How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy

When you buy a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You will be responsible for the health, training, and mental stability of your dog over many years.

Pet stores and online sources offer puppies that are typically from puppy mills, which place profit ahead of the health of animals. Choose a reputable breeding facility instead.

How to Choose a Reputable Breeder

It is important to know your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to give you details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. They'll be willing to discuss genetic and health testing as well as early socialization and the environment that their puppies are raised.

Your local German Shepherd organization or club is the best place to begin. The majority of breed associations have an officer or secretary who can point you in the right direction for credible breeders in your region. You can also contact your state animal control agency for a list of licensed breeders.

It is a good idea to meet with a breeder in person once you've found one who meets your breed standards. You should seek out an environment that is clean and comfortable where the mother dog and her puppies are confined. Ask about the puppy's fathers and siblings; you would like to verify that they have been examined for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung deutscher schäferhund pflege deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich österreich - click here. - and Degenerative Myelopathy.

A responsible breeder should also be able to supply you with a copy of your puppy's medical history and the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able give you the name of the doctor, his telephone number, and also provide you with consultation records.

It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder whether they have any concerns about your lifestyle or living conditions that could stop them from selling you an animal. For instance, if they know you have young children, they may be hesitant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.

You should also expect an established breeder to ask you to sign an agreement for the purchase of your German Shepherd puppy. This 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 go to good homes.

Health Tests

Reputable breeders conduct health checks on the dogs that will form part of their breeding collection. This is to make sure that they don't create pups with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and Bloat.

Breeders who are reputable are determined to understand the temperaments and health issues of each dog they own. They also share this information completely and openly with other breeders and potential buyers.

As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program, members are required to conduct certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders take additional tests.

These health tests look for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also allow breeders to make better informed choices about mating which will decrease the risk of inheritable diseases in the coming generations.

Common genetic tests include

Hip Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia are common issues in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front legs. These degenerative joint diseases cause pain and discomfort but can be controlled with the control of weight, exercise restrictions as well as supplements and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure accurate results.

The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transformational vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't 100% reliable and cannot tell whether a dog's condition will be degenerative myelopathy.

Socialization

GSDs require a lot of physical activity as well as training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. They can easily become bored and their inactivity can result in destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. Most often, these behaviors are a result of insufficient emotional needs. This is why early socialization is vital for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization allows the pup to gain confidence in new people and different environments. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will grow fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar 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 a wide range of smells, sights, and sounds. The puppies are taught how to behave in groups. This is essential to their success as adults.

Introduce the puppy to a variety of household sounds, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed various outdoor sounds, including sirens, traffic and construction. This is important to ensure that the puppy does not grow up fearful or anxious of these types of stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate rate and positive reinforcement is utilized throughout the process.

It is also very important for the puppy to meet many different people over this period, along with other pets. This will help prevent separation anxiety while the owner is away. One good example is when the dog is taken to puppy classes and dog parks or play dates with other dogs.

The puppy should only be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled way with other dogs. At first, the interaction should be restricted to ensure that the puppy does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact also with older, more sociable and calm dogs. This will help your puppy understand that larger, older dogs do not have to be scary. It can also aid in developing an excellent attitude.

Training

German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in classes as soon as you can particularly when they are still young. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a great opportunity to teach them basic commands such as sit down, sit and stay. The earlier a dog is taught these basic commands and commands, the more simple it will be for them to follow your instructions as they grow older.

Territorial aggression is a problem for many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly protective of their home and property, leading to barking or growling at those who enter their area of. Territorial behavior can be prevented by the proper training, exercise and socialization.

Training in obedience can also help to prevent other issues with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained may be a nuisance to their neighbors and family members. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may ignore basic commands such as "sit" and "down."

In the early years of their puppyhood it is crucial to introduce your German Shepherds with new people locations, sights, and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy reaches 16 weeks and their brains are undergoing an important stage of development. If your German shepherd is a quiet puppy, it will likely be more difficult for them to grasp new things once they are an adult. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety or fear-based aggression.

Many dog owners do not realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise in order to be content and peaceful. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and have a strong desire to please their owners and work. If they don't get enough exercise, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It helps improve circulation, assists with weight loss, and decreases "cabin-fever." It's also a great opportunity to build a bond with your German shepherd!