How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You will be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for many years.
Online sources and pet stores offer puppies that are typically from puppy mills, which prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.
How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable
Before you purchase a German Shepherd pup, it's important to get to know the breeder. Responsible breeders will be willing to provide information about their dogs and the ways they treat you. They will be willing to discuss genetic and health testing as well as early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are fostered.
The best place to begin is to talk to your local German Shepherd club or group. The majority of breed clubs have an officer or secretary who can direct you in the right direction for reliable breeders in your area. If you prefer, you can contact your state animal control agency to get the list of breeders who are licensed.
Take the time to meet with a breeder in person once you've found one that meets your breeding standards. You should search for an environment that is clean and comfortable in which the mother dog and her puppies are confined. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings. You'll would like to verify that they've been screened for hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia eye problems, heart disease, and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder will be able to provide you with copies of your puppy's medical record and an up-to-date shot schedule. They should have a great relationship with a vet who can carry out all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to tell you the vet's name as well as the number of his phone and provide you with consultation notes.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living circumstances that could hinder them from offering you puppies. For example, if they know you have young children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds are known to be aggressive with children.
You should also expect a reputable breeder to require you to sign an agreement to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain the names of the parents, as well as their AKC registration numbers as well as a return-to-breeder clause. This is a vital way for a responsible breeder to keep track of their dogs and ensure that they are going to suitable homes.
Health Tests for Health
Reputable breeders undertake health tests on the dogs that form part of their breeding collection. This is to ensure that they don't create pups with inherited disease. These tests include elbow and hip dysplasia, myelopathy degenerative and GDV (also known as Bloat).
Breeders who are reputable strive to know the temperaments and health conditions of each dog they own. They also share this information in full and freely with other breeders and potential buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder scheme, members are required to conduct certain tests with their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders take additional tests.
These tests check for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also permit breeders to make better informed choices about mating, which will reduce the chance of developing hereditary diseases in the coming generations.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common issues in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition that affects their front legs. These joint disorders that cause degeneration cause pain and discomfort but can be controlled with weight control, activity restrictions as well as supplements and medications. X-rays are taken under anesthesia to ensure exact results. Then, they are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test checks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis, and spina bifida. The test is not 100% reliable and cannot tell whether a dog's spinal condition is degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical activity as well as training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. They can easily become bored and their lack of activity can result in destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. These behaviors are often the result of unmet emotional requirements. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich at an early age is crucial for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization helps the puppy to build confidence with new people and surroundings. her comment is here reduces the risk that the puppy will become anxious or aggressive in new situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them how to interact with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety kinds of sounds, sights and smells. The puppies learn to behave appropriately in a group environment, which is essential to their success as dogs who mature.
Introduce the puppy to a variety of household sounds, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed various outdoor sounds, including sirens, traffic and construction. This is very important so that the puppy will not become anxious or fearful of these situations when they become adults. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate pace and positive reinforcement will be utilized throughout the process.
During this period, it is crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different animals and people. This will help prevent separation anxiety when the owner is away. A good example of this is when the dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact in a controlled, secure manner with other dogs. At first, the interaction should be confined so that the dog isn't overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to be around calmer, older, gentle dogs. This will help the puppy realize that not all larger, older dogs are dangerous and will help them to develop an appropriate temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is important to get them into a class early enough particularly when they are still young. This will allow them to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs. It is also a great time to introduce them to basic commands like sit, down and stay. The earlier a dog is taught these basic behaviors, the more simple it is for them to follow your commands as they age.
Territorial aggression is a typical problem for many German Shepherd owners. They may be extremely cautious of their property and homes, which can lead to their barking at strangers or animals who venture into their area. Territorial behavior can be slowed by proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Obedience training will also help to prevent other issues with behavior in German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't have the right obedience training could be a nuisance, or even a danger to family members and neighbours. They are easily distracted by other animals or toys, or even children and disregard basic commands such as "sit" or "down."
During their puppy years, it's important to continue to introduce your German Shepherds with new people locations, sights, and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy reaches 16 weeks as their brains are undergoing an important stage of development. If your German Shepherd is a quiet puppy until that point they'll likely face new experiences much more challenging as they grow older and become more susceptible to anxiety and fear-based aggression.
Many dog owners don't realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be calm and happy. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and are driven to please their owners as well as work. If they don't exercise enough, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise tones muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, helps with weight loss, and decreases "cabin-fever." It's the perfect way to be a part of your German Shepherd also!