How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're taking a huge risk when you purchase the German Shepherd pup. You will be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Pet stores and online retailers generally sell puppies from puppy mills that place profits over animal welfare. Select a reputable breeder instead.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's important to get acquainted with your breeder prior to you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders are happy to discuss their dogs and practices with you. They'll be willing to discuss health and genetic testing, early socialization, and the environment where their puppies are being raised.
Your local German Shepherd organization or club is the best place to start. The majority of breed clubs have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you to credible breeders in your region. You can also contact the animal control agency in your state to obtain the list of breeders.
Make the effort to meet with a breeder in person once you've found one that meets your standards for breeding. Look for a clean facility where the mother and puppies are safe. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings. You'll would like to verify that they have been examined for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should be able to supply you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and an up-to-date vaccination schedule. They should have a good relationship with a vet who can perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to tell you the vet's name as well as the number of his phone and provide you with consultation notes.
It's also a good idea to ask the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living conditions that would prevent them from offering you a puppy. If they know you have children, they may not want to offer you a German Shepherd puppy because they are known to be aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder may require that you sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include details about the parents and their AKC registration number as well as an option to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a great way for responsible breeders to track their dogs and ensure they go to good homes.
Health Tests for Health
Reputable breeders conduct health checks on the dogs that will form part of their breeding selection. This is to make sure that they don't produce puppies that have an inherited condition. These tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat.
In addition to health screening breeders who are trustworthy get a better understanding of the temperaments and health of each dog they own. They also share this information in full and freely with other breeders and prospective buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder scheme members are required to conduct certain tests with their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also help breeders make better informed decisions about mating that will lower the incidence of hereditary disease in future generations.
Common genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia especially in the front limbs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause discomfort and pain, but can be controlled with the control of weight, exercise restrictions supplements, and medications. The X-rays are made under anesthesia to ensure exact results. Then, they are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. The test is not impervious and cannot predict the likelihood that a dog's spinal problem is degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep 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 caused by a lack of emotional needs. Socialization early is essential for German Shepherd pups. A good socialization program allows the puppy to build confidence with new people and environments. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be scared or aggressive in new situations.
The mother and her littermates play and play with each other. This helps puppies learn appropriate social cues and how to deal with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. It also exposes the pups to a variety of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies are taught to behave in the group. schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz is crucial to their success as adults.
Introduce the puppy to various household sounds, like vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, like sirens, traffic and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy doesn't become scared or anxious about these sounds. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a relaxed pace, and positive reinforcement should be used throughout the process.
It is also important for a puppy to get to know numerous people during this time, as well as other pets. This will help reduce anxiety about separation when the owner is away from home. A good example of this is when a dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact with the other dogs in a controlled, controlled manner and the interactions should be tempered at first so that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with older, calmer and friendly dogs. This will help your puppy understand that bigger, older dogs don't have to be frightening. It will also help them develop an attitude of confidence.
Training
German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in an obedience class as soon as possible and especially when they are still young. This will assist them in developing into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a great time to introduce them to basic commands, such as sit, down and stay. The earlier a dog is taught these basic commands the more easy it will be for them to follow your instructions as they age.
Territorial aggression is a typical problem for many German Shepherd owners. They might be extremely protective of their property and homes and this can result in their barking at strangers or animals who enter their territory. Training, exercise and socialization can prevent territorial behavior.
Other behavioral problems can be avoided through obedience training for German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained can cause annoyance to their family and friends. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys or children. They might not pay attention to basic commands such as "sit" and "down."
During their puppy years it is essential to introduce your German Shepherds with new people places, sights, and sounds. This is particularly important before they are 16 weeks old since they enter an important period of brain development during this period. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy prior to this, it will likely be much more difficult for them to grasp new things as an adult. They could also be more susceptible to anxiety or fear-based aggression.
Many dog owners don't realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be calm and happy. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and they have a strong desire to please their owners and work. If they don't get enough exercise, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise also tones muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's also a great method to build a bond with your German shepherd!