How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy

If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You'll be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog over many years.

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


Selecting a Breeder who is reputable

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

Your local German Shepherd club or organization is the best place to begin. The majority of breed associations have an officer or secretary who can direct you in the right direction for credible breeders in your region. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to obtain the list of breeders.

Take the time to meet with a breeder in person once you've found one who meets your standards for breeding. Look for a clean facility in which the mother and her puppies are safe. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You'll want to know if they have been screened for hereditary issues like hip dysplasia, and eye problems.

A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a solid working relationship with a vet who can carry out all necessary tests and vaccines. They should be able to give you the name of the veterinarian and telephone number and give you consultation notes.

It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder whether they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living conditions that might stop them from selling you a puppy. For instance, if they know you have children, they may be hesitant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds are known to be aggressive with children.

A reputable breeder will require you to sign a contract when purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents as well as their AKC registration numbers as in addition to a return-to breeder clause. This is a great way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and make sure they have a good home.

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 do not produce puppies that have an inherited condition. These tests include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat.

Breeders who are trusted seek to be aware of the temperaments and health conditions of every dog they own. They are also able to freely and openly share this information with other breeders as well as potential buyers.

The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.

These tests are designed to detect genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also allow breeders make better mating decisions that will reduce the incidences of hereditary illnesses in the next generations.

Typical genetic tests include:

Hip Dysplasia

German Shepherds are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially in the front limbs. These joint diseases cause discomfort and pain but can be managed through weight control, activity limitations and supplements as well as medications. X-rays are taken with sedation, to get accurate results and then submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

The OFA test looks for hemivertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. The test isn't foolproof however, and does not determine whether the dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or other spinal diseases later in the course of.

Socialization

GSDs require a lot of physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay engaged. They can easily become bored and their inactivity can result in destructive behavior such as excessive digging or chewing up shoes. The majority of these behaviors stem from not being able to satisfy their emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is vital for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the pup build confidence around new people and situations. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive when in unfamiliar situations.

Puppy socialization begins with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. mouse click the next internet page teaches puppies appropriate social signals and how to deal with their boisterous, and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety scents, sounds and sights. The puppies learn how to behave appropriately in a group environment, which is key 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 like traffic, sirens and construction. This is crucial so that the puppy will not be scared or anxious of these stimuli as an adult. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a calming pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process.

It is also crucial for a puppy to get to know many different people over this time, in addition to other pets. This will help prevent separation anxiety when the owner is away. An excellent example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes and dog parks or play dates with other dogs.

The puppy should be allowed to interact in a controlled, safe way with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be confined so that the dog does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with older, calmer and more doggies who are friendly. This will help the puppy understand that not all older, larger dogs are dangerous and will aid in developing a positive temperament.

Training

German Shepherds need firm regular obedience training. It is essential to enroll them in an obedience class as soon as possible particularly when they are still young. This will allow them to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a good time to introduce them to basic commands such as sit down, sit and stay. The earlier you begin teaching your dog these basic skills and commands, they'll be more likely to follow your commands as they grow older.

Territorial aggression is a frequent issue for many German Shepherd owners. They might be incredibly protective of their homes and property, leading to barking or yelling at those who enter their area of. Proper training, exercise and socialization can reduce territorial behavior.

Training in obedience can also help prevent other issues with behavior in German Shepherds. A dog that doesn't possess the proper obedience training can become a nuisance or even a danger to family members and neighbors. They are often distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands such as "sit" and "down."

During their puppy years it is essential to keep your German Shepherds in contact with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is especially important prior to when they reach 16 weeks old since they enter a critical period of brain development during this time. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy it's likely to be more difficult for them to learn new things once they are an adult. They may also be more prone to fear-based aggression or anxiety.

One thing that many pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to stay healthy 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, aids with weight loss, and reduces "cabin-fever." It's the perfect way to be a part of your German Shepherd as well!