How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're taking on a massive commitment. You will be responsible for many years for the health and education of your dog.
Pet stores and online sources generally sell puppies from puppy mills that place profits over the welfare of the animal. Choose a reputable breeding facility instead.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
It is important to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be happy to discuss their dogs and the ways they treat you. They will be happy to discuss genetic and health testing as well as early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
The best place to begin is with your local German Shepherd club or group. The breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer, who can guide you to breeders who are reputable. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to obtain a list of licensed breeders.
It is a good idea to meet with a breeder in person once you've located one who meets your standards for breeding. Find a clean facility where the mother and pups are kept in a safe environment. Ask about the puppy's fathers and siblings. deutscher schäferhund kaufen 'll want to see proof that they have been screened for hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should also be able to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical records and the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a good relationship with a vet who can perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able to give you the name of the veterinarian and telephone number and provide you with consultation notes.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they have about your lifestyle or living situation. This may hinder them from bringing a puppy to you. If they are aware that you have young children they might not want to sell you an German Shepherd puppy because they are known to be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder will also require you to sign a contract prior to 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 an excellent method breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and ensure they are placed in good homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders with a good reputation will test the health of the dogs they intend to breed. This is to make sure that they don't create pups with an inherited disease. These tests include hip and elbow dysplasia, myelopathy degenerative and GDV (also called Bloat).
Breeders who are trusted strive to know the temperaments and health issues of each dog they own. They also share this information completely and freely 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 conduct additional tests.
These tests are designed to identify genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. These tests also help breeders make better choices when mating which will reduce the incidences of hereditary illnesses in the next generations.
Common genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia particularly in the front limbs. These joint disorders that cause degeneration cause pain and discomfort but can be controlled through weight control, activity restrictions as well as supplements and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure accurate results.
The OFA test is a check for hemivertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae as well as lumbar-sacral verbrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not 100% reliable however, and cannot determine if the dog will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal disorders later in the course of.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep engaged. They can get bored easily and a lack of exercise could lead to destructive behaviors such as eating excessively or digging shoes. These behaviors are often due to unmet emotional needs. Early socialization is important for German Shepherd pups. A good socialization program helps the puppy build confidence in new people and situations. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will develop fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play and interact with one another. This teaches them to get along with their rough and boisterous siblings. It also exposes the pups to a wide range of smells, sights and sounds. The puppies are taught to behave in a group. This is vital to their success as adults.
Introduce the puppy to a variety of household sounds, like vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, including sirens, traffic, and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy doesn't grow up afraid or anxious of these types of stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable rate, and positive reinforcement is used throughout the process.
During this period, it is crucial that the puppy interacts with different animals and people. This will help reduce anxiety about separation when the owner is away from home. One good example is when the dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should only be allowed to interact in a controlled, safe manner with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be restricted to ensure that the puppy does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact with older, more sociable and calm dogs. This will help your puppy see that bigger, older dogs don't have to be terrifying. It can also help them develop a good attitude.
Training
German Shepherds need constant, consistent obedience training. It's important to start an early training class especially when they're still puppies. This will help them become confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a good time to familiarize them with basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog learns these basic commands the more easy it will be for them to follow your commands as they age.
Territorial aggression can be a problem in many families with German Shepherds. They might be incredibly protective of their homes and property, leading to barking or yelling at any animal or person who enters their area of. Territorial behavior can be slowed by exercising, training, and socialization.
Training in obedience can also help prevent other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't have proper obedience training can become a nuisance and even a danger to their family members and neighbours. They are easily distracted by other animals toys or children, and ignore basic commands like "sit" or "down."
In the early years of puppyhood It is essential to introduce your German Shepherds to new people, places, and sounds. This is especially important when they reach the age of 16 weeks because they are in an important phase of brain development during this period. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered puppy they'll likely encounter new experiences more difficult as an adult and be more susceptible to anxiety-based aggression and fear.
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 calm and happy. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong desire to work and delight their owners If they don't have enough things to do, they could become bored or destructive. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It helps improve circulation, assists with weight loss, and decreases "cabin-fever." It's also a great method to build a bond with your German shepherd!