How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're taking on a massive commitment. You'll be responsible for the health, training, and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Pet stores and online sources generally sell puppies from puppy mills who place profits over animal welfare. Choose a reputable breeding facility instead.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
Before you purchase a German Shepherd pup, it's important to get to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to give you details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. They will be willing to discuss genetic and health testing, early socialization, and the environment where their puppies are fostered.
The best place to begin is with your local German Shepherd club or other organization. Breed clubs usually have a secretary or puppy officer, who can guide you to breeders who are reputable. If you prefer, you can contact your state animal control agency to get a list of licensed breeders.
Take the time to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've located one that meets your breeding standards. You should seek out a clean, comfortable facility where the mother dog and her puppies are kept in a secure. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You want to know if they have been screened for hereditary issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.
A responsible breeder will be in a position to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and the most current schedule of shots. They should have a strong relationship with a vet who can carry out all necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able to tell you the vet's name and telephone number and give you consultation notes.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living conditions that would hinder them from offering you puppies. If they are aware that you have young kids they might not want to sell you an German Shepherd puppy because they are known to be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder will also require you to sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain the names of the parents and their AKC registration numbers, as in addition to a return-to breeder clause. This is an important way for a responsible breeder to keep track of their dogs and ensure they are going to suitable homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders with a good reputation will test the health of the dogs they plan to breed. 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).
In addition to health screenings breeders who are trustworthy get a better understanding of the health and temperament of each dog they have. They also share this information completely and openly with 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. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders perform additional tests.
These tests are designed to identify genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also allow breeders to make better informed choices about mating which will decrease the risk of inheritable diseases in the future.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are common problems in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition in their front legs. These joint diseases cause pain and discomfort, but can be managed through weight control, activity limitations and supplements as well as medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure the accuracy of the results.
The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not 100% reliable and cannot tell whether a dog's condition is degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require intense physical exercise in addition to training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich get bored very easily and their inactivity can result in destructive behaviors like excessive digging or chewing up shoes. Often, these behaviors are a result of unmet emotional requirements. Early socialization is important for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization can help the puppy gain confidence with new people and situations. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive when in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play and interact with one another. This teaches them how to get along with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. It also exposes the pups 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 different household sounds, such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed to different outdoor sounds such as sirens, traffic, and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not grow up afraid or anxious of these stimuli. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a calming pace, and positive reinforcement should be used throughout the process.
During this time, it's essential that the puppy gets to meet many different pets and people. This will help reduce anxiety over separation when the owner is away from home. This can be accomplished by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other doggies.
The puppy should be allowed to interact with the other dogs in a safe way, and in a controlled manner. The interaction should be limited at first so that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to be around calmer, older, friendly dogs. This will help your puppy realize that bigger, older dogs do not have to be frightening. It will also help them develop an excellent attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require firm, consistent obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in classes as soon as you can particularly when they are still young. navigate to this website will allow them to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. This is also a good moment to familiarize them with the basics of commands such as sit down, stay, and come. The earlier a dog can learn these basic behaviors and commands, the easier it is for them to follow your directions as they age.
Territorial aggression is a problem in many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly guarded of their homes and property and this can result in them barking at people or animals that enter their territory. Training, exercise and socialization can prevent territorial behavior.
Other behavioral problems can be avoided through obedience training for German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't have proper obedience training can become a nuisance and even a danger to family members and neighbours. They are easily distracted by other animals, toys or children and disregard basic commands like "sit" or "down."
In the early years of puppyhood It is essential to socialize your German Shepherds to new people, places, and sounds. This is especially important when they are 16 weeks old since they enter an important period of brain development during this time. If your German shepherd is a protected puppy prior to this it's likely to be a lot more difficult for them to grasp new things as an adult. They could also be more prone to anxiety-based aggression or fear.
Many dog owners do not realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be content and peaceful. They are herders by nature and have a strong desire to work and delight their owners If they don't have enough things to do, they could become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It helps improve circulation, assists in weight loss and reduces "cabin-fever." It's a great way to be a part of your German Shepherd as well!