How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy

If you purchase a German Shepherd buy puppy Shepherd puppy, you're taking on a massive commitment. You'll be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for a number of years.

Pet stores and online retailers generally sell puppies from puppy mills that place profits over the welfare of the animal. Select a reputable breeder instead.

Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation

Before you buy a German Shepherd pup, it's important to get to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to provide you with details about their dogs and breeding practices. They will be willing to discuss health and genetic testing, Altdeutscher deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreichdeutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen; Dg-Network.It, early socialization, and the environment where their puppies are being raised.

The best place to start is with your local German king shepherd kaufen club or other organization. The breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer, who can direct you to breeders who are reputable. You can also contact your state animal control agency for the list of breeders who are licensed.

Once you've identified a breeder who has good breeding standards, take the time to meet them in person. You should look for an upscale, clean facility where the mother dog and her puppies are confined. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You'll want to know if they have been screened for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.

A responsible breeder will also be capable of providing you with copies of your puppy's medical records and an up-to-date shot schedule. They should have a good working relationship with a vet who can conduct all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able tell you the name of the doctor and his phone number and provide you with records of your consultation.

It's also a good idea to ask the breeder whether they have any concerns about your lifestyle or living situation that could stop them from selling you a puppy. If they know that you have young kids and they are concerned about your children's safety, they might not wish to offer you a German Shepherd puppy because they are known to be aggressive with children.

A reputable breeder will require you to sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents and their AKC registration numbers, as in addition to a return-to breeder clause. This is a great way breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and make sure they are placed in good homes.

Health Tests

Breeders who are reputable will check the health of the dogs they intend to use as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't breed pups with inherited disease. These tests include hip and elbow dysplasia, myelopathy degenerative and GDV (also known as bloat).

In addition to health screening Breeders who are reputable strive to get a better understanding of the health and temperament of each pet they own. They also share this information fully and freely with other breeders and potential buyers.

As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program members are required to perform certain tests with their dogs. The 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. These tests also help breeders make better choices when mating which will decrease the likelihood of hereditary diseases in the future generations.

Common genetic tests include

Hip Dysplasia

German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, especially in the front limbs. These degenerative joint diseases cause discomfort and pain, but can be controlled through weight control, activity restrictions, supplements, and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure accurate results.

The OFA test focuses on the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. The test isn't foolproof however, and it does not determine whether dogs will develop degenerative myelopathy or any other spinal disorders later in the course of.

Socialization

GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep occupied. They can easily become bored and their lack of activity can result in destructive behaviors like excessive digging or chewing on shoes. The majority of these behaviors are a result of insufficient emotional needs. Socialization at an early age is crucial for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization helps the puppy to build confidence around new people and environments. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will become fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.

Puppy socialization begins with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This helps them learn to get along with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. They are also exposed to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds. The puppies are taught to behave in the group. This is crucial to their success as adults.

The puppy should be introduced to a variety of household noises like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed to various outdoor sounds, including sirens, traffic and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy doesn't develop afraid or anxious of these stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at an ease pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process.

It is also crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different people over this period, along with other pets. This will help to prevent separation anxiety when the owner is away from home. A good example of this 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 safe, controlled manner with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be limited so that the dog does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to be around calmer, older and Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Kaufen more friendly dogs. This will help the puppy to realize that not all larger, older dogs are scary and it helps them develop a good temperament.

Training

German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is important to get them into classes early especially when they're still puppy dogs. This will help them develop into well-mannered, confident dogs. It is also a great opportunity to teach them basic commands, such as sit, down and stay. The earlier a dog can learn these basic commands, the more simple it will be for them to follow your directions as they grow older.

Territorial aggression can be a problem in many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly concerned about their home and property, resulting in screaming or groaning at other people or animals that enter their area of. Territorial behavior is averted through proper training, exercise, and socialization.

Training in obedience can aid in preventing other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. A dog that doesn't possess the proper obedience training can be a nuisance, or even a threat to their family members and neighbors. They can be easily distracted by other pets, toys or children. They may ignore basic commands like "sit" and "down."

In the early years of their puppyhood it is crucial to keep your German Shepherds in contact with new people places, sights, and sounds. This is especially important before the puppy turns 16 weeks old as their brains are going through a critical phase of development. If your German Shepherd is a protected pup until then they'll likely encounter new experiences more difficult as they grow older and become more prone to fear-based aggression and anxiety.

One thing that a lot of dog owners don't realize is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical as well as mental exercise to remain calm and happy. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and they have a strong desire to please their owners as well as work. If they don't get enough exercise they could become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's an excellent way to bond with your German Shepherd as well!