How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're taking on a massive commitment. You will be responsible, for many years, for the training and health of your dog.
Pet stores and online retailers typically sell puppies from puppy mills that prioritize profits over animal welfare. Choose a reputable breeder instead.
How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable
It is important to know your breeder before you purchase a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be willing to provide information about their dogs and practices with you. Breeders will be happy to give you information about their dogs as well as practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd organization or club is the best place to begin. The breed clubs typically have a secretary, or puppy officer who can point you to reputable breeders. You can also contact the animal control agency in your state to find the list of breeders.
If you've found a breeder that meets breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. You should search for an upscale, clean facility in which the puppy and the mother dog are kept. It is important to inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should know if they have been screened for any hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia or eye problems.
A responsible breeder will be in a position to provide 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 that can carry out all necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able to provide you with the name of the doctor as well as the number of his phone and provide you with consultation notes.
It's also a good idea to ask the breeder whether they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living circumstances that would hinder them from offering you an animal. For example when they know that you have children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy due to the fact that German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.
You should also expect a reputable breeder to ask you to sign an agreement for the purchase of your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain information about the parents, their AKC registration number, and the clause that allows them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a great way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and make sure they have a good home.
Health Tests
Reputable breeders conduct health checks on the dogs that form part of their 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 called bloat).
Breeders who are trusted are determined to understand the temperaments and health issues of each dog they own. They also share this information in full and openly with other breeders and potential buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders perform additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. These tests also allow breeders make better decisions about mating that can reduce the risk of hereditary illnesses in the next generations.
Common genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, especially in the front limbs. These degenerative joint disorders cause discomfort and pain, however, they can be controlled with weight control, activity limitations, supplements and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure accurate results.
The OFA test is a check for the presence of hemivertebrae as well as butterfly vertebrae. block vertebrae, lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not 100% reliable and cannot tell whether a dog's spinal condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical activity along with training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They can get bored easily and inactivity can lead to destructive behavior like excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are usually the result of unmet emotional needs. Socialization early is essential for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization can help the puppy build confidence in new people and situations. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will develop fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play and interact with each other. This helps them learn to be around their rough and boisterous siblings. They are also exposed to a wide range of smells, sights and sounds. The puppies learn to behave in a group environment, which is essential to their success as dogs who mature.
The puppy should be introduced to different household sounds including vacuum cleaners, doorbells and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed different outdoor sounds such as sirens, traffic and construction. This is very important so that the puppy will not become scared or anxious of these stimuli when they become adults. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a calming pace and positive reinforcements will be used throughout the process.
It is also crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different people during this time, in addition to other pets. This will help reduce anxiety over separation when the owner is away from home. This can be accomplished by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks, or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be able to interact with other dogs in a controlled, controlled manner and the interactions should be tempered initially to ensure that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should be allowed to interact also with older, more relaxed and calm dogs. This will allow the puppy to realize that not all older, larger dogs are fearsome and will aid in developing a positive temperament.
Training
German Shepherds need constant and consistent obedience training. It is crucial to get them into an obedience class as soon as possible, especially while they are still young. This will allow them to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs. It's also a good opportunity to teach them basic commands such as sit down, sit and stay. The earlier you begin teaching your dog these basic commands and commands, they'll be more likely to follow your instructions as they get older.
Territorial aggression can be a problem in many families with German Shepherds. They might be extremely protective of their home and property and this can result in them barking at people or animals that enter their area. Territorial behavior can be slowed by proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Training in obedience can also help prevent other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained could cause trouble for their family and neighbors. They can easily be distracted by other pets, toys or children and disregard basic commands like "sit" or "down."
During their puppy years it is crucial to socialize your German Shepherds with new people places, sights, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when the puppy reaches 16 weeks and their brains are in an important stage of development. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered puppy they'll likely encounter new experiences to be more difficult as they grow older and become more susceptible to fear-based aggression and anxiety.
Many dog owners don't realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise in order to be happy and calm. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and are driven to please their owners and work. If they don't get enough exercise they could become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." visit the next site improves circulation, helps in weight loss, and reduces "cabin-fever." It's a great way to bond with your German Shepherd as well!
