Evaluating a dog is a tricky process for a non-dog trainer. However, there are some important things you can look at when trying to get a feel for the health and temperament of a German shepherd for sale Oregon. Some tests are different for puppies and adults, and you should never do anything that makes you or the dog uncomfortable.
Health is easier to evaluate than temperament. Shepherds are lean dogs, and may look underweight to someone who is used to a stockier breed. A thick coat is a sign of good health, as well as clean eyes, ears, and private areas. A dog that is not alert or seems listless should be suspected of being ill.
Shepherds are not a breed that necessarily trusts strangers. A good-tempered dogs may evaluate you with disinterest and seem immune to your initial attempts to make friends. Being bonded with other people in the area is a good sign, so try not to assume that the dog will never be your friend just because they fawn all over someone else.
Tolerating handling is a good sign, as well. A well-tempered dog will allow you to run your hands over his or her body, lift a paw, and look in their ears. Start with the chest, chin, back and sides, which are areas most dogs will allow you to touch. Proceed on to the top of the head, legs, paws and tail only if the dog seems comfortable.
A dog that has a food or toy drive is easier to bond with and train. Test this by offering a high-value treat and a toy such as a ball. After a while, put away the treats and the toy, and see how the dog reacts. A dog that is unable to calm down after a little while is probably too driven for family life, but would make a good working dog.
Dogs can learn new things at any age. However, after the age of three or so, the basic personality is fairly set. This means that, for good or for bad, what you see is what you get in a german shepherd for sale oregon over this age.
Health is easier to evaluate than temperament. Shepherds are lean dogs, and may look underweight to someone who is used to a stockier breed. A thick coat is a sign of good health, as well as clean eyes, ears, and private areas. A dog that is not alert or seems listless should be suspected of being ill.
Shepherds are not a breed that necessarily trusts strangers. A good-tempered dogs may evaluate you with disinterest and seem immune to your initial attempts to make friends. Being bonded with other people in the area is a good sign, so try not to assume that the dog will never be your friend just because they fawn all over someone else.
Tolerating handling is a good sign, as well. A well-tempered dog will allow you to run your hands over his or her body, lift a paw, and look in their ears. Start with the chest, chin, back and sides, which are areas most dogs will allow you to touch. Proceed on to the top of the head, legs, paws and tail only if the dog seems comfortable.
A dog that has a food or toy drive is easier to bond with and train. Test this by offering a high-value treat and a toy such as a ball. After a while, put away the treats and the toy, and see how the dog reacts. A dog that is unable to calm down after a little while is probably too driven for family life, but would make a good working dog.
Dogs can learn new things at any age. However, after the age of three or so, the basic personality is fairly set. This means that, for good or for bad, what you see is what you get in a german shepherd for sale oregon over this age.
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