How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're taking on a massive commitment. You'll be responsible for the health, training, and mental stability of your dog for a number of years.
Pet stores and online sources offer puppies, which are typically from puppy mills that place profit ahead of the health of animals. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It is important to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be willing to discuss their dogs and the ways they treat you. Breeders will be happy to give you information about their dogs as well as practices with you.
The best place to begin is to talk to your local German Shepherd club or other organization. The majority of breed associations have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you in the right direction for reliable breeders in your area. You can also contact the animal control agency in your state to find an updated list of licensed breeders.
Once you've identified a breeder with good breeding standards, take the time to meet them in person. You should search for an environment that is clean and comfortable where the puppies and their mother are kept in a secure. Find out about the puppy's parents and siblings. You'll want to see proof that they have been checked for hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should be able 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 that can carry out all necessary tests and vaccines. They can give you the name of the veterinarian and his contact number and will provide you with consultation records.
It's also recommended to ask the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living situation that would prevent them from selling you an animal. If they are aware that you have young children and they are concerned about your children's safety, they might not wish to sell you a German Shepherd puppy because they can be aggressive towards children.
A reputable breeder will also require that you sign a contract when purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents as well as their AKC registration numbers as along with a return-to-breeder clause. This is an excellent way for responsible breeders to track their dogs and make sure they are placed in good homes.
Health Tests
Reputable breeders conduct health checks on the dogs that form part of their breeding selection. This is to ensure that they don't produce pups with inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, GDV and Bloat.
In addition to health screenings Breeders who are reputable strive to get a better understanding of the temperaments and health of each dog they have. They also are able to freely and completely communicate this information to other breeders and prospective buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to perform certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders carry out additional tests.
These tests are designed to identify genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. These tests also help breeders make better decisions about mating that will decrease the likelihood of hereditary diseases in the future generations.
The most common genetic tests are:
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, particularly in the front limbs. These joint disorders that cause degeneration cause pain and discomfort, but can be managed by the control of weight, exercise restrictions, supplements, and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure that the results are accurate.
The OFA test checks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae as well as lumbar-sacral verbrae (LSTV), spondylosis, and spina bifida. This test isn't 100% reliable and cannot tell 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 may lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are often due to unmet emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is important for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the puppy to build confidence with new people and environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will become fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play and interact with one another. This teaches them to interact with their rough and boisterous siblings. schäferhunde kaufen are also exposed to a variety sights, sounds and smells. The puppies are taught how to behave in a group. This is vital to their success as adults.
The puppy should be exposed to different household sounds including vacuum cleaners, doorbells 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 become scared or anxious of these stimuli when they become adults. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at an ease rate and positive reinforcement is utilized throughout the process.
During this time, it is essential that the puppy gets to meet many different people and pets. This can help reduce separation anxiety while the owner is away. This can be accomplished by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be able to interact with the other dogs in a controlled, controlled manner and the interaction should be restricted initially so that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with older, calmer and doggies who are friendly. This will allow the puppy to realize that not all larger, older dogs are dangerous and will help them to develop a positive temperament.
Training
German Shepherds need constant, consistent obedience training. It is crucial to get them into a class as soon as possible, especially while they are still young. This will assist them in developing into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a good time to introduce them to basic commands like sit, down and stay. The earlier a dog is taught these basic commands and commands, the more easy it is for them to follow your commands as they get older.
Territorial aggression can be an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly concerned about their home and property, resulting in barking or yelling at those who enter their territory. Territorial behavior is averted through exercising, training, and socialization.
Other issues with behavior can be prevented through obedience training in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained can be a nuisance to their neighbors and family members. They are easily distracted by other pets or toys, or even children and ignore basic commands such as "sit" or "down."
In the early years of puppyhood It is essential to introduce your German Shepherds to new locations, people and sounds. This is especially important prior to when they reach the age of 16 weeks since they enter an important phase of brain development during this period. If your German Shepherd is a quiet pup until then they'll likely face new experiences to be more difficult in adulthood and will be more prone to anxiety and fear-based aggression.
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 are driven to please their owners and work. If they don't get enough exercise they could become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It helps improve circulation, assists with weight loss, and helps reduce "cabin-fever." It's also a great opportunity to bond with your German shepherd!