How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're making a big commitment when you purchase the German Shepherd pup. You'll be responsible, for many years, for the training and health of your dog.
Online sources and pet stores offer puppies that are typically from puppy mills, which prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.
How to Select a Breeder with a Good Reputation
It is important to know your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to share information about their dogs and breeding practices. Breeders will be happy to give you details about their dogs and practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd club or organization is the best place to start. The majority of breed clubs have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you in the right direction for reliable breeders in your area. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency to get the list of breeders who are licensed.
Make the effort to meet with a breeder in person after you've found one that meets your breed standards. You should search for an environment that is clean and comfortable where the puppies and their mother are kept. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings. You want to see proof that they have been checked for hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with copies of your puppy's medical record and an up-to-date shot schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a vet who can perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to provide the name of the veterinarian and his contact number and will provide you with records of your consultation.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they have about your lifestyle or living situation. This might prevent them from selling puppies to you. For instance, if they know you have young children, they might be hesitant to offer you a puppy since German Shepherds are known to be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder may require that you sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents and their AKC registration numbers, as along with a return-to-breeder clause. This is an important way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and ensure they are going to good homes.
Health Tests
Breeders who are reputable will test the health of the dogs they plan to breed. This is to ensure that they don't create pups that have an inherited illness. These tests include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and GDV (also called bloat).
Breeders who are trusted seek to be aware of the temperaments and health issues of every dog they have. They are also able to freely and openly share this information with other breeders and prospective buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders take additional tests.
These tests check for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also enable breeders to make better decisions about mating that can reduce the risk of hereditary illnesses in the next generations.
Common genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are at risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, particularly in the front limbs. schäferhund baby kaufen cause pain and discomfort, but can be managed through exercise restrictions, weight control and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure that the results are accurate.
The OFA test is a check for the presence of hemivertebrae as well as butterfly vertebrae. block vertebrae, lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't foolproof and does not predict whether a dog's condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require rigorous physical exercise along with training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. They are easily bored and their inactivity can result in destructive behavior such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional needs. This is why early socialization is so vital for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization can help the puppy develop confidence around new people and situations. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This helps puppies learn appropriate social signals and how to deal with their boisterous, and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety scents, sounds and sights. The puppies learn how to behave within a group, which is crucial to their success as adult dogs.
The puppy should be introduced to different household sounds like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed sounds outside, like traffic, sirens, and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy doesn't grow up afraid or anxious of these sounds. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable rate and positive reinforcement is utilized throughout the process.
It is also important for a puppy to get to know many different people over this period, along with other pets. This can help reduce separation anxiety while the owner is away. One good example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes and dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should only be allowed to interact in a controlled, secure way with other dogs. At first, the interactions should be restricted so that the dog does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with calmer, older, gentle dogs. This will help your puppy understand that larger, older dogs do not have to be frightening. It will also aid in developing a good attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require strict regular obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in a training class early particularly when they are still puppy dogs. This will assist them in developing into well-mannered, confident dogs. It's also a good time to introduce them to basic commands, such as sit down, sit and stay. The earlier you can teach your dog these basic skills, they will be more likely to follow your commands as they age.
Territorial aggression is a typical problem for many German Shepherd owners. They might be incredibly protective of their home and property, which can lead to barking or growling at any animal or person who enters their territory. Training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.
Training in obedience can aid in preventing other issues with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained could cause annoyance to their family and friends. They are often distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands such as "sit" and "down."
In the early years of puppyhood It is essential to socialize your German Shepherds to new people, places, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when they reach 16 weeks old because they are in an important phase of brain development during this time. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy it's likely to be much more difficult for them to grasp new things as an adult. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety or fear-based aggression.
One thing that many dog owners aren't aware of is that a German Shepherd needs lots of mental as well as physical exercise to stay healthy and content. They are herders by nature and have a strong desire to do their best and please their humans and if they don't have enough work to do, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise can tone muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's an excellent way to bond with your German Shepherd also!