How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You'll be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for a number of years.
Pet stores and online sources sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills that prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Pick a reputable breeder.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's important to be aware of your breeder before you purchase a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders are happy to share information about their dogs and practices with you. They will be happy to discuss health and genetic testing, early socialization, and the environment in which their puppies are fostered.
Your local German Shepherd club or group is the best place to start. Breed clubs usually have a secretary, or puppy officer, who can direct you to reputable breeders. If you prefer, you can contact your state animal control agency to get the list of breeders who are licensed.
It is a good idea to meet with a breeder in person once you've located one who is in line with your standards for breeding. Find a clean facility in which the mother and her puppies are safe. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You'll want to know if they have been screened for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.
A responsible breeder will be capable of providing 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 vet who can perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They can provide the name of the vet and his phone number and also provide you with consultation records.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they have about your lifestyle and living situation. This may stop them from selling puppies to you. For example when they know that you have children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder may require that you sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents, as well as their AKC registration numbers as well as a return-to-breeder clause. This is a great way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and make sure they go to good homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders with a good reputation will test the health of the dogs they intend to breed as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't produce pups with inherited disease. These tests include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and GDV (also called Bloat).
Breeders who are trustworthy are determined to understand the temperaments and health status of every dog they have. 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. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests check for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also help breeders make better choices when mating which can reduce the risk of hereditary diseases in the future generations.
Common genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are a common problem in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition in their front limbs. These degenerative joint diseases 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 while sedating to ensure accurate results.
The OFA test checks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't foolproof, however, and cannot determine if a dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or other spinal conditions later in life.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical activity in addition to training and mental stimulation to keep them busy. They are prone to becoming bored and inactivity could lead to destructive behaviors like excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are often the result of unmet emotional needs. Early socialization is important for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization can help the puppy develop confidence around new people and situations. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive when in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play together and play with each other. This teaches them how to get along with their rough and boisterous siblings. They are also exposed to a variety of smells, sights and sounds. The puppies learn to behave appropriately in a group, which is crucial to their success as dogs who mature.
The puppy should be introduced to different household sounds such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed various outdoor sounds, including sirens, traffic, and construction. This is very important so that the puppy will not become scared or anxious of these situations when they become adults. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process.
It is also important for a puppy to get to know numerous people during this period, along with other pets. This can help prevent anxiety about separation when the owner is away from home. One good example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes and 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 restricted initially to ensure that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to be around calmer, older and friendly dogs. This will help your puppy understand that older, larger dogs do not have to be scary. It will also help them develop an excellent attitude.
Training
German Shepherds need firm regular obedience training. It is crucial to get them into an early training class particularly when they are still puppy dogs. This will help them become confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a good time to introduce them to basic commands such as sit, down and stay. The earlier a dog learns these basic commands, the more simple it is for them to follow your directions as they get older.
deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung can be a problem for many families with German Shepherds. They might be extremely protective of their home and property and this can result in their barking at strangers or animals who venture into their area. Training, exercise and socialization can reduce territorial behavior.
Training in obedience can aid in preventing other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained can be a nuisance to their family and neighbors. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys or children. They may ignore basic commands like "sit" and "down."
In the early years of puppyhood, you should continue to introduce your German Shepherds to new people, places and sounds. This is especially important when they are 16 weeks old, as they go through a critical period of brain development during this period. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered puppy they'll likely encounter new experiences to be more difficult as an adult and be more prone to fear-based aggression and anxiety.
Many dog owners do not realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise in order to be content and peaceful. They are herders by nature and have a strong desire to please their humans If they don't have enough work to do, they can become bored or destructive. Regular exercise tones muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, helps in weight loss and reduces "cabin-fever." It's also a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your German shepherd!