How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're taking a huge risk when you purchase the German Shepherd pup. You will be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for a number of years.
Pet stores and online sources offer puppies that are typically from puppy mills, which place profit ahead of the health of animals. Select a reputable breeding facility instead.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
It is important to be aware of your breeder before you purchase a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to share details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. They will be happy to discuss health and genetic testing as well as early socialization and the environment that their puppies are being raised.
Your local German Shepherd organization or club is the best place to start. The majority of breed associations have an officer for puppy or secretary who can point you in the right direction for credible breeders in your region. You can also contact the animal control agency in your state to find a list of licensed breeders.
Take the time to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've located one who is in line with your standards for breeding. You should seek out an environment that is clean and comfortable where the puppy and the mother dog are kept. Ask about the puppy's fathers and siblings. You need proof that they've been screened for hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia eye problems, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with copies of your puppy's medical record and a current shot schedule. They should have a great relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able tell you the name of the vet and his phone number and will provide you with consultation records.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns about your lifestyle or living conditions that might hinder them from offering you puppies. For example If they know that you have young children, they may be reluctant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder will require you to sign a contract when purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include details about the parents as well as their AKC registration number, and a clause allowing them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an important way for a responsible breeder to monitor their dogs and ensure that they are going to good homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders who are reputable will test the health of the dogs they intend to use as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't produce puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and Bloat.
Breeders who are trustworthy seek to be aware of the temperaments and health status of every dog they own. They also freely and fully share this information with other breeders and potential buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program, members are required to perform certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also allow breeders make better choices when mating which will reduce the incidences of hereditary illnesses in the next generations.
Common genetic tests include:
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are at risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, particularly in the front limbs. These joint conditions that cause degeneration cause discomfort and pain however, they can be controlled with weight control, activity limitations, supplements and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure that the results are accurate.
The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't impervious and cannot predict the likelihood that a dog's spinal problem will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep engaged. They can easily become bored and a lack of exercise may lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is so important for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the pup gain confidence around new people and situations. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will grow anxious or aggressive in new situations.
The mother and her littermates play and play with each other. This helps them learn to get along with their rough and boisterous siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety of sights, sounds and smells. The puppies learn how to behave appropriately in a group environment, which is crucial to their success as adult dogs.
Introduce the puppy to different household sounds, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, like traffic, sirens, and construction. This is very important so that the puppy will not become scared or anxious of these stimuli as an adult. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace, and positive reinforcement should be utilized throughout the process.
It is also important for a puppy to get to know numerous people during this time, as well as other pets. This will help prevent separation anxiety while the owner is away. One good example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or 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 also be allowed to interact with older, calmer, doggies who are friendly. This will help your puppy understand that larger, older dogs do not have to be terrifying. It can also help them develop an excellent attitude.
Training
german shepherd kaufen Shepherds need firm regular obedience training. It is important to get them into classes early, especially when they are still young. This will help them develop into confident and well-mannered dogs. It's also a good time to introduce them to basic commands such as sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog is taught these basic commands the more simple it will be for them to follow your commands as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a typical problem for many German Shepherd owners. They might be extremely protective of their property and homes, which can lead to them barking at other people or animals that enter their area. Territorial behavior can be slowed through proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Other behavioral issues can be prevented by obedience training in German Shepherds. A dog that doesn't have proper obedience training can become a nuisance and even a threat to their family members and their neighbors. They can easily be distracted by other animals or toys, or even children and disregard basic commands such as "sit" or "down."
During the puppy years it is important to continue to introduce your German Shepherds with new locations, people and sounds. This is especially important when they reach 16 weeks old because they are in a critical period of brain development during this time. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy it is likely to be a lot more difficult for them to master new things when they become adults. They could also be more prone to anxiety or fear-based aggression.
One thing that a lot of dog owners aren't aware of is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and content. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and they are driven to please their owners as well as work. If they don't get enough exercise they can become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise tones muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, helps in weight loss and decreases "cabin-fever." It's an excellent way to connect with your German Shepherd as well!