How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're taking on a massive commitment. You will be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Pet stores and online retailers generally sell puppies from puppy mills who place profits over animal welfare. Select a reputable breeding facility instead.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
It's important to know your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to provide you with information about their dogs and breeding practices. They will be willing to discuss genetic and health testing as well as early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
Your local German Shepherd club or group is the best place to begin. Most breed clubs have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you in the right direction for credible breeders in your region. You can also contact the animal control department of your state to find a list of licensed breeders.
Once you've identified a breeder who has good breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. Look for a clean facility in which the mother and her puppies are safe. You should ask about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should be aware if they've been screened for any hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.
A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical records and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able give you the name of the veterinarian and phone number, and also give you consultation notes.
It's also a good idea to ask the breeder if they have any concerns about your lifestyle or living circumstances that might stop them from offering you puppies. For example, if they know you have children, they may be reluctant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.
You should also expect an accredited breeder to ask you to sign a contract for the purchase of your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should include information about the parents and their AKC registration number and a clause allowing them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an important way for a responsible breeder to monitor their dogs and ensure they are going to suitable homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that will be part of their breeding selection. This is to ensure that they don't produce pups that have an inherited illness. These tests include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and Bloat.
In addition to health screening breeders who are trustworthy gain personal knowledge of the health and temperament of each dog they have. They also are able to freely and completely share this information with other breeders and prospective buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder scheme, members are required to conduct certain tests with their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders perform additional tests.
These tests check for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also allow breeders make better choices when mating which can reduce the risk of hereditary diseases in the future generations.
The most common genetic tests are
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia especially in the front limbs. These degenerative joint diseases cause discomfort and pain, but can be controlled with weight control, activity limitations, supplements, and drugs. X-rays are taken with anesthesia to ensure accurate results and then submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund is a check for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. The test isn't completely foolproof however, and it does not tell you if dogs will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal diseases later in life.
Socialization
GSDs require intense physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay occupied. They can get bored easily and inactivity can lead to destructive behavior like excessive digging or eating shoes. Often, these behaviors stem from insufficient emotional needs. Socialization at an early age is crucial for German Shepherd pups. A good socialization program allows the puppy to build confidence with new people and environments. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This helps puppies learn appropriate social signals and how to cope with their boisterous, and sometimes rough siblings. The pups are also exposed to a variety kinds of sounds, sights and smells. The puppies learn how to behave within a group, which is crucial to their success as dogs who mature.
Introduce was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund to different household sounds, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed sounds outside, such as traffic, sirens, and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy doesn't become afraid or anxious of these sounds. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a relaxed pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process.
During this time, it's essential that the puppy interacts with different animals and people. This will help prevent separation anxiety while the owner is away. An excellent example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes or dog parks, or even play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be able to interact with the other dogs in a controlled way, and in a controlled manner. The interaction should be restricted at first so that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should be allowed to interact also with older, more friendly, calmer dogs. This will help your puppy understand that larger, older dogs don't have to be frightening. It will also help them develop a good attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require constant regular obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in a training class early particularly when they are still puppies. This will assist them in developing into confident, well-mannered dogs. This is also a good moment to familiarize them with the basics of commands such as sit down, down, stay and come. The earlier you begin teaching your dog these basic behaviors they'll be more likely to follow your instructions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a frequent problem for many German Shepherd owners. They can be extremely concerned about their home and property, resulting in barking or growling at people or animals that enter their territory. Training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.
Other behavioral problems can be prevented by obedience training in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained can cause trouble for their neighbors and family members. 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 introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when the puppy is 16 weeks old as their brains are in an important stage of development. If your German Shepherd is a protected pup until then they'll likely encounter new experiences to be more difficult as an adult and be more prone to anxiety and fear-based aggression.
One thing that a lot of dog owners don't realize is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to stay calm and happy. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong desire to work and please their humans If they don't have enough to do, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It helps improve circulation, assists in weight loss, and helps reduce "cabin-fever." It's also a great opportunity to bond with your German shepherd!