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 many years for the training and health of your dog.
Online sources and pet stores offer puppies that are typically from puppy mills that prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Select a reputable breeder instead.
How to Choose a Breeder who is Reputable
Before purchasing a German Shepherd pup, it's essential to get acquainted with the breeder. Responsible breeders will be willing to provide information about their dogs and their practices with you. They will be happy to discuss health and genetic testing early socialization, as well as the environment that their puppies are raised.
The best place to start is to talk to your local German Shepherd club or organization. The majority of breed associations have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you in the right direction for credible breeders in your region. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency to get an inventory of licensed breeders.
It is a good idea to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've found one who meets your breeding standards. You should search for an environment that is clean and comfortable in which the puppy and the mother dog are kept in a secure. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings; you would like to verify that they have been examined for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia eye problems, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should also be able provide you with a copy your puppy's medical record and an up-to-date vaccination schedule. click here to investigate should have a great working relationship with a vet who can perform all required tests and vaccines. They should be able tell you the vet's name and telephone number and give you a consultation note.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they might have about your lifestyle or living circumstances. This may prevent the breeder from selling puppies to you. For example If they know that you have children, they may be reluctant to sell you a puppy due to the fact that German Shepherds are known to be aggressive with children.
You should also expect an accredited breeder to require you to sign an agreement to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. go to the website should contain details about the parents as well as their AKC registration number, and the clause that allows them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a great way for responsible breeders to track their dogs and make sure they go to good homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders with a good reputation will check the health of the dogs they plan to use as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they do not produce puppies that have an inherited condition. These tests include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy GDV and Bloat.
Breeders who are trusted are determined to understand the temperaments and health issues of every dog they own. They also share this information in full and freely with other breeders and potential 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 disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also help breeders make better decisions about mating that will decrease the likelihood of hereditary diseases in the future generations.
Common genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are a common problem in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition that affects their front limbs. These degenerative joint disorders cause discomfort and pain, but can be managed through the control of weight, exercise limitations and medications. X-rays are taken under sedation, to get precise results, and then sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test checks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae as well as lumbar-sacral verbrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. The test is not 100% reliable and cannot tell whether a dog's spinal condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to stay occupied. They can get bored easily, and lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior like excessive digging or eating shoes. The majority of these behaviors stem from insufficient emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is important for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization allows the pup to build confidence around new people and surroundings. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will develop scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them to get along with their rough and boisterous siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds. The puppies are taught how to behave in a group. This is vital to their success as adults.
The puppy should be introduced to different household sounds such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed to various outdoor sounds like sirens, traffic and construction. This is essential so that the puppy will not become anxious or fearful of these situations as an adult. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a calming pace, and positive reinforcement should be utilized throughout the process.
During this period, it is also important that the puppy meets many different people and pets. go to the website will help reduce anxiety about 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 initially to ensure that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact also with older, more friendly and calm dogs. This will allow the puppy understand that not all larger, older dogs are dangerous and helps them develop a positive temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require regular, strict obedience training. It's important to start classes early especially when they're still puppies. This will help them become confident, well-mannered dogs. It is also a great time to familiarize them with basic commands, such as sit, down and stay. The earlier a dog learns these basic behaviors, the more easy it is for them to follow your instructions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a frequent problem for many German Shepherd owners. They can be extremely protective of their home and property, which can lead to barking or growling at people or animals that enter their territory. Territorial behavior is averted by the proper training, exercise and socialization.
Training in obedience can also help prevent other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained may cause annoyance to their family and neighbors. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys or children and disregard basic commands like "sit" or "down."
During the puppy years, you should continue to introduce your German Shepherds with new locations, people and sounds. This is especially important when they reach the age of 16 weeks, as they go through an important period of brain development during this period. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered pup until then, they will likely find new experiences more difficult as they grow older and become more susceptible to anxiety and fear-based aggression.
One thing that a lot of pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to remain calm and happy. They are herders by nature and have a strong urge to do their best and delight their owners If they don't have enough to do, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's also a great way to build a bond with your German shepherd!