How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're taking a huge risk when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You'll be accountable for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for many years.
Pet stores and online sources offer puppies, which are typically from puppy mills, which place profit ahead of the health of animals. Choose a reputable breeder instead.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
It's essential to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to give you details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. They will be happy to discuss genetic and health testing early socialization, as well as the environment where their puppies are being raised.
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 reputable breeders. You can also contact the animal control department of your state to find an updated list of licensed breeding companies.
Make the effort to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've located one that meets your breed standards. You should search for a clean, comfortable facility where the puppy and the mother dog are kept. You should ask about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You want to know if they have been screened for hereditary issues like hip dysplasia, and eye issues.
A responsible breeder should also be able provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical records and the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a veterinarian who can carry out all necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to tell you the name of the veterinarian, his telephone number, and also provide you with the records of consultation.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they might have about your lifestyle or living situation. This might prevent them from selling a puppy to you. For example, if they know you have young children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds are known to be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder may require you to sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include details about the parents and their AKC registration number and a clause allowing them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a vital way for a responsible breeder to keep track of their dogs and ensure that they are going to suitable homes.
Health Tests
Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that form part of their breeding collection. This is to ensure that they don't create pups with inherited disease. deutsche schäferhundwelpen Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, GDV and Bloat.
In addition to health screenings breeders who are trustworthy gain personal knowledge of the temperaments and health of each dog they have. They also share this information fully and openly with other breeders as well as prospective buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program, members are required to take certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders take additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also permit breeders to make more informed mating decisions, which will reduce the risk of inheritable diseases in the future.
Common genetic tests include:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are a common problem in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition that affects their front limbs. These degenerative joint diseases cause pain and discomfort, but can be managed by weight control, activity limitations supplements, and medications. X-rays are taken with sedation, to get precise results, and then sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't completely foolproof however, and cannot determine if the dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or any other spinal diseases later in life.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to keep active. They can easily become bored, and lack of activity may lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are usually due to unmet emotional needs. This is why early socialization is crucial for German Shepherd puppies. A good socialization program helps the puppy build confidence with new people and situations. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will develop anxious or aggressive in new situations.
The mother and her littermates play and interact with each other. This helps them learn to be around their rough and boisterous siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety of sights, sounds and smells. The puppies are taught how to behave in groups. This is crucial to their success as adults.
The puppy should be introduced to a variety of household noises including vacuum cleaners, doorbells and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to different sounds outside, like sirens, traffic, and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not be scared or anxious of these stimuli when they become adults. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable rate and positive reinforcement is used throughout the process.
It is also crucial for the puppy to meet many different people over this period, along with other pets. This can reduce separation anxiety while the owner is away. 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 secure, controlled manner and the interactions should be tempered initially to ensure that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with older, calmer and more gentle dogs. This will help your puppy see that bigger, older dogs do not need to be scary. It can also help them develop an excellent attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require strict regular obedience training. It's important to enroll them in a training class early particularly when they are still puppies. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a great time to familiarize them with basic commands such as sit, down and stay. The earlier you begin teaching your dog these basic commands, they will be more likely to obey your instructions as they age.
Territorial aggression can be an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be extremely cautious of their home and property which could lead to them barking at people or animals who enter their territory. Territorial behavior is averted by exercising, training, and socialization.
Obedience training will aid in preventing other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained can cause annoyance to their family and neighbors. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may ignore basic commands like "sit" and "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 particularly important before they reach 16 weeks old, as they go through an important phase of brain development during this time. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy, it will likely be more difficult for them to master new things when they become adults. They could also be more prone towards anxiety-based aggression or fear.
Many dog owners don't realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be content and peaceful. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and they have a strong desire to please their owners and work. If they don't get enough exercise they can become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, aids with weight loss, and helps reduce "cabin-fever." It's also a great method to bond with your German shepherd!