How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're taking a huge risk when you purchase the German Shepherd pup. You'll be responsible, for many years, for the training and health of your dog.
Pet stores and online sources sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills, which place profit ahead of the health of animals. Select a reputable breeder instead.
How to Choose a Reputable Breeder
Before you buy a German Shepherd pup, it's important to get to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to share details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. They will be willing to discuss health and genetic testing as well as early socialization and the environment that their puppies are raised.
The best place to start is to talk to your local German Shepherd club or group. The majority of breed associations have an officer for puppy or secretary who can direct you in the right direction for reliable breeders in your area. You can also contact the animal control department of your state to get an updated list of licensed breeders.
It is a good idea to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've found one who is in line with your standards for breeding. You should search for a clean, comfortable facility where the mother dog and her puppies are kept in a secure. It is important to inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You'll want to know if they have been screened for any hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, and eye issues.
A responsible breeder should also be able to provide you with a copy your puppy's medical records and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a good working relationship with a vet who is able to carry out all required tests and vaccines. They will be able tell you the name of the veterinarian, his telephone number, and also provide you with records of your consultation.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living situation that could stop them from offering you an animal. For instance when they know that you have children, they might be hesitant to offer you a puppy because German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder may require that you sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include 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 ensure they go to good homes.
Health Tests
Breeders with a good reputation will check the health of the dogs they intend to breed. This is to ensure that they don't create puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and GDV (also called Bloat).
In addition to health screenings Breeders who are reputable strive to get a better understanding of the health and temperament of each pet they own. They also share this information in full and freely with other breeders and prospective buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to carry out 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 help breeders make more informed mating decisions, which will reduce the incidence of hereditary disease in future generations.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front limbs. These degenerative joint diseases cause discomfort and pain, but can be controlled through weight control, activity limitations, supplements, and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure the accuracy of the results.
The OFA test checks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis, and spina bifida. This test isn't 100% reliable, however, and cannot determine if a dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or other spinal disorders later in life.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay engaged. They can get bored easily, and lack of activity could lead to destructive behaviors such as eating excessively or digging shoes. These behaviors are often caused by a lack of emotional needs. This is why early socialization is vital for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization allows the pup to build confidence around new people and different environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will be scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play together and play with each other. This teaches the puppies appropriate social cues and how to deal with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety sights, sounds and smells. The puppies learn to behave appropriately within a group, which is crucial to their success as adult dogs.
Introduce the puppy to various household sounds, like vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed sounds outside, like traffic, sirens, and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy doesn't become fearful or anxious of these types of stimuli. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace and positive reinforcement will be utilized throughout the process.
It is also very important that the puppy gets to meet numerous people during this time, as well as other pets. This will help to prevent separation anxiety when the owner is away from home. One good example is when the dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact with other dogs in a safe, controlled manner and the interactions should be tempered initially to ensure that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact also with older, more relaxed, calmer dogs. This will allow the puppy understand that not all older, larger dogs are scary and it will aid in developing a good temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require strict regular obedience training. It is essential to enroll them in a class as soon as possible, especially while they are still young. This will allow them to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. This is also a good 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 easy it will be for them to follow your directions as they age.
Territorial aggression can be 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 who enter their territory. Territorial behavior can be slowed by proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Obedience training can also help prevent other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained may be a nuisance to their family and friends. They are often distracted by other pets, toys or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands such as "sit" and "down."
During the puppy years it is important to continue to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, and sounds. schäferhund kaufen welpe Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen is particularly important before they reach 16 weeks old, as they go through an important period of brain development during this period. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy prior to this it's likely to be a lot more difficult for them to master new things as an adult. They may also be more prone towards anxiety or fear-based aggression.
One thing that many dog owners don't realize is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical as well as mental exercise to stay calm and happy. 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 could become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, helps with weight loss, and decreases "cabin-fever." It's a great way to connect with your German Shepherd as well!