How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You'll be accountable 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 prioritize profits over animal welfare. Pick a reputable breeder.
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Before purchasing a German Shepherd pup, it's important to get to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to share details about their dogs and breeding practices. They will be willing to discuss genetic and health testing, early socialization, and the environment that their puppies are raised.
The best place to begin is to contact your local German Shepherd club or other organization. The breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer, who can guide you to breeders who are reputable. If you prefer, you can contact your state animal control agency to get the list of breeders who are licensed.
It is a good idea to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've located one that meets your breed standards. You should search for a clean, comfortable facility where the puppies and their mother are kept. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You'll want to find out if they've been screened for hereditary issues such as hip dysplasia and eye issues.
A responsible breeder should be able to supply you with a copy your puppy's medical record and the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a great working relationship with a vet who is able to carry out all necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able tell you the vet's name and phone number, and also give you a consultation note.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they have about your lifestyle and living situation. This could prevent them from bringing a puppy to you. For instance, if they know you have children, they might be reluctant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.
You should also expect an accredited breeder to require you to sign an agreement for the purchase of 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 an excellent method for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and ensure they go to good homes.
Health Tests
Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that form part of their breeding collection. This is to ensure that they don't breed puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and bloat.
Breeders who are trustworthy strive to know the temperaments and health conditions of every dog they have. They also are able to freely and completely share this information with other breeders as well as prospective buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to perform certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also suggest that breeders take additional tests.
These health tests look for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also help breeders make better mating decisions that can reduce the risk of hereditary illnesses in the next generations.
Common genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are common issues in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition that affects their front limbs. These degenerative joint disorders cause discomfort and pain but can be managed through weight control, activity limitations and supplements as well as medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure accurate results.
The OFA test is designed to detect hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't impervious and cannot predict whether a dog's spinal condition is degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical activity along with training and mental stimulation to keep them busy. They can get bored easily and a lack of exercise could lead to destructive behaviors like excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are usually the result of unmet emotional needs. This is why early socialization is important for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the puppy to build confidence with new people and surroundings. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will grow scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them to interact with their noisy and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a wide range of smells, sights and sounds. The puppies learn to behave appropriately within a group, which is essential to their success as dogs who mature.
The puppy should be exposed to a variety of household noises such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed to various outdoor sounds, including traffic, sirens and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not develop scared or anxious about these sounds. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process.
It is also important for the puppy to meet numerous people during this time, as well as other pets. This will help prevent separation anxiety while the owner is away. This can be achieved by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other doggies.
The puppy should be allowed to interact in a controlled, safe way with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be limited so that the dog does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to be around calmer, older and more doggies who are friendly. This will help your puppy understand that older, larger dogs do not have to be terrifying. It can also help them develop an excellent attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require constant regular obedience training. It is crucial to start classes early especially when they're still young. This will allow them to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. It is also a good moment to familiarize them with the basics of commands such as sit, down, stay and come. The earlier a dog can learn these basic commands and commands, the easier it is for them to follow your commands as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a typical issue for many German Shepherd owners. They might be incredibly protective of their home and property, which can lead to screaming or groaning at other people or animals that enter their area of. Proper training, exercise and socialization can reduce territorial behavior.
Other behavioral issues can be avoided through obedience training for German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained could be a nuisance to their family and neighbors. They can be easily distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They might not pay attention to basic commands like "sit" and "down."
In the early years of their puppyhood it is crucial to socialize your German Shepherds with new people locations, sights, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when they reach 16 weeks old because they are in an important period of brain development during this time. If your German Shepherd is a protected pup until then they'll likely encounter new experiences to be more difficult in adulthood and will be more susceptible to anxiety-based aggression and fear.
One thing that a lot of pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical as well as mental exercise to remain calm and content. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and they are driven to please their owners as well as work. If they don't exercise enough they can become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It helps improve circulation, assists with weight loss, and reduces "cabin-fever." It's an excellent way to bond with your German Shepherd as well!