Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?
German Shepherds are used in various scent-work roles such as cadaver search, narcotics and explosives detection. These roles may require extensive obedience and training in protective techniques.
Responsible breeders pair up their best adult dogs, clear them for genetic health issues, and raise puppies in optimal conditions. Breeders charge a premium rate for their services.
Health
Old German Shepherd Dogs tend to be healthier than their modern counterparts because they were designed to work and herd, not for looks. A lack of inbreeding to enhance appearance has also reduced their vulnerability to hereditary diseases like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. However, you should still ask about genetic health testing when you purchase an older German Shepherd.
To keep your old German Shepherd in good health You will need to groom it regularly and clean its teeth and get an annual dental check-up. Their fur is likely to get caught up in your furniture, clothing and carpets. They shed all year round. A regular brushing routine and lint-roller can reduce shedding and keep the coat healthy. Trim their claws regularly to avoid them becoming overgrown, causing discomfort and pain. Be aware that as they get older, they could develop joint problems. They could have osteoarthritis, Panosteitis (an inflammation of the long bones that affects joints) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans of the shoulder (HOD). HOD is a condition that affects young dogs and causes lameness, fever and painful, swollen joints. It is possible to prevent it by feeding your GSD low-calcium diets and providing joint protection supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as MSM.
To be healthy and happy, these big and strong dogs require regular exercise. This could be as simple as taking them for walks or letting them play in the yard or at the park with their favorite toys or playing fetch inside the house. Separating their meals into two portions will help prevent bloat, gastric dilation or volvulus. These are all common issues in large breeds with deep chests, such as GSDs.
Old German Shepherds can be loyal and devoted companions. However, they also have a strong urge to hunt. This can make them problematic for children and pets if it is not controlled by early socialization and obedience training. They can also be protective of their owners and families which could lead to territorial or barking behavior if not addressed with early training and constant positive reinforcement.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable, allowing them to excel in numerous different working disciplines. They are extremely enthusiastic and eager to learn, so they require a patient owner who is consistent and dependable. They require plenty of physical and mental activity each day to remain happy, healthy and focused.
They are herding dogs in nature, and with right training can become excellent police and service dogs. They are also great companion pets for youngsters of all ages when they are socialised at an early age. They might be more reserved with strangers than breeds like Golden Retrievers, but they will remain loyal to their owners and obey commands.
It is crucial to remember that German Shepherds are naturally inclined to protect their owners and possessions even when they're not in danger. This is why it's important to get your dog professionally trained (and to do it before the critical period of 16 weeks). A well-trained and confident German Shepherd will understand the difference between a person walking down the street minding his own business and someone trying to gain entry into your home.
The GSD's passion for food is another thing to take into consideration. They are susceptible to overeating due to their strong herding inclinations. They must also be taught to control their food intake to avoid obesity. Regular exercise can help them remain physically fit and manage their weight. It also keeps their minds active and reduce the chance of boredom and aggression. This can be done through structured training disguised as fun which will stimulate their mind and body. This will increase their ability to concentrate and perform under pressure in chaotic environments such as busy streets and competitions. It teaches them to focus on the task and ignore distractions. It's similar to the techniques employed by athletes to keep peak performance in high-pressure situations.
Socialization
It is crucial that your old German Shepherd Dog be socialized from a young enough age to make sure they grow up confident and content. This will help prevent future problems with behavior like fearfulness and aggression, and help build a strong relationship with you. Socialization should start in the first few months of puppyhood and continue through their entire development. Find a certified trainer or canine behaviourist to advise you on the best way to socialize your dog.
Your dog's personality and history will determine the length of time it takes to train him. Certain breeds require more time and patience to train, while others are quick learners. Keep training sessions short, consistent and positive. This will help your dog to internalize commands and enhance their overall learning ability.
As with all dogs, it's also crucial to provide your Old German Shepherd Dog with daily exercise. This keeps them mentally and physically stimulated and ensure they have the physical and emotional energy to enjoy their golden years. This includes daily walks as well as safe playtime and structured training. If you're uncertain about how much exercise your dog requires consult a fitness trainer or vet.
Due to their natural protective instincts, it is essential to get your German Shepherd Dog at an young age with other people or children, as well as other pets. This will make them more sociable and calm around strangers. It will also reduce their tendency to 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 safe environment when they are puppies so that they have a positive association at an early age.
Although the Old German Shepherd breed has an absence of inbreeding compared to its more standard counterpart, they have a few common health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiac myopathy anal furunculosis and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). Heat strokes are another issue, so keep them out of direct sunlight during hot weather.
Exercise
German Shepherds are energetic dogs that require lots of daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. To meet their physical and psychological requirements for exercise, they require the right mix of walks, off leash play in a secure space and agility training as well as games such as tug-of-war.
If they are not given an opportunity to let their energy flow the intelligent and hardworking breeds may become restless. This could lead them to engage in undesirable behavior like digging into your yard or re-decorating the living space with everything they are able to reach. In addition, they can cause frustration this causes their owners and neighbours. Exercise is a great 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 may not be as able to run long distances or play fetch as they used to when they were younger. They might also be more tired or lose interest. If you observe signs of fatigue such as excessive panting, slowness during their run or walk, or disinterest in continuing the activity, it's important to stop and give them a chance to recover before trying again.
Even though your old German Shepherd might not be able to go on long walks or play fetch, they can enjoy other exercises such as swimming and playing tug-of-war. These exercises aren't just easy on their joints but can also help them burn off excess energy.
Another great 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. Start small and gradually increase the amount of time you spend massaging their neck shoulders, spine and neck.
In general, a senior German Shepherd should get at minimum two hours of exercise each day. Training and playtime will be added to it in order to keep their body and mind active. This can be accomplished in short sessions throughout the day or in evenings when they're at their most active.