How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy

You're making a significant commitment when you purchase a German king shepherd kaufen pup. You'll be responsible for many years for the health and education of your dog.

Online sources and pet stores offer puppies, which are typically from puppy mills, which focus on profit over the welfare of animals. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.

Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation

Before you purchase a german shepherd kaufen Shepherd pup, it's essential to get acquainted with the breeder. Responsible breeders will be happy to share information about their dogs and their practices with you. Breeders are happy to share information about their dogs and deutscher schäferhund Schwarz kaufen practices with you.

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 direct you to reliable breeders in your area. You can also contact your state animal control agency for an inventory of licensed breeders.

If you've found a breeder who has good breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. Look for a clean facility where the mother and SchäFerhunde Kaufen puppies are kept in a safe environment. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings; you want to see proof that they've been screened for hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia eye problems, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.

A responsible breeder should also 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 great relationship with a vet who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to tell you the name of the veterinarian and his phone number and will provide you with records of your consultation.

It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder whether they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living situation that might stop them from selling you an animal. For example when they know that you have young children, they may be reluctant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.

You should also expect a reputable breeder to ask you to sign an agreement to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include information about the parents as well as their AKC registration number, and an option to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a vital way for a responsible breeder to monitor their dogs and ensure they are going to good homes.

Health Tests

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

Breeders who are trusted are determined to understand the temperaments and health issues of every dog they have. They also share this information in full and openly with other breeders and potential buyers.

As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder scheme, members are required to take certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders take additional tests.

These health tests look for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also permit breeders to make better informed decisions about mating, which will reduce the chance of developing hereditary diseases in the future.

Common genetic tests include

Hip Dysplasia

German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, especially in the front limbs. These joint conditions that cause degeneration cause discomfort and pain, but they can be treated with weight control, activity limitations and supplements as well as medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure that the results are accurate.

The OFA test is designed to detect hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. The test isn't completely foolproof however, and cannot determine if the dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or other spinal disorders later in life.

Socialization

GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep active. They can get bored easily, and lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior such as excessive digging or eating shoes. The majority of these behaviors are a result of not being able to satisfy their emotional needs. This is why early socialization is vital for German Shepherd puppies. A good socialization program allows the puppy to build confidence with new people and surroundings. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.

The mother and her littermates play and interact with one another. This helps them learn to get along with their rough and boisterous siblings. The puppies are also exposed to various scents, sounds and sights. The puppies are taught to behave in a group. This is essential to their success as adults.

Introduce the puppy to different household sounds, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed various outdoor sounds like sirens, traffic, and construction. This is essential so that the puppy will not become anxious or fearful of these situations as an adult. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a calming pace and positive reinforcement will be utilized throughout the process.

During this time, it is crucial that the puppy interacts with different pets and people. This will help reduce anxiety about separation when the owner is away from home. One good example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.

The puppy should be able to interact with the other dogs in a safe well-controlled manner. The interactions should be tempered initially to ensure that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to be around calmer, older and doggies who are friendly. This will allow the puppy realize that not all older, larger dogs are scary and it will help them to develop an appropriate temperament.

Training

German Shepherds need strict and consistent obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in a class as soon as you can and especially when they are still young. This will allow them to 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, stay, and come. The earlier a dog can learn these basic behaviors and commands, the more simple it will be for them to follow your commands as they age.

Territorial aggression is a problem for many families with German Shepherds. They may be extremely cautious of their home and property and this can result in their barking at strangers or animals who enter their area. Proper training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.

Other behavioral issues can be prevented through obedience training for German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained can cause trouble for their family and friends. They can easily be distracted by other animals or toys, or even children and ignore basic commands such as "sit" or "down."

In the early years of their puppyhood it is essential to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, 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 protected puppy prior to this it is likely to be a lot more difficult for them to master new things once they are an adult. They could also be more prone towards fear-based aggression or anxiety.

One thing that a lot of dog owners aren't aware of is that a German Shepherd needs lots of mental as well as physical exercise to remain calm and content. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, schäferhund abzugeben and have a strong desire to please their owners as well as work. If they don't get enough exercise, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise can tone muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's a great way to be a part of your German Shepherd as well!