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 can require extensive obedience and training in protection.
Responsible breeders pair up their best adult dogs, recheck them of any genetic health issues, and raise puppies in optimal conditions. Breeders who do this will charge a premium for their services.
Health
Old German Shepherd Dogs tend to be healthier than modern counterparts because they were designed to work and herd, not just for appearances. They are also less likely to suffer from hereditary conditions like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia due to the lack of inbreeding for looks that plagues modern GSDs. You should still inquire about genetic health testing if you are sourcing an older German Shepherd.
Keeping your aging German Shepherd healthy requires careful grooming and regular brushing of teeth and annual dental examinations. Their fur is likely to get caught up in furniture, clothes, and carpets. They shed all year long. A good brushing routine and lint roller can minimize shed and keep their coat healthy. You should also trim their claws on regular basis to avoid them becoming overgrown and causing pain. Also, be aware that they could suffer from joint problems as they get older. They may suffer from osteoarthritis (a joint-related inflammation that affects the long bone) and Hypertrophic Osteochondrosis Dissecans (HOD). HOD is a condition that affects puppies and causes lameness, fever and painful, swollen, joints. You can prevent it by feeding your GSD low-calcium diets and providing joint protection supplements such as glucosamine chondroitin and MSM.
These large strong dogs require daily exercise to help burn off excess energy and remain happy and healthy. This could be as simple as taking them on a walk, letting them play in the yard or in the park with their favorite toys, or even playing fetch in the home. You should always split their food into two portions in order to prevent bloat or gastric dilation and volvulus, which are common in large breeds with deep chests like GSDs.
Old German Shepherds can be loyal and devoted companions. However, they also have a strong desire to hunt. This can make them problematic for children and pets if they are not controlled through early socialization and obedience training. They also can be protective towards their family and owners, which could lead to aggressive behavior and barking if they aren't properly trained and socialized.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable, allowing them to excel in numerous working 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 must be physically and mentally active every day.
They are naturally herding dogs, and with the right training, they can be great service and police dogs. They are also great companion pets for youngsters of all ages when they are socialised from a young age. They may be more distant from strangers than happy-go-lucky breeds such as Golden Retrievers, but they'll respect their owners and obey their instructions.
One thing to be aware of when it comes to German Shepherds is their natural instinct to protect people and things, even from non-threats. This is why it's crucial to have your dog trained professionally (and to do this before the crucial time of 16 weeks). A 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.
Another aspect to take into consideration when considering a GSD is their love of food. Their strong herding roots mean they will seek out any food item that looks edible and they're also prone to eating too much. They also need to be taught to control their food intake in order to prevent weight gain. This can be accomplished through regular exercise that helps keep their bodies in shape and control their weight. It also keeps their brains busy and reduce the chance of boredom and aggression. One way to accomplish this is through structured exercise disguised as play, which keeps their bodies and minds stimulated. This will improve their focus and ability to learn and work under pressure in a chaotic environment, like crowds of people or competitions. This is because it will help students to concentrate their attention on the task at hand and avoid distractions. It's similar to the technique employed by athletes to keep peak performance in high-pressure situations.
Socialization
It is important that your Old German Shepherd Dog be socialized at a young enough age to ensure that they grow up confident and happy. This will allow them to avoid future issues with their behavior like aggression, fear, and anxiety, as well as helping to build a strong bond with you. Socialization should start in the puppyhood years 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 as well as his past will determine how long it takes to train him. Some breeds require more patience and time to train, while others are quick learners. Always utilize positive reinforcement to reinforce the success of results and keep training sessions short and regular. This will improve your dog's ability to learn and internalize commands.
It is important to provide your Old German Shepherd Dog daily exercise, just like you would with any other dog. This will keep your German Shepherd dog mentally and physically stimulated, and ensure that they are physically fit enough to enjoy their golden age. This usually includes daily walks, playtime in a safe space and some organized training. If you're unsure of how much exercise your dog needs discuss it with your vet or a trained fitness trainer.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd Dog with children and other animals from a young age due to their instincts to protect. This will allow them to be calm and friendly to strangers, and also decreasing their tendency to bark or become nervous around strangers or new environments. It is important to introduce your puppy to other pets and children in a safe setting when they are young to help them develop a positive relationship from an early age.
The Old German Shepherd has a lower rate of inbreeding when relative to its more standard counterpart. However, they still suffer from a variety of common health issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasias, dilated myelopathy and anal furunculosis. They also are susceptible to heat strokes, which is why it's important to keep them away from the heat during the summer months.
Exercise
German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require plenty of daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They require a mixture of walks, off-leash play in a safe space, agility training, and even games like tug-of-war to satisfy their mental and physical fitness needs.
These intelligent, working breeds will become restless when they don't have an outlet to channel their energy. This can lead to undesirable behavior like digging up the lawn or re-decorating your living space with anything they can grab and the stress it causes their owners and their neighbors. Exercise is a great way to harness your dog's energy and keep them from being bored or destructive.
It's important to know the limitations of an older German Shepherd Dog when exercising. They may not be as able to run 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 signs of fatigue such as excessive panting, lag time during their run or walk or a lack of interest in continuing the exercise, it's crucial to stop and give them a chance to recover before attempting again.
Even if your German Shepherd is no anymore able to go for long walks or play fetch, he may still benefit from other exercises such as tug-of war and swimming. These exercises aren't just comfortable for 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 exercise can help reduce muscle stiffness and pain while strengthening your bond with them. Start small and gradually increase the amount of time you spend massaging their necks shoulders, neck and spine.
In the end, a German Shepherd needs at least two hours of physical activity each day with more playing and training added on top of that to keep their bodies and minds active. This can be done in intervals of time throughout the day, or in the evenings when they are the most active.