to ensure that you provide your Old German Shepherd Dog with ample exercise each day. This will keep your Old German Shepherd Dog physically and mentally active, and ensure that they are physically fit enough to enjoy their golden age. This will include daily walks, safe playtime, and structured training. If you're unsure of how much exercise your dog requires consult your vet or a trained fitness trainer. Due to their natural protective instincts, it's essential to make sure you socialize your German Shepherd Dog at an young age with other people as well as children and other pets. This will allow them to be calm and friendly with strangers, and also reducing their tendency to bark or get nervous around strangers or new environments. In the ideal scenario, you should introduce your pet to other dogs and children in a safe environment when they are puppies to ensure a positive association from an early age. The Old German Shepherd has a less history of inbreeding as than its more standard counterpart. However, they do suffer from a variety of common health issues, like hip and elbow dysplasias, dilated myelopathy and anal furunculosis. They are also susceptible to heat strokes, which is why it's important to keep them out of the heat during the summer months. Exercise German Shepherds have a lot of energy and require daily exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. To meet their physical and psychological demands for exercise, they require a mixture of walks, off leash play in a secure space as well as agility training, and even games such as tug-of-war. These intelligent, productive breeds will become restless if they don't have an outlet for their energy. This can lead them to engage in a variety of undesirable actions like digging up your yard or redecorating the living area with whatever they can reach. Not to mention the anger that their owners and neighbors. Exercise is an excellent method to channel your dog's energy and keep them from being bored or destructive. When exercising an older German Shepherd Dog it's important to be aware of their limitations. They may not be able to go on long walks or play fetch as they used to when they were younger. They may also become tired more quickly or be less interested in these activities. If you notice symptoms like excessive panting or the time it takes to walk or running or a lack of enthusiasm for the exercise, you must stop and let them recover. Even though your German Shepherd is no more able to take long walks or play fetch, he could still benefit from other sports like tug-of-war and swimming. These kinds of exercises are easy on their joints and allow them to burn off extra energy while having fun. Another great exercise that will strengthen your old German Shepherd's muscles is massage. This simple activity can ease the stiffness of muscles, ease pain and strengthen their bond with you. Start small and gradually increase the time you spend massaging their necks shoulders, neck and spine. In the end, a German Shepherd will need at least two hours of physical activity every day, with more playing 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.