How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy

When you buy a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You will be responsible for a long time for the health and training of your dog.

Pet stores and online retailers typically sell puppies from puppy mills who place profits over the welfare of the animal. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.

How to Choose a Reputable Breeder

Before you buy a German Shepherd pup, it's crucial to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to provide you with information about their dogs and breeding practices. They will be willing to discuss health and genetic testing early socialization, as well as the environment where their puppies are being raised.

Your local German Shepherd organization or club is the best place to begin. The majority of breed clubs have a secretary or puppy officer who can direct you to reputable breeders in your area. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency for a list of licensed breeders.

If you've found a breeder that meets breeding standards, take the time to meet them in person. You should look for an environment that is clean and comfortable in which the puppies and their mother are kept. You should ask about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should find out if they've been screened for any hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, and Deutschen SchäFerhund Kaufen eye problems.

A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with a copy your puppy's medical record and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able tell you the name of the doctor, his telephone number, and will provide you with records of your consultation.

Ask the breeder about any concerns they may have about your lifestyle and living situation. This may prevent them from selling the puppy to you. For example, if they know you have children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.

A reputable breeder will also require you to sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include information about the parents and their AKC registration number, Reinrassiger Schäferhund and a clause allowing them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an important way for a responsible breeder to keep track of their dogs and ensure they will be placed in good homes.

Health Tests

Breeders with a good reputation will check the health of the dogs they plan to use as breeding stock. This is to make sure that they do not produce puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include elbow and hip dysplasia, myelopathy degenerative and GDV (also called bloat).

Breeders who are trusted are determined to understand the temperaments and health issues of every dog they own. They also are able to freely and deutschen schäFerhund Kaufen completely share this information with other breeders as well as potential buyers.

As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program members are required to take certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders take additional tests.

These tests are designed to detect genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also help breeders make better informed choices about mating that will lower the incidence of hereditary disease in the coming generations.

Common genetic tests include

Hip Dysplasia

The elbow dysplasia and the hip are a common problem in German Shepherds with the latter suffering from the condition in their front legs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause pain and discomfort but can be controlled with weight control, activity restrictions supplements, and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure that the results are accurate.

The OFA test looks for hemivertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. The test is not foolproof and does not predict whether a dog's spinal condition will be degenerative myelopathy.

Socialization

GSDs require intense physical exercise along with training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. They can get bored easily, and lack of activity may lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or eating shoes. The majority of these behaviors are a result of unmet emotional requirements. Early socialization is important for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization helps the puppy to build confidence around new people and environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.

The mother and her littermates play and play with each other. This helps them learn to be around their noisy and sometimes rough siblings. The pups are also exposed to a variety sights, sounds and smells. The puppies learn to behave appropriately in a group environment, which is essential to their success as dogs who mature.

The puppy should be introduced to different household sounds like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, such as sirens, traffic and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy does not be scared or anxious of these sounds when they become adults. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace, and positive reinforcement should be utilized throughout the process.

It is also crucial for a puppy to get to know many different people during this time, in addition to other pets. This can reduce separation anxiety while the owner is away. One good example is when the dog is taken to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs.

The puppy should be allowed to interact with the other dogs in a controlled, controlled manner and the interactions should be tempered initially to ensure that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to be around calmer, older and more doggies who are friendly. This will allow the puppy understand that not all larger, older dogs are fearsome and will aid in developing a positive temperament.

Training

German Shepherds require consistent, firm obedience training. It is important to get them into an obedience class as soon as possible particularly when they are still young. This will allow them to become confident and well-mannered dogs. It is also a good time to get them familiar with the basics of commands such as sit down, stay, and come. The earlier you can teach your dog these basic behaviors they'll be more likely to follow your instructions as they get older.

Territorial aggression is a problem for many families with German Shepherds. They can be extremely concerned about their home and property, leading to screaming or groaning at other those who enter their area of. Territorial behavior can be prevented through exercising, training, and socialization.

Obedience training will also help to prevent other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't have proper obedience training can become a nuisance or Altdeutscher SchäFerhund kaufen even a danger to their family members and neighbors. They are easily distracted by other animals toys or children, and disregard basic commands like "sit" or "down."

In the early years of their puppyhood it is crucial to introduce your German Shepherds with new people places, sights, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when the puppy turns 16 weeks old, when their brains are in an important stage of development. If your German Shepherd is a protected pup until then, they will likely find new experiences much more challenging in adulthood and will be more susceptible to anxiety-based aggression and fear.

Many dog owners don't realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise in order to be content and peaceful. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, 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 even destructive. Regular exercise can tone muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's also a great way to bond with your German shepherd!