How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're making a big commitment when you purchase the German Shepherd pup. You will be responsible for the health, training, and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Pet stores and online sources offer puppies, which are typically from puppy mills that prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Pick a reputable breeder.
How to Choose a Breeder with a Good Reputation
It's important to know your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be willing to share information about their dogs and the ways they treat you. Breeders are happy to give you information about their dogs and practices with you.
Your local german shepherd buy puppy Shepherd club or organization is the best place to begin. The breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer, who can guide you to breeders who are reputable. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency to get a list of licensed breeders.
It is a good idea to meet a breeder in person once you've located one that meets your breed standards. Find a clean facility in which the mother and her puppies are kept in a safe environment. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings. You want to see proof that they've been checked for hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should also be able to supply you with a copy your puppy's medical records and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a good relationship with a vet who can perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to tell you the vet's name as well as the number of his phone and give you consultation notes.
It's also a good idea to ask the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living circumstances that would stop them from selling you puppies. For example If they know that you have young children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.
You should also expect an accredited breeder to require you to sign an agreement for the purchase of your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain 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 method breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and ensure they go to good homes.
Health Tests
Reputable breeders undertake health tests on the dogs that will form part of their breeding selection. This is to ensure that they don't breed pups that have an inherited illness. These tests include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and Bloat.
In addition to health screening Breeders who are reputable strive to gain personal knowledge of the temperaments and health of each pet they own. They also freely and fully communicate this information to other breeders as well as prospective buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders perform additional tests.
These tests are designed to identify genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also help breeders make better informed decisions about mating, which will reduce the incidence of hereditary disease in future generations.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially in the front limbs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause discomfort and pain, but can be controlled through the control of weight, exercise restrictions as well as supplements and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure that the results are accurate.
The OFA test checks for hemivertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't impervious and cannot predict the likelihood that a dog's spinal problem will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require rigorous physical exercise along with training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They get bored very easily and their lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior like excessive digging or chewing up shoes. The majority of these behaviors stem from not being able to satisfy their emotional needs. This is why early socialization is important for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization allows the pup to gain confidence in new people and surroundings. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive when in unfamiliar 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 cope with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a wide range of smells, sights, and sounds. The puppies are taught to behave in the group. This is vital to their success as adults.
The puppy should be introduced to various household sounds such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, including sirens, traffic and construction. This is crucial so that the puppy will not become 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 utilized throughout the process.
During this time, it is crucial that the puppy interacts with different animals and people. This can help prevent anxiety about 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 only be allowed to interact in a controlled, secure manner with other dogs. At first, the interaction should be confined so that the pup does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact also with older, more sociable, calmer dogs. This will help your puppy understand that larger, older dogs don't have to be frightening. It will also aid in developing an attitude of confidence.
Training
German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is essential to enroll them in classes as soon as you can particularly when they are still young. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a good time to introduce them to basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog is taught these basic commands, the more easy it will be for them to follow your instructions as they age.
Territorial aggression is a problem in many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly guarded of their property and homes and this can result in them barking at other people or animals that enter their territory. Territorial behavior is averted by the proper training, exercise and socialization.
Obedience training will also help to prevent other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained could be a nuisance to their neighbors and family members. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys or children and ignore basic commands like "sit" or "down."
During the puppy years it is important to continue to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when the puppy reaches 16 weeks, when their brains are going through an important phase of development. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy until then, it will likely be a lot more difficult for them to learn new things when they become adults. They could also be more susceptible to fear-based aggression or anxiety.
Many dog owners do not realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be happy and calm. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and they are driven to please their owners as well as work. If they don't get enough exercise they can become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise tones muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, helps in weight loss, and decreases "cabin-fever." It's the perfect way to connect with your German Shepherd as well!