How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're making a big commitment when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You will be responsible for a long time for the health and training of your dog.
Pet stores and online retailers generally sell puppies from puppy mills that prioritize profits over the welfare of the animal. Select a reputable breeder instead.
How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable
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 information about their dogs and practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd club or group is the best place to start. The majority of breed associations have an officer for puppy or secretary who can direct you to reputable breeders in your area. If you prefer, you can contact your state animal control agency to get an inventory of licensed breeders.
Take the time to meet a breeder in person after you've found one that meets your standards for breeding. You should seek out an upscale, clean facility where the mother dog and her puppies are kept in a secure. You should ask about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You'll want to find out if they've been screened for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, and eye issues.
A responsible breeder will also be in a position to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical records and an up-to-date shot schedule. They should have a good relationship with a veterinarian who can carry out all necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able provide you with the name of the doctor and telephone number and give you consultation notes.
It's also a good idea to ask the breeder whether they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living circumstances that could stop them from selling you a puppy. If they know that you have young kids they might not want to sell you a German Shepherd puppy because they can be aggressive towards children.
You should also expect an accredited breeder to require you to sign an agreement to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should include details about the parents, their AKC registration number, and a clause allowing them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a crucial way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and ensure that they are going to good homes.
Health Tests
Reputable breeders conduct health checks on the dogs that will be part of their breeding selection. This is to make sure that they do not produce puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat.
In addition to health screening, reputable breeders strive to acquire a personal understanding of the temperaments and health of each pet they own. They also share this information fully and freely with other breeders as well as 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 are designed to detect genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also allow breeders to make better informed decisions about mating, which will reduce the chance of developing hereditary diseases in future generations.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are common problems in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition in their front limbs. These joint diseases cause discomfort and pain, but they can be treated with weight control, activity limitations, supplements and drugs. X-rays are taken under anesthesia to ensure accurate results and then submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not 100% reliable and cannot tell whether a dog's condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
german shepherd kaufen require intense physical exercise along with training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They can get bored easily and inactivity may lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are often caused by a lack of emotional needs. This is why early socialization is so important for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the puppy to gain confidence in new people and surroundings. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will become anxious or aggressive in new situations.
The mother and her littermates play together and play with each other. This teaches the puppies appropriate social signals and how to deal with their boisterous and sometimes rough, siblings. They are also exposed to a variety of smells, sights and sounds. The puppies are taught how to behave in the group. This is vital to their success as adults.
Introduce the puppy to a variety of household sounds, such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed various outdoor sounds like sirens, traffic and construction. This is very important to ensure that the puppy does not become scared or anxious of these stimuli as an adult. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process.
During this period, it is crucial that the puppy meets many different animals and people. This can help reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away. One good example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes or dog parks, or even play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled way with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be limited to ensure that the puppy isn't overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with older, calmer, friendly dogs. This will help your puppy realize that larger, older dogs do not need to be scary. It will also aid in developing an attitude of confidence.
Training
German Shepherds need strict and consistent obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in classes early especially when they're still puppy dogs. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. It is also a great time to introduce them to basic commands, such as sit down, sit and stay. The earlier a dog can learn these basic behaviors, the more simple it is for them to follow your directions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a common problem for many German Shepherd owners. They might be incredibly concerned about their home and property, leading to screaming or groaning at other those who enter their territory. Territorial behavior can be slowed by exercising, training, and socialization.
Obedience training will also help to prevent other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained can be a nuisance to their neighbors and family members. They are easily distracted by other pets or toys, or even children and disregard basic commands like "sit" or "down."
In the early years of puppyhood It is essential to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, and sounds. This is especially important before the puppy turns 16 weeks old as their brains are going through an important stage of development. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy until then it's likely to be a lot more difficult for them to grasp new things once they are an adult. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety or fear-based aggression.
Many dog owners don't realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be content and peaceful. They are herders by nature and have a strong urge to work and satisfy their owners, so if they don't have enough things to do, they can become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's the perfect way to be a part of your German Shepherd also!