You're making a significant commitment when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You will be responsible for a long time for the training and health of your dog.
Online sources and pet stores sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills that focus on profit over the welfare of animals. Select a reputable breeder instead.
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
It's essential to get acquainted with your breeder prior to you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to give you information about their dogs and breeding practices. They'll be willing to discuss genetic and health testing as well as early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
The best place to start is with your local German Shepherd club or organization. The majority of breed associations have an officer for puppy or secretary who can direct you to reliable breeders in your area. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency to get the list of breeders who are licensed.
Make the effort to meet a breeder in person once you've found one who meets your standards for breeding. You should seek out an upscale, clean facility where the puppies and their mother are kept in a secure. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings. You want to see proof that they have been examined for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder will be capable of providing you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and a current shot schedule. They should have a good working relationship with a vet that can conduct all the necessary tests and vaccines. They will be able to provide you with the name of the doctor as well as the number of his phone and give you consultation notes.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they might have about your lifestyle or living circumstances. This could prevent them from selling puppies to you. If they know that you have children, they may not want to sell you an German Shepherd puppy because they can be aggressive towards children.
A reputable breeder may require that you sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain details 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 breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and ensure they have a good home.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that will form part of their breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't produce pups with an inherited disease. These tests include hip and elbow dysplasia, myelopathy degenerative and GDV (also called Bloat).
In addition to health screenings breeders who are trustworthy gain personal knowledge of the temperaments and health of each dog they have. They also are able to freely and completely communicate this information to other breeders and prospective buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder scheme, members are required to take certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.
These health tests look for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also help breeders make better choices when mating which will decrease the likelihood of hereditary diseases in the future generations.
Typical genetic tests include:
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund the hip are common issues in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition in their front limbs. These joint disorders that cause degeneration cause pain and discomfort but can be controlled with the control of weight, exercise restrictions supplements, and medications. The X-rays are made under anesthesia to ensure exact results. Then, they are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. The test is not 100% reliable and cannot tell whether a dog's condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical activity as well as training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. They get bored very easily and their inactivity can lead to destructive behavior such as excessive digging or chewing up shoes. The majority of these behaviors are a result of not being able to satisfy their emotional needs. This is why early socialization is so crucial for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the puppy to build confidence around new people and surroundings. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will become fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play and interact with one another. This teaches them how to interact with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety of smells, sights and sounds. The puppies are taught to behave in a 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 very important to ensure that the puppy does not be scared or anxious of these situations as an adult. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace, and positive reinforcement should be utilized throughout the process.
During this period, it is crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different animals and people. This can help prevent anxiety about separation when the owner is away from home. A good example of this is when a dog is taken to puppy classes and dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be able to interact with the other dogs in a safe well-controlled manner. The interactions should be tempered initially so that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact also with older, more sociable and calm dogs. This will allow the puppy realize that not all larger, older dogs are scary and it will aid in developing a good temperament.
Training
German Shepherds need strict and consistent obedience training. It is important to start classes early especially when they're still puppy dogs. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. This is also a great time to make them familiar with the basic commands like sit down, stay, and come. The earlier a dog can learn these basic commands the easier it is for them to follow your directions as they age.
Territorial aggression can be a problem for many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly guarded of their home and property which could lead to them barking at other people or animals who venture into their area. Territorial behavior can be slowed through proper training, exercise, and socialization.
Training in obedience can also help prevent other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs that don't have the right obedience training could become a nuisance and even a threat to their family members and neighbours. They can be 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 their puppyhood it is crucial to socialize your German Shepherds with new people locations, sights, and sounds. This is especially important when they reach 16 weeks old, as they go through an important phase of brain development during this time. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy prior to this it's likely to be much more difficult for them to master new things when they become adults. They could also be more prone towards fear-based aggression or anxiety.
One thing that a lot of pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of mental as well as physical exercise to stay calm and happy. They are herders by nature and have a strong drive to work and satisfy their owners, so if they don't have enough things to do, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's also a great opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your German shepherd!
