How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You'll be accountable for the health, training, and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Pet stores and online sources typically sell puppies from puppy mills who place profit over animal well-being. Pick a reputable breeder.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
Before purchasing a German Shepherd pup, it's important to get to know the breeder. Responsible breeders will be happy to share information about their dogs and their practices with you. Breeders will be delighted to share details about their dogs and practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd organization or club is the best place to begin. Breed clubs typically have a secretary, or puppy officer, who can guide you to breeders who are reputable. You can also contact your state animal control agency for the list of breeders who are licensed.
Once you've identified a breeder with good breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. Find a clean facility where the mother and pups are kept in a safe environment. You should inquire 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 issues.
A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with a copy your puppy's medical history and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a good relationship with a vet who is able to perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They can 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 have regarding your lifestyle and living circumstances. This could hinder them from selling the puppy to you. For example when they know that you have young children, they might be reluctant to sell you a puppy due to the fact that German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.
You should also expect an accredited breeder to require you to sign an agreement to purchase 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 excellent method for responsible breeders to track their dogs and ensure they have a good home.
Health Tests for Health
Reputable breeders undertake health tests on the dogs that will form part of their breeding collection. This is to ensure that they don't breed pups that have an inherited illness. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat.
In addition to health screening Breeders who are reputable strive to get a better understanding of the temperaments and health of each dog they own. They are also able to freely and openly share this information 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. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders perform additional tests.
These tests check for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also permit breeders to make better informed decisions about mating, which will reduce the chance of developing hereditary diseases in future generations.
The most common genetic tests are:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front legs. These degenerative joint disorders cause discomfort and pain, however, they can be controlled with weight control, activity limitations and supplements as well as medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure accurate results.
schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae as well as lumbar-sacral verbrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't foolproof and does not predict whether a dog's condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to stay occupied. They can get bored easily and inactivity may lead to destructive behaviors such as eating excessively or digging shoes. Most often, these behaviors stem from unmet emotional needs. This is why early socialization is crucial for German Shepherd puppies. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause helps the pup develop confidence around new people and situations. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will grow anxious or aggressive in new situations.
Puppy socialization begins with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This helps puppies learn appropriate social cues and how to deal with their boisterous, sometimes rough, siblings. The puppies are also exposed to various kinds of sounds, sights and smells. The puppies learn how to behave in a group, which is key to their success as dogs who mature.
The puppy should be exposed to various household sounds such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to different sounds outside, such as sirens, traffic and construction. This is crucial so that the puppy will not be scared or anxious of these sounds as an adult. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate rate, and positive reinforcement is used throughout the process.
It is also very important for the puppy to meet many different people over this time, in addition to other pets. This can reduce separation anxiety while the owner is away. A good example of this is when a dog is taken to puppy classes or dog parks, or even play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact with the other dogs in a secure way, and in a controlled manner. The interaction should be restricted initially so that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact also with older, more friendly, calmer dogs. This will allow the puppy realize that not all larger, older dogs are scary and it will aid in developing an appropriate temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require consistent, firm obedience training. It is crucial to get them into a class as soon as possible particularly when they are still young. This will allow them to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. This is also a great time to get them familiar with the basic commands like sit down, down, stay and come. The earlier you begin teaching your dog these basic skills and commands, they'll be more likely to obey your instructions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression can be a problem in many families with German Shepherds. They can be extremely concerned about their home and property, leading to barking or growling at people or animals that enter their territory. Territorial behavior can be prevented through proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Obedience training will also help to prevent other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs that don't have the right obedience training could be a nuisance, or even a threat to their family members and their neighbors. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys or children. They may ignore basic commands like "sit" and "down."
During their puppy years it is crucial to introduce your German Shepherds with new people places, sights, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when the puppy reaches 16 weeks, when their brains are in an important stage of development. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered pup until then they'll likely face new experiences more difficult as an adult and be more prone to anxiety-based aggression and fear.
One thing that a lot of dog owners don't realize is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical as well as mental exercise to stay healthy and content. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong urge to do their best and please their humans If they don't have enough things to do, they can become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's a great way to connect with your German Shepherd also!