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 many years, for the health and education of your dog.
Online sources and pet stores offer puppies, which are typically from puppy mills that place profit ahead of the health of animals. Choose a reputable breeder instead.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's important to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders are happy to provide information about their dogs and practices with you. They will be happy to discuss genetic and health testing as well as early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are fostered.
The best place to begin is with your local German Shepherd club or other organization. Breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you to breeders who are reputable. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to find an updated list of licensed breeding companies.
Once you've identified a breeder with good breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. Find a clean and tidy facility in which the mother and her puppies are kept in a safe environment. Ask about the puppy's fathers and siblings. You'll need proof that they've been screened for hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
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 good working relationship with a vet that can conduct all the required tests and vaccines. They should be able provide you with the name of the doctor and phone number, and also give you consultation notes.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they may have about your lifestyle or living situation. This might prevent them from bringing puppies to you. For instance, if they know you have young children, they may be reluctant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.
You should also expect an established breeder to require you to sign an agreement to 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 a great method for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and ensure they go to good homes.
schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen for Health
Reputable breeders undertake health tests on the dogs that will form part of their breeding collection. This is to ensure that they don't produce pups with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat.
In addition to health screenings breeders who are trustworthy gain personal knowledge of the temperaments and health of each pet they own. They also share this information completely and freely with other breeders and potential buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to carry out certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders carry out additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also help breeders make better informed choices about mating which will decrease the risk of inheritable diseases in future generations.
Common genetic tests include:
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia especially in the front limbs. These degenerative joint disorders cause discomfort and pain but can be managed through exercise restrictions, weight control and supplements as well as medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays under sedation to ensure the accuracy of the results.
The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not foolproof and does not predict whether a dog's condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep engaged. They can get bored easily, and lack of activity may lead to destructive behaviors like excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are often the result of unmet emotional needs. This is why early socialization is crucial for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization allows the pup to build confidence around new people and different environments. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will be scared or aggressive in new situations.
The mother and her littermates play together and interact with one another. This teaches them to get along with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds. The puppies learn to behave within a group, which is key to their success as dogs who mature.
Introduce the puppy to a variety of household sounds, such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed to various outdoor sounds like sirens, traffic, and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy does not develop scared or anxious about these sounds. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace and positive reinforcement will be utilized throughout the process.
During this period, it is crucial that the puppy meets many different people and pets. This can help prevent separation anxiety when the owner is away from home. A good example of this 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 safe, controlled manner and the interactions should be tempered initially so that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with older, calmer, friendly dogs. This will allow the puppy to realize that not all older, larger dogs are dangerous and helps them develop a positive temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is important to enroll them in a class as soon as you can particularly when they are still young. This will help them become confident, well-mannered dogs. This is also a good time to get them familiar with the basics of commands such as sit, down, stay and come. The earlier a dog can learn these basic behaviors, the more easy it will be for them to follow your instructions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression can be an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They can be extremely protective of their home and property, resulting in barking or yelling at any animal or person who enters their area of. Territorial behavior is averted by the proper training, exercise and socialization.
Obedience training can also help prevent other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained can cause trouble for their neighbors and family members. They are easily distracted by other pets or toys, or even children and ignore basic commands such as "sit" or "down."
In the early years of puppyhood It is essential to introduce your German Shepherds to new people, places and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy is 16 weeks old and their brains are undergoing a critical phase of development. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy, it will likely be much more difficult for them to learn new things as an adult. They may also be more prone towards anxiety or fear-based aggression.
Many dog owners don't realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be calm and happy. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong drive to do their best and please their humans, so if they don't have enough things to do, they can become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise also tones muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's also a great way to bond with your German shepherd!