How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
When you buy a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You will be responsible for a long time for the health and training of your dog.
Pet stores and online sources generally sell puppies from puppy mills who place profits over animal welfare. Pick a reputable breeder.
How to Choose a Breeder with a Good Reputation
It's 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'll be willing 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. The majority of breed associations have an officer or secretary who can direct you in the right direction for reputable breeders in your area. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to find a list of licensed breeding companies.
Once you've identified a breeder with good breeding standards, take the time to meet them in person. You should look for a clean, comfortable facility in which the puppy and the mother dog are kept. It is important to inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should know if they have been screened for hereditary issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.
A responsible breeder should also be able to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical records and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a good relationship with a vet who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able to give you the name of the veterinarian and phone number, and also give you consultation notes.
It's also recommended to ask the breeder if they have any concerns about your lifestyle or living conditions that would stop them from offering you an animal. For instance, if they know you have young children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder will also require you to sign a contract when purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de should include details about the parents, 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 monitor their dogs and ensure they are going to good homes.
Health Tests
Breeders who are reputable will check the health of the dogs they plan to use as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't produce pups with inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, GDV and Bloat.
In addition to health screenings, reputable breeders strive to get a better understanding of the temperaments and health of each dog they have. They are also able to freely and openly communicate this information to other breeders and prospective buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program members are required to perform certain tests with their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders carry out additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also help breeders make more informed mating decisions which will decrease the risk of inheritable diseases in the coming generations.
Common genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common issues in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition that affects their front legs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause pain and discomfort but can be controlled through weight control, activity limitations, supplements, and drugs. X-rays are taken under anesthesia to ensure accurate results and then submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test looks for hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't completely foolproof however, and it does not tell you if dogs will develop degenerative myelopathy or any other spinal diseases later in the course of.
Socialization
GSDs require intense physical exercise in addition to training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They can get bored easily and a lack of exercise may lead to destructive behaviors like excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is so vital for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the pup build confidence around new people and situations. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive when in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them to get along with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a wide range of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies are taught to behave in groups. This is vital to their success as adults.
Introduce the puppy to different household sounds, like vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed various outdoor sounds like traffic, sirens and construction. This is important to ensure that the puppy does not become scared or anxious about these stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at an ease pace and positive reinforcement will be utilized throughout the process.
During this time, it's crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different pets and people. This will help to prevent anxiety about separation 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 doggies.
The puppy should only be allowed to interact in a controlled, secure manner with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be confined so that the pup does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to be around calmer, older and more friendly dogs. This will help the puppy understand that not all larger, older dogs are dangerous and helps them develop a good temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require constant regular obedience training. It is important to get them into classes early especially when they're still puppy dogs. This will allow them to become confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a great time to introduce them to basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog learns these basic behaviors and commands, the more simple it will be for them to follow your commands as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a problem for many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly guarded of their home and property and this can result in them barking at other people or animals who venture into their area. Territorial behavior is averted by proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Other behavioral problems can be prevented by obedience training in German Shepherds. A dog that doesn't possess the proper obedience training can be a nuisance, or even a danger to family members and neighbours. They can easily be distracted by other animals, toys or children and ignore basic commands like "sit" or "down."
In the early years of their puppyhood it is essential to introduce your German Shepherds with new people locations, sights, and sounds. This is especially important when they reach 16 weeks old, as they go through an important phase of brain development during this period. If your German Shepherd is a protected pup until then they'll likely encounter new experiences more difficult as they grow older and become more prone to fear-based aggression and anxiety.
Many dog owners don't realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be calm and happy. They are herders by nature and have a strong desire to delight their owners and if they don't have enough work to do, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise tones muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, aids with weight loss, and helps reduce "cabin-fever." It's the perfect way to connect with your German Shepherd also!