How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're making a big commitment when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You'll be responsible for the health, training, and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Pet stores and online retailers generally sell puppies from puppy mills that prioritize profits over animal welfare. Select a reputable breeder instead.
How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable
It's important to be aware of your breeder before you purchase a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be happy to share information about their dogs and the ways they treat you. Breeders are happy to share information about their dogs as well as practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd club or organization is the best place to start. The majority of breed associations have an officer for puppy or secretary who can direct you in the right direction for reliable breeders in your area. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to get a list of licensed breeding companies.
Take the time to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've located one who is in line with your breed standards. Find a clean and tidy facility where the mother and pups are safe. It is important to inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You'll want to know if they have been screened for hereditary issues like hip dysplasia or eye problems.
A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and a current shot schedule. They should have a solid working relationship with a vet who is able to conduct all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able to provide you with the name of the doctor as well as the number of his phone and provide you with consultation notes.
It's also recommended to ask the breeder whether they have any concerns about your lifestyle or living situation that could prevent them from offering you an animal. For instance when they know that you have children, they may be hesitant to sell you a puppy due to the fact that German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder will require you to sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain the names of the parents and their AKC registration numbers as well as a return-to-breeder clause. This is a great method for responsible breeders to track their dogs and make sure they are placed in good homes.
Health Tests
Reputable breeders undertake health tests on the dogs that form part of their breeding collection. This is to ensure that they do not produce puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat.
Breeders who are trusted are determined to understand the temperaments and health conditions of every dog they have. They also are able to freely and completely share this information with other breeders and potential buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program members are required to take certain tests with their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also permit breeders to make more informed mating decisions which will decrease the risk of inheritable diseases in future generations.
The most common genetic tests are
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia especially in the front limbs. These joint diseases cause pain and discomfort, but they can be treated with exercise restrictions, weight control and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure accurate results.
The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra block vertebra, lumbar sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. The test isn't completely foolproof, however, and cannot determine if a dog will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal conditions later in life.
Socialization
GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to keep active. They are prone to becoming bored, and lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior like excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are usually the result of unmet emotional needs. This is why early socialization is vital for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization allows the pup to build confidence with new people and surroundings. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be scared or aggressive in new situations.
Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them how to be around their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a wide range of smells, sights and sounds. The puppies learn to behave within a group, which is crucial to their success as adult dogs.
The puppy should be exposed to different household sounds like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed to various outdoor sounds like sirens, traffic, and construction. This is very important so that the puppy will not become scared or anxious of these sounds when they become adults. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace and positive reinforcements will be used throughout the process.
During this time, it's also important that the puppy interacts with different pets and people. This will help reduce anxiety over separation when the owner is away from home. An excellent example is when the dog is taken to puppy classes and dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact with the other dogs in a secure way, and in a controlled manner. The interaction should be restricted initially so that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to be around calmer, older, friendly dogs. This will help your puppy see that larger, older dogs do not need to be frightening. german shepherd kaufen Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen can also help them develop an excellent attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in a training class early, especially when they are still puppy dogs. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a good time to familiarize them with basic commands like sit, down and stay. The earlier you can teach your dog these basic skills and commands, they'll be more likely to follow your commands as they grow older.
Territorial aggression can be an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be extremely cautious of their home and property and this can result in them barking at people or animals that enter their territory. Training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.
Other behavioral problems can be prevented by obedience training for German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained could be a nuisance to their neighbors and family members. They can easily be distracted by other pets toys or children, and disregard basic commands such as "sit" or "down."
During the puppy years It is essential to introduce your German Shepherds to new people, places and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy reaches 16 weeks, when their brains are in a critical phase of development. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy until then, it will likely be more difficult for them to grasp new things as an adult. They may also be more prone towards anxiety or fear-based aggression.
One thing that a lot of pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to stay calm and content. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and have a strong desire to please their owners as well as work. If they don't get enough exercise, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise can tone muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's a great way to connect with your German Shepherd, too!