How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You will be responsible for many years for the health and training of your dog.
Pet stores and online retailers typically sell puppies from puppy mills who place profits over the welfare of the animal. Choose a reputable breeding facility instead.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's essential to know your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to give you details about their dogs and breeding practices. Breeders are happy to provide details about their dogs and practices with you.
deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung to begin is with your local German Shepherd club or organization. The majority of breed associations have an officer for puppy or secretary who can direct you to reliable breeders in your area. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to find an updated list of licensed breeding companies.
Make the effort to meet a breeder's representative in person after you've found one that meets your breed standards. You should look for an upscale, clean facility where the puppy and the mother dog are kept. It is important to inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You want to know if they have been screened for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, and eye problems.
A responsible breeder will also be in a position to provide you with copies of your puppy's medical record and a current shot schedule. They should have a good working relationship with a vet that can carry out all necessary tests and vaccines. They will be able tell you the name of the veterinarian and his phone number and provide you with consultation records.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living conditions that might prevent them from selling you puppies. If they know you have children they might not want to sell you an German Shepherd puppy because they can be aggressive towards children.
A reputable breeder may require that you sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include information about the parents, their AKC registration number as well as an option to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an excellent method breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and make sure they have a good home.
Health Tests
Reputable breeders conduct health checks on the dogs that will be part of their breeding stock. This is to make sure that they do not produce puppies that have an inherited condition. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat.
Breeders who are trusted strive to know the temperaments and health conditions of every dog they have. They are also able to freely and openly 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 on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders carry out additional tests.
These health tests look for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also enable breeders to make better choices when mating which will reduce the incidences of hereditary illnesses in the next generations.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially in the front limbs. These degenerative joint diseases cause discomfort and pain, but can be controlled with weight control, activity limitations supplements, and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays under sedation to ensure that the results are accurate.
The OFA test is a check for the presence of hemivertebrae as well as butterfly vertebrae. block vertebrae as well as lumbar-sacral verbrae (LSTV), spondylosis, and spina bifida. This test isn't foolproof, however, and does not determine whether the dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or other spinal conditions later in the course of.
Socialization
GSDs require rigorous physical exercise along with training and mental stimulation to keep them busy. They can easily become bored, and lack of activity may lead to destructive behaviors such as eating excessively or digging shoes. These behaviors are often caused by a lack of emotional needs. Socialization at an early age is crucial for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization can help the puppy build confidence with new people and situations. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will develop scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches the puppies appropriate social cues and how to deal with their boisterous, sometimes rough, siblings. They are also exposed to a wide range of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies are taught how to behave in groups. This is crucial to their success as adults.
Introduce the puppy to a variety of household sounds, such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed to different sounds outside, like traffic, sirens, and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy does not grow up scared or anxious about these types of stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable rate, and positive reinforcement is used throughout the process.
During this time, it is crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different animals and people. This can help prevent anxiety about separation when the owner is away from home. One good 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 controlled, controlled manner and the interaction should be limited initially so that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should be allowed to interact with older, more sociable and calm dogs. This will allow the puppy realize that not all larger, older dogs are fearsome and will aid in developing an appropriate temperament.
Training
German Shepherds need strict and consistent obedience training. It's important to enroll them in a training class early particularly when they are still young. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. This is also a great time to get them familiar with the basics of commands such as sit down, down, stay and come. The earlier a dog is taught these basic behaviors the more simple it is for them to follow your commands as they get older.
Territorial aggression is a typical problem for many German Shepherd owners. They may be extremely cautious of their property and homes which could lead to them barking at people or animals that enter their territory. Proper training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.
Other behavioral problems can be prevented through obedience training for German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't have proper obedience training can become a nuisance or even a danger to their family members and neighbours. They are often distracted by other pets, toys or children. They might not pay attention to basic commands like "sit" and "down."
In the early years of puppyhood It is essential to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when the puppy reaches 16 weeks and their brains are in an important stage of development. If your German shepherd is a protected puppy it's likely to be much more difficult for them to grasp new things when they become adults. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety-based aggression or fear.
One thing that many dog owners aren't aware of is that a German Shepherd needs lots of mental as well as physical exercise to stay calm and content. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and they have a strong desire to please their owners and work. If they don't get enough exercise, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's also a great method to bond with your German shepherd!