How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You'll be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for a number of years.
Online sources and pet stores sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills that place profit ahead of the health of animals. Select a reputable breeding facility instead.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
It's important to know your breeder before you purchase a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to share details about their dogs and breeding practices. Our Web Site will be willing to discuss genetic and health testing early socialization, as well as the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
The best place to begin is to contact your local German Shepherd club or organization. Most breed clubs have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you in the right direction for reputable breeders in your area. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency to get an inventory of licensed breeders.
Take the time to meet a breeder in person once you've located one who meets your breeding standards. You should search for a clean, comfortable facility in which the mother dog and her puppies are kept. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You want to be aware if they've been screened for any hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, and eye problems.
A responsible breeder will also be capable of providing you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and an up-to-date shot schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able to tell you the vet's name and telephone number and give you consultation notes.
It's also a good idea to ask the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living situation that might stop them from selling you an animal. For instance when they know that you have young children, they might be hesitant to offer you a puppy due to the fact that German Shepherds are known to be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder may require that you sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents as well as their AKC registration numbers, as in addition to a return-to breeder clause. This is a crucial way for responsible breeders to monitor their dogs and ensure they will be placed in good homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that form part of their breeding collection. This is to ensure that they don't create puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and GDV (also called bloat).
In addition to health screening, reputable breeders strive to get a better understanding of the temperaments and health of every dog they have. They are also able to freely and openly give this information to other breeders as well as prospective 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 suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests are designed to identify genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. These tests also allow breeders make better decisions about mating that can reduce the risk of hereditary diseases in future generations.
Typical genetic tests include:
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are common issues in German Shepherds with the latter suffering from the condition in their front limbs. These joint conditions that cause degeneration cause pain and discomfort, 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 that the results are accurate.
The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. This test isn't completely foolproof however, and does not determine whether dogs will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal conditions later in the course of.
Socialization
GSDs require intense physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep engaged. They are easily bored and their lack of activity can result in destructive behavior such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. Learn Additional Here , these behaviors stem from not being able to satisfy their emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is crucial for German Shepherd puppies. A good socialization program allows the puppy to gain confidence in new people and different environments. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be scared or aggressive when in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them to be around their rough and boisterous siblings. It also exposes the pups to a wide range of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies learn to behave appropriately in a group, which is crucial to their success as dogs who mature.
The puppy should be exposed to different household sounds such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed different outdoor sounds such as sirens, traffic, and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not become anxious or fearful of these situations when they become adults. 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 a puppy to get to know many different people during this time, in addition to other pets. This will help prevent separation anxiety while the owner is away. One good example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be able to interact with other dogs in a controlled well-controlled manner. The interactions should be tempered initially to ensure that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should be allowed to interact 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 good temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require constant and consistent obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in a class as soon as you can, especially while they are still young. This will help them develop into confident and well-mannered dogs. It is also a good moment to familiarize them with the basic commands like sit, down, stay and come. The earlier you can teach your dog these basic behaviors they'll be more likely to follow your instructions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a frequent issue for many German Shepherd owners. They might be extremely protective of their homes and property, which can lead to their barking at strangers or animals that enter their territory. Territorial behavior can be prevented by proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Other behavioral issues can be prevented through obedience training for German Shepherds. A dog that doesn't have proper obedience training can be a nuisance, or even a threat to their family members and their neighbors. They are often distracted by other pets, toys or children. They might not pay attention to basic commands such as "sit" and "down."
In the early years of their puppyhood it is essential to socialize your German Shepherds with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy turns 16 weeks old, when their brains are in a critical phase of development. If your German shepherd is a quiet puppy, it will likely be much more difficult for them to learn new things as an adult. They could also be more prone towards fear-based aggression or anxiety.
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 remain calm and content. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and they are driven to please their owners as well as work. If they don't get enough exercise, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, aids with weight loss, and decreases "cabin-fever." Recommended Reading 's also a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your German shepherd!