How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're taking a huge risk when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You'll be accountable, for many years, for the health and education of your dog.
Pet stores and online sources generally sell puppies from puppy mills who place profits over the welfare of the animal. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
It is important to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to give you details about their dogs and breeding practices. They will be happy to discuss health and genetic testing as well as early socialization and the environment that their puppies are fostered.
The best place to start is to contact your local German Shepherd club or other organization. Breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer, who can direct you to breeders who are reputable. You can also contact your state animal control agency for the list of breeders who are licensed.
If you've found a breeder with good breeding standards, take the time to meet them in person. Look for a clean facility where the mother and pups are safe. You should ask about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should be aware if they've been screened for any hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye issues.
A responsible breeder should also be able to provide you with a copy your puppy's medical records and the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a solid working relationship with a vet that can perform all necessary tests and vaccines. They can provide the name of the veterinarian and his contact number and will provide you with the records of consultation.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living conditions that might hinder them from selling you puppies. If they are aware that you have children they might not want to offer you a German Shepherd puppy because they can be aggressive towards children.
A reputable breeder will also require that you sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain information about the parents as well as their AKC registration number and the clause that allows them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an excellent way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and ensure they have a good home.
Health Tests
Reputable breeders undertake health tests on the dogs that will 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 and elbow dysplasia, myelopathy degenerative and GDV (also known as bloat).
In click here to investigate to health screenings, reputable breeders strive to get a better understanding of the temperaments and health of each pet they own. They are also able to freely and openly give this information to other breeders as well as potential buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program, members are required 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. They also allow breeders to make better informed choices about mating, which will reduce the risk of inheritable diseases in the coming generations.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia, especially in the front limbs. These joint diseases cause pain and discomfort, but they can be treated with weight control, activity limitations, supplements and drugs. The X-rays are made under conscious sedation to obtain precise results, and then sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test focuses on the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not completely foolproof however, and cannot determine if a dog will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal conditions later in the course of.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical activity as well as training and mental stimulation to keep them busy. They are prone to becoming bored, and lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior like excessive digging or eating shoes. Often, these behaviors are a result of unmet emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is vital for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization allows the pup to build confidence with new people and environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will grow fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them how to be around their rough and boisterous siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a wide range of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies learn to behave appropriately in a group environment, which is essential to their success as adult dogs.
The puppy should be introduced to various household sounds like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed sounds outside, including sirens, traffic and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy doesn't become scared or anxious about these types of stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at an ease rate, and positive reinforcement is used throughout the process.
It is also crucial for a puppy to get to know many different people over this time, as well as other pets. This will help reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away from home. An excellent example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes or dog parks, or even play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should only be allowed to interact in a controlled, safe manner with other dogs. At first, the interaction should be restricted so that the pup does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with older, calmer, doggies who are friendly. This will help your puppy realize that larger, older dogs do not have to be terrifying. It can also help them develop an excellent attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require strict, consistent obedience training. It is essential to get them into an obedience class as soon as possible, especially while they are still young. This will allow them to become confident and well-mannered dogs. It's also a great time to introduce them to basic commands, such as sit, down and stay. The earlier you teach your dog these basic commands they'll be more likely to follow your instructions as they get older.
Territorial aggression is a common issue for many German Shepherd owners. They may be overly guarded of their homes and property and this can result in their barking at strangers or animals who venture into their territory. Territorial behavior can be slowed by proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Obedience training will aid in preventing other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained could cause annoyance to their family and neighbors. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They might not pay attention to basic commands such as "sit" and "down."
In the early years of puppyhood It is essential to socialize your German Shepherds to new people, places, 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 quiet puppy prior to this it is likely to be a lot more difficult for them to master new things as an adult. They could also be more susceptible to fear-based aggression or anxiety.
One thing that a lot of pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to stay calm and happy. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong urge to work and please their humans If they don't have enough to do, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, aids in weight loss, and helps reduce "cabin-fever." It's also a great opportunity to build a bond with your German shepherd!