How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You will be responsible, for many years, for the health and training of your dog.
Online sources and pet stores sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills, which place profit ahead of the health of animals. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.
Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Before you buy a German Shepherd pup, it's crucial to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to give you details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. Breeders will be happy to give you information about their dogs as well as practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd organization or club is the best place to start. Most breed clubs have an officer or secretary who can point you to reliable breeders in your area. You can also contact your state animal control agency for a list of licensed breeders.
Once you've identified a breeder that meets breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. You should seek out an upscale, clean facility where the puppy and the mother dog are kept. Find out about the puppy's parents and siblings; you want to see proof that they were examined for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
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 great working relationship with a vet who can carry out all necessary tests and vaccines. They should be able to provide the name of the veterinarian and his phone number and provide you with records of your consultation.
It's also a good idea to ask the breeder whether they have any concerns about your lifestyle or living conditions that would prevent them from selling you a puppy. For instance If they know that you have children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy due to the fact that German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.
You should also expect a reputable breeder to ask you to sign a contract for the purchase of your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain information about the parents and their AKC registration number as well as a clause allowing them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an excellent way breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and ensure they have a good home.
Health Tests
Breeders who are trustworthy 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 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 acquire a personal understanding of the temperaments and health of every pet they own. They also share this information fully 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 with their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests check for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also help breeders make better informed choices about mating which will decrease the incidence of hereditary disease in the coming generations.
The most common genetic tests are:
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, particularly in the front limbs. These joint diseases cause pain and discomfort, however, they can be controlled with exercise restrictions, weight control and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure that the results are accurate.
The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebrae as well as butterfly vertebrae. block vertebrae as well as lumbar-sacral verbrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not impervious and cannot predict the likelihood that a dog's spinal problem is degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require rigorous physical exercise as well as training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They are prone to becoming bored, and lack of activity could lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are usually the result of unmet emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is so important for German Shepherd puppies. A good socialization program allows the puppy to build confidence around new people and different environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will be scared or aggressive in new situations.
Puppy socialization begins with the 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 variety of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies learn to behave within a group, which is essential to their success as adult dogs.
The puppy should be introduced to different household sounds such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed to different outdoor sounds such as sirens, traffic and construction. This is crucial so that the puppy will not be scared or anxious of these situations as an adult. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate rate, and positive reinforcement is utilized throughout the process.
It is also crucial for the puppy to meet many different people during this time, as well as other pets. This can help prevent separation anxiety when the owner is away from home. An excellent example is when the dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should only be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled manner with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be restricted to ensure that the puppy isn't overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact also with older, more relaxed and calm dogs. This will allow the puppy realize that not all larger, older dogs are scary and it will aid in developing a good temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require strict, consistent obedience training. It's important to start classes early especially when they're still young. This will assist them in developing into well-mannered, confident dogs. It is also a great time to familiarize them with basic commands like sit down, sit and stay. The earlier you can teach your dog these basic behaviors and commands, they'll be more likely to follow your instructions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They can be extremely protective of their homes and property, which can lead to screaming or groaning at other those who enter their territory. Training, exercise and socialization can reduce territorial behavior.
Obedience training will aid in preventing other issues with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs that don't possess the proper obedience training can be a nuisance, or even a danger to their family members and neighbors. They are often distracted by other pets, toys or children. They may ignore basic commands like "sit" and "down."
In the early years of puppyhood it is important to continue to introduce your German Shepherds to new people, places, and sounds. This is especially important before the puppy is 16 weeks old and their brains are undergoing an important stage of development. If your German shepherd is a quiet puppy prior to this it is likely to be a lot more difficult for them to master new things when they become adults. schäferhund kaufen may also be more prone to 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 are driven to please their owners as well as work. If they don't exercise enough, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, helps in weight loss, and decreases "cabin-fever." It's an excellent way to connect with your German Shepherd, too!