How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're taking a huge risk when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You'll be accountable for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for many years.
Online sources and pet stores sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills that prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Select a reputable breeder instead.
How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable
Before you purchase a German Shepherd pup, it's crucial to know the breeder. Responsible breeders will be happy to provide information about their dogs and the ways they treat you. They will be willing to discuss health and genetic testing early socialization, as well as the environment where their puppies are being raised.
The best place to begin is to talk to your local German Shepherd club or group. Breed clubs usually have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you to reputable breeders. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency for an inventory of licensed breeders.
If you've found a breeder that meets breeding standards, take the time to meet them in person. Find a clean and tidy facility where the mother and puppies are comfortably confined. You should ask about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should find out if they've been screened for hereditary issues like hip dysplasia or eye problems.
A responsible breeder should also be able to supply you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and an up-to-date vaccination schedule. They should have a good relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to provide you with the name of the doctor and phone number, and also give you consultation notes.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they have about your lifestyle and living circumstances. This could stop them from selling puppies to you. If they know you have children they might not want to offer you an German Shepherd puppy because they can be aggressive towards children.
You should also expect an established breeder to require you to sign a contract to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents as well as their AKC registration numbers, as along with a return-to-breeder clause. This is a great way for responsible breeders to track their dogs and ensure they are placed in good homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders with a good reputation will examine the health of the dogs they intend to breed. This is to ensure that they don't breed puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and bloat.
In addition to health screening Breeders who are reputable strive to get a better understanding of the temperaments and health of each dog they own. They also freely and fully give this information to other breeders and potential buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder scheme, members are required to take certain tests with their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders perform additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also help breeders make better informed choices about mating, which will reduce the chance of developing hereditary diseases in the coming generations.
The most common genetic tests are:
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are a common problem in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front legs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause pain and discomfort but can be managed by weight control, activity restrictions, supplements, and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure the accuracy of the results.
The OFA test focuses on hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen isn't completely foolproof however, and does not tell you if a dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or any other spinal diseases later in life.
Socialization
GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to keep engaged. They can get bored easily and a lack of exercise may lead to destructive behaviors like excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is important for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the pup develop confidence in new people and situations. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will develop anxious or aggressive in new situations.
The mother and her littermates play together and play with each other. This teaches puppies appropriate social signals and how to cope with their boisterous, and sometimes rough, siblings. The puppies are also exposed to various kinds of sounds, sights and smells. The puppies learn how to behave appropriately in a group environment, which is crucial to their success as adult dogs.
The puppy should be exposed to various household sounds such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed various outdoor sounds like sirens, traffic and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy doesn't develop fearful or anxious of these sounds. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a calming pace, and positive reinforcement should be used throughout the process.
During this time, it's crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different animals and people. This will help prevent separation anxiety while the owner is away. An excellent 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 manner with other dogs. At first, the interactions should be limited to ensure that the puppy isn't overwhelmed. The puppy should be allowed to interact also with older, more friendly, calmer dogs. This will help your puppy realize that bigger, older dogs do not need to be scary. It will also aid in developing a good attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require firm, consistent obedience training. It is crucial to get them into a training class early especially when they're still puppies. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. This is also a great time to make them familiar with the basics of commands such as sit down, down, stay and come. schäferhund kaufen welpe teach your dog these basic skills they'll be more likely to obey your instructions as they age.
Territorial aggression can be an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly concerned about their home and property, which can lead to screaming or groaning at other those who enter their territory. Proper training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.
Other behavioral problems can be avoided through obedience training for German Shepherds. A dog that doesn't possess the proper obedience training can become a nuisance or even a danger to their family members and neighbors. They can be easily distracted by other pets, toys or children. They may ignore basic commands such as "sit" and "down."
In the early years of puppyhood It is essential to introduce your German Shepherds to new locations, people and sounds. This is especially important prior to when they reach the age of 16 weeks because they are in an important phase of brain development during this time. If your German shepherd is a protected puppy it's likely to be a lot more difficult for them to grasp new things as an adult. They could also be more prone to anxiety or fear-based aggression.
Many dog owners do not realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise in order to be happy and calm. They are herders by nature and have a strong urge to work and satisfy their owners 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 the perfect way to be a part of your German Shepherd also!