How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy

When you buy a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You will be responsible, for many years, for the health and training of your dog.

Online sources and pet stores sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills that prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Select a reputable breeding facility instead.

Selecting a Breeder with a Good Reputation

Before you buy a German Shepherd Buy puppy Shepherd pup, it's important to get to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to share information about their dogs and breeding practices. Breeders are happy 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. Most breed clubs have a secretary or puppy officer who can direct you to reliable breeders in your area. You can also contact the animal control department of your state to find a list of licensed breeding companies.

If you've found a breeder that meets breeding standards, make sure you 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'll need proof that they've been checked for hereditary disorders such as 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 the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They can tell you the name of the vet and his contact number and also provide you with records of your consultation.

It's also a good idea to ask the breeder if they have any concerns about your lifestyle or living circumstances that would hinder them from selling you a puppy. For example when they know that you have young children, they might be reluctant to sell you a puppy due to the fact that German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.

You should also expect a reputable breeder to require you to sign an agreement to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include 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 a crucial way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and ensure they are going to suitable homes.

Health Tests for Health

Breeders who are trustworthy will test the health of the dogs they plan to breed as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't create puppies that have an inherited condition. These tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and Bloat.

Breeders who are trustworthy are determined to understand the temperaments and health status of every dog they have. They also share this information fully and freely with other breeders and potential buyers.

As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program, members are required to take certain tests with their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.

These tests are designed to identify genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also permit breeders to make better informed choices about mating that will lower the chance of developing hereditary diseases in future generations.

Typical genetic tests include

Hip Dysplasia

The elbow dysplasia and the hip are common problems in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front limbs. These joint diseases cause pain and German Shepherd buy puppy discomfort, but can be managed through exercise restrictions, weight control and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure the accuracy of the results.

The OFA test checks for deutscher schäferhund welpen Kaufen hemivertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV) and spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not completely foolproof, however, and cannot determine if dogs will develop degenerative myelopathy or other spinal disorders later in the course of.

Socialization

GSDs require intense physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to keep occupied. They are easily bored and their inactivity can result in destructive behaviors like excessive digging or chewing on shoes. Often, these behaviors stem from insufficient emotional requirements. Socialization early is essential for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization helps the pup build confidence around new people and situations. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.

Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches puppies appropriate social signals and how to cope with their boisterous, sometimes rough, siblings. They are also exposed to a variety of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies are taught to behave in groups. This is vital to their success as adults.

Introduce the puppy to different household sounds, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, including traffic, sirens, and construction. This is very important so that the puppy will not be scared or anxious of these stimuli when they become adults. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process.

During this time, it's crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different pets and people. This can reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away. This can be accomplished by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks, or play dates with other doggies.

The puppy should be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled manner with other dogs. At first, the interaction should be restricted to ensure that the puppy does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to be around calmer, older and more gentle dogs. This will help the puppy understand that not all larger, older dogs are fearsome and will help them to develop an appropriate temperament.

Training

German Shepherds need firm and consistent obedience training. It is important to enroll them in classes as soon as you can, especially while they are still young. This will allow them to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs. It is also a great time to introduce them to basic commands such as sit, down and stay. The earlier a dog can learn these basic commands, the more simple it will be for them to follow your directions as they age.

Territorial aggression is a common issue for many German Shepherd owners. They may be extremely cautious of their home and property and this can result in them barking at people or animals that enter their area. Training, exercise and socialization can reduce territorial behavior.

Obedience training will aid in preventing other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained can cause annoyance to their neighbors and family members. They are easily distracted by other pets or toys, or even children and disregard basic commands such as "sit" or "down."

In the early years of their puppyhood it is crucial to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is especially important when they reach 16 weeks old, Reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen as they go through a critical period of brain development during this time. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered pup until then they'll likely encounter new experiences much more challenging as an adult and be more prone to fear-based aggression and anxiety.

Many dog owners do not realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise in order to be calm and happy. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong desire to do their best and please their humans and if they don't have enough to do, they may become bored or deutsche Schäferhundwelpen even destructive. Regular exercise tones muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, aids in weight loss and decreases "cabin-fever." It's a great way to connect with your German Shepherd, too!