Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in an environment that offers plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll want to look for an established breeder who offers health and temperament testing for each litter of puppies they sell.
Look for puppies who are curious and eager to be around humans. Avoid those who exhibit territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are known to live longer than other breeds. However, they can be prone to certain health problems. deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz check their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) and bloat, cancer, allergies, and heart disease. A reputable vet will advise regular veterinary examinations, eating a balanced and healthy diet, mental and physical exercise, and early intervention in the case of any health issues.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be over-exerted as it could cause joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, which are painful for the dog. Losing weight, reducing activity and taking joint supplements and giving anti-inflammatory medication can help ease symptoms like the loss of mobility and limping.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus, which can affect the cornea and cause blindness if not treated quickly. This condition is more prevalent in dogs who live at higher altitudes or in areas of high pollution. To prevent this from happening, it can be achieved by keeping your German Shepherd in a cool area during the hottest times of the day. You can also offer a shaded area or give them a pair of doggie sunglasses.
German Shepherds may suffer from osteoarthritis later in their lives similar to other large breeds. This can be painful. Although any breed can be affected by this condition, the chance is higher for larger breeds. If you decide to adopt an adult German Shepherd, make sure you choose an accredited breeder and provide them plenty of exercise within an enclosed yard. This will help reduce the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and need to be kept busy. They thrive in a house with access to large open spaces, or can be regularly taken on long walks.
They are highly sensitive and will respond well to training and therefore it's a good idea to do some basic obedience training with your puppy. Start with basic commands like "sit down', "down" and "stay". Once they've mastered those basics and are confident, you can progress to more advanced obedience tasks such as 'come when called' and leave it'.
It is important to get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people can help to prevent fear in later life. It is essential to introduce them to other animals and people in a controlled environment, such as at a dog-friendly cafe or park. Treats as rewards can assist your German Shepherd become more focused on their surroundings and ensure that they do not intimidated by strangers or fearful.
Keep in mind that your German shepherd is still an infant. They'll play and chew on anything. It's best for you to start training them early so they don't get sucked into pet owners or other animals.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is a crucial time to get them familiar with different sights, sounds, and smells. The Fear Period is a time when they have difficulty interpreting things we consider safe (such as children or loud noises). During deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz to expose your German Shepherd to many diverse things to ensure that they don't become scared later in life.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some socialisation and obedience training classes, especially when you have other family members who will be able to help out. It will be easier to see improvements if you have someone else to reinforce the good behavior you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also provide your German Shepard some consistency and help them not get overwhelmed by too many different experiences all at once.
Exercise
German Shepherds are extremely active dogs that require a lot of daily exercise. This exercise is beneficial for both the dog and the owner. It helps the dog maintain healthy weight and keeps its muscles strong and flexible. It also helps avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise is also a great way to keep a dog's brain sharp and lower the risk of developing behavioral issues.
Regular exercise is particularly essential for German Shepherds working line that are bred to perform military and police work. It can help in avoiding destructive behaviors, such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen bonds between dog and pet owner.
Puppies have a lot of energy and will require more exercise. It is essential to not over-exert your dog because this could cause damage to their joints and bones. This is particularly applicable if the puppy is still growing, which can happen at any time up to 12 months age.
Exercise for puppies can help them build healthy habits that will last for the remainder of their lives. Regular walks can improve cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and ease stress. It will also help them develop social skills by exposing them strangers and animals. This will help them to adapt to new situations and cope with difficult situations in the future.
As a rule of thumb to determine how much exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can take the dog for a walk for five minutes per month. This can include play and training however it must be supervised. It is also a good idea to let your dog rest when tired.
German Shepherds benefit from a wide range of games, such as fetch and tracking, agility such as obedience, games, and like hide and seek. This is the perfect way to teach your puppy to utilize its natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom, which could lead to negative behaviors like destructive chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly smart dogs that respond well to early training. However, they are big dogs with lots of energy, and they require plenty of space to use up their energy. If they aren't given enough exercise, they may become destructive. Their natural protectiveness can also be a source of aggression when they aren't properly socialized or trained from puppyhood.
Choose a breeder who is transparent about his breeding practices and offers AKC papers to every puppy. He should also be able to provide you with information about each of the puppies' personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should allow you play with the puppies, their mother and stud (if they are in residence).
Ask the breeder to provide references from previous customers. Check with local veterinarians or animal shelters to find reliable breeders.
A responsible breeder will not sell a puppy that is undersocialized or unhealthy. He can explain how he designed the breeding to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He might even be able to provide you with a puppy replacement should the one you select doesn't work out.
Find a healthy, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert curious, and active but not excessively active or anxious. A dog that is slow or aggressive should be avoided.
Watch how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his littermates and other pets. He should be curious and affluent enough to approach other dogs, and must demand attention from others with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the other puppies in the litter, it's important to note that this behaviour could persist into adulthood and make him difficult to live with.
Take the puppy to visit your veterinarian to ensure that they're up-to-date with all vaccinations and microchipped. It's also recommended to introduce him to the rest of your family members while they're still in the puppy stage to begin teaching basic obedience and household rules.