How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You'll be accountable for the health, training and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Online sources and pet stores offer puppies, which are typically from puppy mills, which prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Select a reputable breeder instead.
How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable
Before purchasing a German Shepherd pup, it's crucial to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to provide you with details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. Breeders are happy to give you information about their dogs and practices with you.
The best place to start is with your local German Shepherd club or organization. Most breed clubs have a secretary or puppy officer who can direct you in the right direction for credible breeders in your region. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency to get a list of licensed breeders.
Take the time to meet a breeder in person once you've found one who is in line with your breed standards. Find a clean facility where the mother and pups are kept in a safe environment. It is important to inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should find out if they've been screened for any hereditary conditions 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 the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a solid working relationship with a vet who is able to perform all required tests and vaccines. They can provide the name of the vet and his phone number and will provide you with records of your consultation.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they may have about your lifestyle or living situation. This might prevent them from selling a puppy to you. If they know that you have children and they are concerned about your children's safety, they might not wish to sell 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. The contract should include information about the parents as well as their AKC registration number and a clause allowing them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a crucial way for a responsible breeder to keep track of their dogs and ensure that they are going to good homes.
Health Tests
Reputable breeders undertake health tests on the dogs that will be part of their breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't create puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include elbow and hip dysplasia, myelopathy degenerative and GDV (also called bloat).
In addition to health screening, reputable breeders strive to acquire a personal understanding of the temperaments and health of every dog they own. They also share this information fully and openly with other breeders as well as prospective buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests check for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also enable breeders to make better decisions about mating that can reduce the risk of hereditary illnesses in the next generations.
The most common genetic tests are
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are common problems in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition that affects their front legs. These joint diseases cause discomfort and pain but can be managed through weight control, activity limitations, supplements and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure accurate results.
The OFA test checks for the presence of hemivertebrae as well as butterfly vertebrae. block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis, and spina bifida. This test isn't completely foolproof however, and it does not determine whether the dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or other spinal conditions later in life.
Socialization
GSDs require intense physical exercise along with training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. They are easily bored and their lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior like excessive digging or chewing up shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional needs. This is why early socialization is so crucial for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization allows the pup to build confidence with new people and different environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will be scared or aggressive when in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play and play with each other. This teaches the puppies appropriate social cues and how to deal with their boisterous, sometimes rough, siblings. The pups are also exposed to a variety of sights, sounds and smells. The puppies are taught to behave in the group. This is essential to their success as adults.
The puppy should be exposed to different household sounds such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed to various outdoor sounds like traffic, sirens and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy does not become fearful or anxious of these types of stimuli. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen should be exposed to all of this at a calming pace and positive reinforcements will be utilized throughout the process.
During this time, it's also important that the puppy interacts with different animals and people. This will help reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away from home. This can be achieved by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks, or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact with other dogs in a safe way, and in a controlled manner. The interaction should be limited at first so that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should be allowed to interact with older, more relaxed and calm dogs. This will allow the puppy understand that not all larger, older dogs are dangerous and will aid in developing a good temperament.
Training
German Shepherds need constant, consistent obedience training. It is essential to get them into a class as soon as possible particularly when they are still young. This will help them become confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a good opportunity to teach them basic commands such as sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog learns these basic commands the easier it will be for them to follow your instructions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a frequent issue for many German Shepherd owners. They may be overly guarded of their home and property, which can lead to them barking at other people or animals who venture into their territory. Territorial behavior can be slowed through the proper training, exercise 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 or even a danger to family members and neighbours. They can easily be distracted by other animals toys or children, and disregard basic commands such as "sit" or "down."
In the early years of their puppyhood it is crucial to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is particularly important before they reach 16 weeks old because they are in a critical period of brain development during this period. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy prior to this, it will likely be much more difficult for them to grasp new things once they are an adult. They could also be more prone to anxiety or fear-based aggression.
Many dog owners don't realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be happy and calm. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and they are driven to please their owners and work. If they don't exercise enough they can become bored or destructive. Regular exercise also tones muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's a great way to connect with your German Shepherd also!
