How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're taking a huge risk when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You will be responsible for a long time for the health and training of your dog.
Pet stores and online sources typically sell puppies from puppy mills who place profits over the welfare of the animal. Select a reputable breeding facility instead.
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 discuss their dogs and practices with you. Breeders are happy to provide information about their dogs as well as practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd club or organization is the best place to begin. Breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer, who can direct you to breeders who are reputable. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency for a list of licensed breeders.
Once you've identified a breeder who has good breeding standards, take the time to meet them in person. You should search for an upscale, clean facility in which the puppies and their mother are kept in a secure. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings; you would like to verify that they were checked for hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with copies of your puppy's medical records and a current shot schedule. They should have a good working relationship with a vet that can conduct all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able to tell you the vet's name and telephone number and provide you with consultation notes.
It's also a good idea to ask the breeder whether they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living conditions that would stop them from offering you an animal. For example, if they know you have young children, they may be hesitant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder will also require you to sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain the names of the parents, as well as their AKC registration numbers as well as a return-to-breeder clause. This is an excellent way breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and make sure they have a good home.
Health Tests
Breeders who are trustworthy will test the health of the dogs they intend to breed. This is to ensure that they do not produce pups with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and Bloat.
In addition to health screenings breeders who are trustworthy 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 and potential buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program, members are required to perform certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests are designed to identify genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund permit breeders to make better informed choices about mating, which will reduce the risk of inheritable diseases in the coming generations.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common issues in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition in their front legs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause pain and discomfort, but can be controlled with the control of weight, exercise restrictions, supplements, and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays under sedation to ensure accurate results.
The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transformational vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not impervious and cannot predict whether a dog's spinal condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require intense physical exercise along with training and mental stimulation to keep them busy. They get bored very easily and their lack of activity can result in destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. These behaviors are often the result of unmet emotional needs. Socialization early is essential for German Shepherd pups. A good socialization program allows the puppy to build confidence with new people and surroundings. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will develop fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play together and interact with one another. This helps puppies learn appropriate social signals and how to deal with their boisterous, sometimes rough, siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety of scents, sounds and sights. The puppies are taught how to behave in groups. This is essential to their success as adults.
The puppy should be introduced to various household sounds like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, including traffic, sirens and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not develop afraid or anxious of these stimuli. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a relaxed pace and positive reinforcement will be utilized throughout the process.
During this time, it is essential that the puppy interacts with different people and pets. This can reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away. This can be achieved by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks, or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be able to interact with the other dogs in a secure, controlled manner and the interaction should be restricted at first so that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to interact with calmer, older and more friendly dogs. This will help your puppy realize that bigger, older dogs don't have to be scary. It will also aid in developing a good attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require strict, consistent obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in an obedience class as soon as possible, especially while 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 can learn these basic behaviors the easier it is for them to follow your instructions as they get older.
Territorial aggression can be a problem for many families with German Shepherds. They may be extremely cautious of their home and property, which can lead to their barking at strangers or animals who venture into their area. Proper training, exercise and socialization can prevent territorial behavior.
Other behavioral issues can be avoided through obedience training in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained could be a nuisance to their neighbors and family members. They are often distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands like "sit" and "down."
In the early years of puppyhood it is important to continue to socialize your German Shepherds with new people, places and sounds. This is particularly important before they reach the age of 16 weeks because they are in an important period of brain development during this period. If your German shepherd is a protected puppy until then 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 fear-based aggression or anxiety.
One thing that a lot of pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of mental as well as physical exercise to stay calm and content. They are herders by nature and have a strong drive to work and satisfy their owners and if they don't have enough things to do, they can become bored or destructive. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, aids in weight loss, and decreases "cabin-fever." It's also a great opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your German shepherd!