Should You Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog?
German Shepherds are employed in many scent-work jobs such as cadaver searches, narcotics and explosives detection. These roles can require extensive obedience and training in protective techniques.
Responsible breeders pair their top adult dogs, check them of any genetic health issues and raise puppies in optimal conditions. These breeders will charge an extra fee 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 appearance. They are also less likely to develop hereditary ailments such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia due to the lack of inbreeding for appearance that plagues modern GSDs. That said you should not forget to inquire about genetic health testing when purchasing an older German Shepherd.
Maintaining your aging German Shepherd healthy requires careful grooming and regular brushing of teeth and annual dental exams. They shed year-round and their fur could get tangled in your furniture, carpets, and clothing. A good brushing routine and lint roller can reduce shed and ensure that their coat is healthy. Cut their claws frequently to prevent them from becoming too large, which can cause discomfort and pain. Also, be aware that as they get older, they may develop joint issues. These include osteoarthritis (a joint-related inflammation that affects the long bone) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans (HOD). HOD is a condition that affects young dogs and causes lameness, fever and painful, swollen, joints. You can prevent it by feeding your GSD low-calcium diets and providing joint protection supplements like glucosamine chondroitin and MSM.
To remain healthy and happy, these large and strong dogs require daily exercise. You can take them on walks or let them play with their favorite toys in the backyard or park, or even play fetch at home. Divide their food into two portions can aid in preventing bloat, gastric dilation, or volvulus. These are all common issues in large breeds with chests that are deep such as GSDs.
Old German Shepherds are extremely loyal and make devoted pet companions, however they possess a strong instinct to hunt and can cause problems for children or pets if not properly controlled with early socialization and training. They can also be protective towards their family and owners, which can lead them to barking and territorial behavior if they aren't well-trained and socialized.
Training
German Shepherds are smart Highly trained and excel in a variety of work-related disciplines. They are awe-inspiring to learn and highly energetic and require an attentive and consistent owner with firm yet kind direction. To stay healthy and happy, they need to be physically and mentally active all day.
They are naturally herding dogs and with the right training they can be excellent service and police dogs. They are also excellent companions for families with kids of all ages, if they are socialized from a young age. They might be more reserved with strangers than breeds like Golden Retrievers but they will nevertheless respect their owners and obey commands.
It is important to remember that German Shepherds are naturally inclined to protect their owners and their possessions, even if they are not in danger. This is why it's very crucial to have your dog professionally trained (and to do it before the crucial period of 16 weeks). A trained and confident German Shepherd will understand the difference between a man walking down the street thinking about his own business versus someone trying to gain entry 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 roots. They must also be taught to control their food intake in order to prevent obesity. This can be done with regular exercise, which helps to keep their bodies fit and manage their weight. It also helps keep their brains active, which can reduce the risk of boredom and aggression. One way to accomplish this is through structured exercise that's disguised as play, that will keep their minds and bodies stimulated. This will improve their focus and ability to learn and work under pressure in chaotic environments, such as crowds of people or competitions. It helps them concentrate on the task at hand and avoid distractions. It is similar to the method employed by athletes to keep peak performance in high-pressure situations.
Socialization
As with all dogs, it is crucial to get your old German Shepherd Dog from a young age so that they grow up confident and happy. This can help to prevent future issues with behaviour like fearfulness or aggression, and build an enduring relationship with you. Typically, the socialization process should begin as early as the puppyhood stage and continue throughout their development. Find a certified trainer or canine behaviorist to advise you on the best way to socialize 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. Keep training sessions short, consistent and positive. This will aid your dog to internalize commands and improve their overall learning ability.
Like any dog It's equally important to provide your Old German Shepherd Dog with ample exercise each day. This will keep your Old German Shepherd Dog physically and mentally stimulated and ensure that they have the physical energy to enjoy their golden age. This usually includes daily walks, playing time in a safe space, and some structured training. If you're uncertain about the amount of exercise your dog requires, speak to a vet or fitness trainer.
It is important to get your German Shepherd Dog with children and other animals at a young age due to their protective instincts. This will help them be calm and friendly towards strangers, and also reducing their tendency to bark or get anxious around new environments or people. It is important to introduce your puppy to other animals and children in a safe setting when they are young to ensure they establish an enjoyable relationship at a young age.
The Old German Shepherd has a lesser history of inbreeding compared to its more standardized counterpart. However, they still suffer from a variety of common health issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasias, dilated myelopathy and anal furunculosis. The risk of heat strokes is another concern that should be kept away from direct sunlight during the summer heat.
Exercise
German Shepherds have a lot of energy, and require daily exercise to remain healthy and happy. To meet their physical and psychological requirements for exercise, they require an assortment of walks, off-leash play in a secure area as well as agility training, and even games such as tug-of-war.
These intelligent, productive breeds will become restless in the absence of an outlet to channel their energy. This could lead to undesirable behavior like digging up the lawn or redecorating your living room with anything they can grab and the frustration it causes for their owners and their neighbors. Exercise is a great method to harness 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 may not be as in a position to run for long distances or play fetch as they used to when they were younger. They may also tire faster or be less interested. If you notice symptoms such as excessive panting or slowness when walking or running, or a lack of interest in the activity, you should stop and allow them to recover.
Even even though your beloved German Shepherd may not be able to go on long walks or play fetch, they can enjoy other exercises such as swimming and playing tug-ofwar. These exercises aren't just easy on their joints and joints, but they can also help them burn off excess energy.
Massage is another excellent way to strengthen the muscles of your German Shepherd. This simple exercise can help reduce stiffness and pain in muscles while strengthening your bond with them. It's best to begin small and gradually increase the intensity to 15 minutes or more of gentle massaging of their neck, shoulders as well as their spine and ears.
In the end, a German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of physical activity every day. They will also need more playing and training added on top of that to keep their bodies and minds active. This can be done in short sessions throughout the day or in the evenings, when they're the most active.