Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in an environment that offers plenty of space for training and exercise. You'll have to find a reputable breeder who provides health and temperament tests for each litter they sell.
Look for puppies who are curious and fearless of people. Avoid those who show territorial aggression. This can be dangerous for visitors. Early socialization and training in obedience can help mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds live longer than most other breeds, however they are more prone to specific health problems. Breeders who are responsible for their breedings screen their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease), bloat as well as cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will suggest regular checkups with the vet, a balanced diet, fitness for the mind and body and prompt intervention if any health issues arise.
German Shepherds should not exert too much themselves despite their athletic characteristics. This can lead to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia which can be painful. Losing weight, reducing activity as well as taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medication can ease symptoms like the loss of mobility and limping.
Another health issue that is common among German Shepherds is pannus. It affects the cornea and could cause blindness if not addressed promptly. This condition is more prevalent in dogs that live at higher altitudes, with an excessive exposure to UV light, or those who live in areas that have high levels of air pollution. Keeping your German Shepherd inside during the sunniest parts of the day, and providing a shaded area, or trying a pair of doggie sunglasses can help to keep the condition from happening.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to osteoarthritis in the later years of their lives and can cause pain for the dog. This condition can be a problem for any breed, but the risk is greater for larger dogs. If you choose to purchase an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder and providing them with plenty of exercise in a well-fenced yard, can help reduce the effects of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a large amount of energy and require plenty of activity to burn it. They thrive in a home that has access to large open spaces or be regularly taken for long walks.
They are highly sensitive and will respond well to training and therefore it's a good idea to begin basic obedience training with your new puppy. Begin with simple commands such as'sit down', "down" and "stay". Once your dog has learned the basics, you can move to more advanced obedience exercises such as 'come on command' and 'leave'.
It will also prevent adult fear by exposing your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and people. Introduce them to other animals in a safe environment, such as a dog-friendly café or park. Using treats as rewards can help your German Shepherd to become more aware on their surroundings to ensure they're not intimidated by strangers or afraid.
Keep in mind that your German shepherd is still an infant. They can chew and play with everything. deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz to begin training them early so they don't slam into pet owners or other animals.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to get familiar with various sights and sounds as well as smells. The Fear Period is a time when they struggle to understand things we consider safe (such as children or loud sounds). During this period, it is important to expose your German shepherd to a variety of situations to avoid developing fears later on in the course of.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some classes in obedience and socialisation, especially if you have other family members who might be able to help out. It will be easier to see improvements if you have someone else who can reinforce the positive behaviors you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also give your German Shepard a sense of consistency, so they don't get overwhelmed by too many experiences at all.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require a lot of exercise. This exercise is beneficial to both the dog and the owner. It helps the dog to keep a healthy weight and keep its muscles flexible and strong. It also helps to prevent health problems like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help keep the dog's brain sharp and decrease the chance of developing issues with their behavior.
Proper daily exercise is especially crucial for German Shepherds working line that are bred to perform police and military work. It can prevent destructive behaviors like excessive chewing or digging. It can also improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Puppies are full of energy and will need more exercise. It is essential to not over-exert your dog as this can damage their joints and bones. This is especially the case if your puppy is still growing. It can happen up to 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that will last for a lifetime. Regular walks can promote cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and ease stress. It will also help them develop social skills by exposing them to new animals and people. This can help them to adjust to new situations and deal with difficult situations in the future.
A good rule of thumb for determining how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to get five minutes of formal exercise (walking the dog at a slower pace) per month of age. This can be played and training, but should be supervised at all times. It is also recommended to let the dog rest when it is exhausted.
German Shepherds are able to benefit from a myriad of activities, including fetch and tracking, agility training such as obedience, games, and like hide and seek. This can be the perfect way to teach your puppy to engage in its natural hunting instincts, and also prevent boredom that can lead to negative behaviors like destructive chewing or digging.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who respond well to early guidance. However, they are large dogs with a lot of energy that need space to burn off that energy. They can be extremely destructive if they don't get enough exercise. Additionally, their natural instinct to protect can turn into aggression if not properly socialized and trained from puppyhood.
Choose a breeder who is transparent about his breeding practices and gives AKC papers to every puppy. He should be able tell you about the personalities of each puppy as well as how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should let you play with the puppies, their mother and the stud (if they live in the same house).
Be sure to ask the breeder for references from previous buyers. Also, check with local vets and animal shelters for recommendations to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy that is undersocialized or unhealthy. He will also be able explain how he has planned his breeding program to highlight certain qualities in the puppies. He may be able to offer you a replacement puppy in the event that the one you choose does not work out.
You should look for a healthy and robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, curious, and active but not too hyperactive or anxious. A sluggish or aggressive puppy is best avoided.
Observe how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his littermates and other pets. He should be curious and unafraid of approaching other dogs. He should also be able to demand attention from people with confidence. It is important to keep in mind that if he chooses to concentrate on a puppy in the litter more than the others, this behavior may continue into adulthood.
Make sure that your puppy goes to visit your veterinarian to ensure that they are up-to-date on all vaccinations and are microchipped. It's also recommended to introduce him to the rest of your family members while they're still a puppy, so that you can begin teaching him the basics of behavior and household rules.