How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy

When you buy a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You'll be responsible for many years for the health and education of your dog.

Pet stores and online sources typically sell puppies from puppy mills who place profits over animal welfare. Select a reputable breeder instead.

Choosing a Reputable Breeder

Before you purchase a German Shepherd pup, it's essential to get acquainted with the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to share information about their dogs and breeding practices. They will be willing to discuss genetic and health testing as well as early socialization and the environment that their puppies are fostered.

The best place to start is with your local German Shepherd club or group. Most breed clubs have an officer for puppy 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 schäFerhunde schäferhund kaufen welpe (http://www.combpm.com/mobile/api/device.php?uri=http://entzckendescferhundwelpen-wec35D.de) 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. Find a clean facility in which the mother and her puppies are safe. You should ask about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You'll want to find out if they've been screened for hereditary issues like hip dysplasia, German Shepherd reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen (talking to) and eye issues.

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 strong relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able to tell you the vet's name as well as the number of his phone and give you a consultation note.

It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living situation that would stop them from selling you an animal. For instance If they know that you have children, they may be hesitant to offer you a puppy because German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.

You should also expect an accredited breeder to ask you to sign a contract to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents and their AKC registration numbers as well as a return-to-breeder clause. This is an important way for a responsible breeder to monitor their dogs and ensure that they are going to suitable homes.

Health Tests

Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that will be part of their breeding collection. This is to ensure that they do not produce puppies that have an inherited condition. These tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and Bloat.

In addition to health screenings breeders who are trustworthy gain personal knowledge of the temperaments and health of each dog they have. They also share this information fully and openly with other breeders and prospective buyers.

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

These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also permit breeders to make more informed mating decisions that will lower the risk of inheritable diseases in the coming generations.

The most common genetic tests are

Hip Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems 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 managed by weight control, activity restrictions supplements, and medications. The X-rays are made under sedation, to get accurate results and then submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

The OFA test focuses on the presence of 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 the likelihood that a dog's spinal problem will be degenerative myelopathy.

Socialization

GSDs require a lot of physical activity as well as training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They can easily become bored and their lack of activity can result in destructive behavior such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. These behaviors are often caused by a lack of emotional needs. Socialization early is essential for German Shepherd pups. A good socialization program helps the puppy develop confidence in new people and situations. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive when in unfamiliar situations.

Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them to get along with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to various scents, sounds and sights. The puppies learn how to behave within a group, which is key to their success as dogs who mature.

Introduce the puppy to various household sounds, like vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed to various outdoor sounds like sirens, deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz traffic, and construction. This is very important to ensure that the puppy does not become anxious or fearful of these stimuli as an adult. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a calming pace, and positive reinforcement should be utilized throughout the process.

It is also very important for a puppy to get to know many different people over this time, as well as other pets. This can help reduce separation anxiety while the owner is away. A good example of this is when a dog is taken to puppy classes and dog parks or play dates with other dogs.

The puppy should be able to interact with other dogs in a controlled well-controlled manner. The interaction should be limited initially so that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact also with older, more sociable and calm dogs. This will help the puppy understand that not all larger, SchäFerhund Abzugeben older dogs are scary and it will help them to develop an appropriate temperament.

Training

German Shepherds need strict, consistent obedience training. It is crucial to get them into classes early especially when they're still young. This will help them become confident and well-mannered dogs. It is also a great time to introduce them to basic commands, such as sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog learns these basic behaviors the more simple it will be for them to follow your commands as they get older.

Territorial aggression is a frequent problem for many German Shepherd owners. They might be incredibly concerned about their home and property, leading to screaming or groaning at other people or animals that enter their territory. Proper training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.

Training in obedience can also help prevent other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained could cause trouble for their neighbors and family members. They are often distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands like "sit" and "down."

During the puppy years It is essential to introduce your German Shepherds to new people, places, and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy is 16 weeks old and their brains are undergoing an important stage of development. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered pup until then they'll likely encounter new experiences more difficult as they grow older and become more prone to anxiety-based aggression and fear.

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 have a strong desire to please their owners and work. If they don't exercise enough, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's also a great method to strengthen the bond between you and your German shepherd!