How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're making a big commitment when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You'll be responsible for a long time for the health and training of your dog.
Pet stores and online sources offer puppies, which are typically from puppy mills that prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.
How to Choose a Breeder with a Good Reputation
Before purchasing a German Shepherd pup, it's essential to get acquainted with the breeder. Responsible breeders are happy to discuss their dogs and the ways they treat you. They will be happy to discuss genetic and health testing as well as early socialization and the environment where their puppies are being raised.
Your local German Shepherd club or organization is the best place to start. The breed clubs typically have a secretary, or puppy officer, who can guide you to breeders who are reputable. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency to get an inventory of licensed breeders.
Once you've identified a breeder that meets breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. You should look for an upscale, clean facility in which the puppies and their mother are confined. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should be aware if they've been screened for any hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, and eye problems.
A responsible breeder will be in a position to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical records and an up-to-date shot schedule. They should have a solid working relationship with a vet who can carry out all required tests and vaccines. They can provide the name of the veterinarian and his contact number and provide you with the records of consultation.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they might have about your lifestyle and living circumstances. This could prevent the breeder from selling puppies to you. For instance, if they know you have children, they may be hesitant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.
A reputable breeder may require that you sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain details about the parents as well as their AKC registration number, and the clause that allows them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an important way for a responsible breeder to keep track of their dogs and ensure that they are going to suitable homes.
Health Tests
Breeders who are trustworthy will check the health of the dogs they intend to breed as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't breed pups that have an inherited illness. These tests include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and GDV (also known as bloat).
In addition to health screening, reputable breeders strive to acquire a personal understanding of the temperaments and health of every dog they have. They also freely and fully communicate this information to other breeders and prospective buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests check for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also permit breeders to make more informed mating decisions, which will reduce the chance of developing hereditary diseases in the future.
The most common genetic tests are:
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are a common problem in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition in their front limbs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause discomfort and pain, but can be controlled through weight control, activity limitations, supplements, and drugs. X-rays are taken with sedation, to get precise results, and then sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test focuses on hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra, block vertebra, lumbar sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. This test isn't impervious and cannot predict whether a dog's spinal condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to stay engaged. They get bored very easily and their lack of activity can result in destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional requirements. 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 risk that the puppy will become anxious or aggressive in new situations.
Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches puppies appropriate social cues and how to deal with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a wide range of smells, sights, and sounds. The puppies learn how to behave in a group, which is key to their success as adult dogs.
The puppy should be exposed to different household sounds like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to different sounds outside, like traffic, sirens, and construction. This is very important so that the puppy will not be scared or anxious of these sounds as an adult. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate pace and positive reinforcement will be utilized throughout the process.
During this time, it's also important that the puppy interacts with different people and pets. This can reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away. One good example is when the dog is taken to puppy classes, 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 interactions should be restricted so that the dog isn't overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to be around calmer, older and more friendly dogs. This will help the puppy realize that not all older, larger dogs are dangerous and will help them to develop an appropriate temperament.
Training
German Shepherds need strict, consistent obedience training. It is crucial to get them into an obedience class as soon as possible particularly when they are still young. This will help them become confident, well-mannered dogs. This is also a great time to get them familiar with the basics of commands such as sit, down, stay and come. The earlier you teach your dog these basic commands they'll be more likely to follow your instructions as they age.
Territorial aggression can be an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly guarded of their home and property which could lead to them barking at other people or animals who enter their territory. Territorial behavior can be slowed by proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Obedience training can aid in preventing other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't have the right obedience training could be a nuisance, or even a threat to their family members and neighbors. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands such as "sit" and "down."
In deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen of puppyhood It is essential to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, and sounds. This is particularly important before they reach 16 weeks old because they are in an important period of brain development during this period. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered puppy until that point, they will likely find new experiences more difficult in adulthood and will be more susceptible to fear-based aggression and anxiety.
One thing that a lot of pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to remain calm and content. They are herders by nature and have a strong urge to do their best and delight their owners and if they don't have enough work to do, they could become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's a great way to be a part of your German Shepherd, too!