How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy

When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You'll be accountable for many years for the health and training of your dog.

Online sources and pet stores sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills that focus on profit over the welfare of animals. Select a reputable breeder instead.

Selecting a Breeder who is reputable

It's essential to know your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to provide you with details about their dogs and breeding practices. They'll be willing to discuss health and genetic testing early socialization, as well as the environment in which their puppies are fostered.

The best place to start is with your local German Shepherd club or group. The breed clubs typically have a secretary, or puppy officer, who can direct you to reputable breeders. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to get the list of breeders.

Take the time to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've found one who meets your breed standards. Find a clean and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe schäferhund beschützerinstinkt schäferhund kaufen österreich österreich - mouse click the following article - tidy facility where the mother and pups are kept in a safe environment. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings. You'll would like to verify that they were examined for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia eye problems, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.

A responsible breeder should be in a position to provide you with copies of your puppy's medical record and a current shot schedule. They should have a great working relationship with a vet who can conduct all the required tests and vaccines. They will be able tell you the name of the doctor and his phone number and also provide you with records of your consultation.

Ask the breeder about any concerns they have regarding your lifestyle and living circumstances. This may prevent them from bringing the puppy to you. If they are aware that you have young children they might not want to offer you an German Shepherd puppy because they can be aggressive towards children.

A reputable breeder may require you to sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain the names of the parents as well as their AKC registration numbers, as along with a return-to-breeder clause. This is an important way for a responsible breeder to monitor their dogs and ensure they are going to good homes.

Health Tests for Health

Breeders who are trustworthy will test the health of the dogs they plan to breed. This is to ensure that they don't create pups with inherited disease. These tests include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and GDV (also called Bloat).

Breeders who are trustworthy seek to be aware of the temperaments and health issues of every dog they own. They also share this information in full and openly with other breeders and potential buyers.

The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to perform certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders conduct additional tests.

These tests check for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also help breeders make better informed choices about mating which will decrease the chance of developing hereditary diseases in future generations.

Typical genetic tests include

Hip Dysplasia

Hip and Reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen elbow dysplasia are common issues in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition in their front legs. These degenerative joint disorders cause discomfort and pain, but they can be treated with exercise restrictions, weight control 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 checks for hemivertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. The test isn't 100% reliable, however, and does not tell you if the dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or other spinal diseases later in the course of.

Socialization

GSDs require rigorous physical exercise in addition to training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. They can easily become bored and their lack of activity can result in destructive behavior such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. The majority of these behaviors stem from insufficient emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is crucial for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the pup develop confidence around new people and situations. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will develop fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.

The mother and her littermates play together and interact with one another. This teaches them how to be around their rough and boisterous siblings. The puppies are also exposed to various kinds of sounds, sights and smells. The puppies are taught to behave in the group. This is essential to their success as adults.

Introduce the puppy to different household sounds, such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, including sirens, traffic, and construction. This is important to ensure that the puppy does not develop scared or anxious about these types of stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable rate, and positive reinforcement is used throughout the process.

During this period, it is crucial that the puppy interacts with different animals and people. This will help to prevent anxiety about separation when the owner is away from home. An excellent example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes or dog parks, or even play dates with other dogs.

The puppy should be allowed to interact in a controlled, secure manner with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be limited to ensure that the puppy isn't overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact also with older, more sociable, calmer dogs. This will allow the puppy realize that not all larger, older dogs are scary and it will help them to develop a good temperament.

Training

German Shepherds require regular, strict obedience training. It is essential to get them into a class as soon as possible particularly when they are still young. This will help them become confident and well-mannered dogs. This is also a good time to get them familiar with the basics of commands such as sit down, down, stay and come. The earlier a dog is taught these basic behaviors and commands, the more easy it will be for them to follow your instructions as they get older.

Territorial aggression is a frequent issue for a lot of German Shepherd owners. They can be extremely protective of their homes and property, resulting in barking or growling at any animal or person who enters their territory. Proper training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.

Obedience training can also help to prevent other issues with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained can be a nuisance to their neighbors and family members. They can be easily distracted by other pets, toys or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands like "sit" and "down."

In the early years of their puppyhood, it's important to continue to introduce your German Shepherds with new people locations, sights, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when they reach the age of 16 weeks, as they go through a critical period of brain development during this time. If your german shepherd kaufen shepherd is a sheltered puppy prior to this it is likely to be much more difficult for them to master new things once they are an adult. They may also be more prone to fear-based aggression or anxiety.

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 they are driven to please their owners and work. If they don't exercise enough they can become bored or destructive. Regular exercise also tones muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's also a great way to bond with your German shepherd!