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 the health, training and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Pet stores and online sources typically sell puppies from puppy mills who place profits over animal welfare. Pick a reputable breeder.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's essential to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to provide you with details about their dogs and breeding practices. Breeders will be delighted to provide information about their dogs as well as practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd club or group is the best place to start. The majority of breed clubs have an officer for puppy or secretary who can point you to reliable breeders in your area. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to find the list of breeders.
If you've found a breeder with good breeding standards, take the time to meet them in person. Find a clean facility in which the mother and her puppies are kept in a safe environment. Find out about the puppy's parents and siblings; you need proof that they were checked for hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should also 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 perform all required tests and vaccines. They will be able provide the name of the vet, his telephone number, and also provide you with consultation records.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living circumstances that might hinder them from offering you an animal. For example when they know that you have children, they may be reluctant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds can be a bit 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 the names of the parents as well as their AKC registration numbers as in addition to a return-to breeder clause. This is an excellent way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and make sure they are placed in good homes.
Health Tests
Breeders who are trustworthy will test the health of the dogs they plan to breed as breeding stock. This is to make sure that they don't produce puppies that have an inherited condition. These tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat.
Breeders who are trusted seek to be aware of the temperaments and health issues of each dog they own. They also share this information fully and openly with other breeders as well as prospective buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder scheme, members are required to perform certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests check for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also enable breeders to make better mating decisions that can reduce the risk of hereditary illnesses in the next generations.
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Hip Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common issues in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition in their front limbs. These joint conditions that cause degeneration cause pain and discomfort, however, they can be controlled with weight control, activity limitations and supplements as well as medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure the accuracy of the results.
The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transformational vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. This test is not 100% reliable, however, and does not determine whether dogs will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal diseases later in life.
Socialization
GSDs require rigorous physical exercise in addition to training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. They get bored very easily and their inactivity can result in destructive behaviors like excessive digging or chewing up shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional requirements. Socialization at an early age is crucial for German Shepherd pups. A good socialization program allows the puppy to build confidence around new people and different environments. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will grow anxious or aggressive in new situations.
Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This helps puppies learn appropriate social signals and how to deal with their boisterous, and sometimes rough, siblings. The puppies are also exposed to various sights, sounds and smells. The puppies learn to behave appropriately in a group, which is crucial 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 sirens, traffic, and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy does not become anxious or fearful of these sounds when they become adults. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable rate, and positive reinforcement is used throughout the process.
It is also crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different people over this period, along with other pets. This can reduce 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 dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled way with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be limited so that the dog isn't overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to interact with calmer, older and more friendly dogs. This will allow the puppy realize that not all larger, older dogs are fearsome and helps them develop an appropriate temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is important to enroll them in classes as soon as you can particularly when they are still young. This will help them develop into well-mannered, confident dogs. It is also a good moment to familiarize them with the basic commands like sit, down, stay and come. The earlier a dog is taught these basic commands the more easy it is for them to follow your instructions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a typical issue for many German Shepherd owners. They may be overly guarded of their homes and property, which can lead to them barking at other people or animals who enter their area. Territorial behavior is averted through proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Obedience training can also help prevent other issues with behavior in German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't have proper obedience training can become a nuisance and even a danger to their family members and neighbours. They are easily distracted by other animals or toys, or even children and disregard basic commands like "sit" or "down."
During the puppy years It is essential to socialize your German Shepherds to new people, places and sounds. This is especially important before the puppy reaches 16 weeks as their brains are in an important stage of development. If your German Shepherd is a quiet puppy they'll likely encounter new experiences to be more difficult as an adult and be more prone to anxiety and fear-based aggression.
Many dog owners don't realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be happy and calm. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and are driven to please their owners and work. If they don't exercise enough, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise also tones muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's an excellent way to be a part of your German Shepherd also!