How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You'll be accountable for many years for the health and education of your dog.
Pet stores and online resources generally sell puppies from puppy mills that prioritize profit over animal well-being. Choose a reputable breeder instead.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
It is important to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be willing to share information about their dogs and their practices with you. Breeders are happy to share details about their dogs and practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd organization or club is the best place to begin. The breed clubs typically have a secretary, or puppy officer, who can guide you to reputable breeders. You can also contact your state animal control agency to get an inventory of licensed breeders.
It is a good idea to meet with a breeder in person once you've found one who is in line with your breed standards. Find a clean facility in which the mother and her puppies are safe. Ask about the puppy's fathers and siblings; you want to see proof that they've been examined for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should also be able to provide you with a copy your puppy's medical record and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a great relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to give you the name of the veterinarian and phone number, and also give you consultation notes.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living situation that would prevent them from offering you puppies. For example when they know that you have young children, they may be reluctant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder may require you to sign a contract when purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents as well as their AKC registration numbers, as in addition to a return-to breeder clause. This is a vital way for a responsible breeder to monitor their dogs and ensure they are going to suitable homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders with a good reputation will test the health of the dogs they plan to breed as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't produce puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and bloat.
In addition to health screening Breeders who are reputable strive to acquire a personal understanding of the temperaments and health of every dog they have. They also share this information fully and freely with other breeders and potential buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program members are required to conduct certain tests with their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders take additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also help breeders make better informed choices about mating, which will reduce the risk of inheritable diseases in the coming generations.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially in the front limbs. These joint diseases cause discomfort and pain but can be managed through the control of weight, exercise limitations and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure the accuracy of the results.
The OFA test is a check for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. The test is not 100% reliable and cannot tell the likelihood that a dog's spinal problem will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep active. They are easily bored and their inactivity can lead to destructive behavior such as excessive digging or chewing up shoes. These behaviors are usually due to unmet emotional requirements. entzückendescäferhundwelpen is why early socialization is so vital for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization can help the puppy build confidence with new people and situations. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive in new situations.
Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them to get along with their rough and boisterous siblings. They are also exposed to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds. The puppies learn to behave appropriately in a group environment, which is essential to their success as dogs who mature.
The puppy should be introduced to various household sounds such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, like sirens, traffic and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not become scared or anxious about these sounds. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace, and positive reinforcement should be used throughout the process.
During this time, it's crucial that the puppy meets many different pets and people. This can help reduce separation anxiety while the owner is away. This can be achieved by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks, or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should only be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled manner with other dogs. At first, the interaction should be limited to ensure that the puppy isn't overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to be around calmer, older and gentle dogs. This will help your puppy see that older, larger dogs do not have to be scary. It will also help them develop an excellent attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is essential to get them into a class early enough particularly when they are still young. This will help them become confident and well-mannered dogs. It's also a great opportunity to teach them basic commands, such as sit down, sit and stay. The earlier you teach your dog these basic skills they'll be more likely to obey your instructions as they age.
Territorial aggression is an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They can be extremely concerned about their home and property, leading to screaming or groaning at other people or animals that enter their area of. Territorial behavior is averted by the proper training, exercise and socialization.
Other behavioral issues can be avoided through obedience training for German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained may be a nuisance 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."
During their puppy years it is crucial to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is especially important when they reach 16 weeks old, as they go through a critical period of brain development during this period. If your German Shepherd is a quiet pup until then they'll likely face new experiences much more challenging as they grow older and become more susceptible to anxiety-based aggression and fear.
Many dog owners don't realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise in order to be content and peaceful. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong desire to do their best and satisfy their owners If they don't have enough things to do, they can become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise tones muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, helps with weight loss, and reduces "cabin-fever." It's an excellent way to connect with your German Shepherd, too!