How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
When you buy a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. german shepherd kaufen will be responsible for a long time for the training and health of your dog.
Pet stores and online resources generally sell puppies from puppy mills who place profit over animal well-being. Pick a reputable breeder.
How to Select a Reputable Breeder
Before purchasing a German Shepherd pup, it's essential to get acquainted with the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to give you details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. They'll be willing to discuss genetic and health testing, early socialization, and the environment in which their puppies are raised.
The best place to begin is to contact your local German Shepherd club or group. The breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you to reputable breeders. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency for the list of breeders who are licensed.
If you've found a breeder that meets breeding standards, take the time to meet them in person. Find a clean facility in which the mother and her puppies are safe. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You want to know if they have been screened for hereditary issues such as hip dysplasia and eye issues.
A responsible breeder should also be able to provide you with a copy your puppy's medical record and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a veterinarian who can perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to provide the name of the doctor, his telephone number, and also provide you with consultation records.
Ask the breeder about any concerns they might have regarding your lifestyle and living circumstances. This may stop them from bringing a puppy to you. If they are aware that you have young children and they are concerned about your children's safety, they might not wish to sell you an German Shepherd puppy because they are known to be aggressive with children.
You should also expect an established breeder to require you to sign an agreement for the purchase of your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents, as well as their AKC registration numbers, as in addition to a return-to breeder clause. This is a great way for responsible breeders to track their dogs and make sure they have a good home.
german shepherd kaufen who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that form part of their breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't produce puppies that have an inherited condition. 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 get a better understanding of the health and temperament of each dog they own. They also share this information completely and freely with other breeders and potential buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders take additional tests.
These tests check for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also allow breeders to make better informed choices about mating, which will reduce the incidence of hereditary disease in the coming generations.
Typical genetic tests include:
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia particularly in the front limbs. These joint disorders that cause degeneration cause discomfort and pain, but can be managed by weight control, activity restrictions as well as supplements and medications. The X-rays are made under sedation, to get accurate results and then submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. This test isn't foolproof and does not predict whether a dog's spinal condition is degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical activity in addition to training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They are easily bored and their inactivity can result in destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. These behaviors are often the result of unmet emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is crucial 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 be fearful or aggressive in new situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This helps puppies learn appropriate social signals and how to deal with their boisterous and sometimes rough, siblings. The pups are also exposed to various scents, sounds and sights. The puppies learn to behave within a group, which is crucial to their success as adult dogs.
Introduce the puppy to various household sounds, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed various outdoor sounds like sirens, traffic, and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not develop fearful or anxious of these stimuli. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace, and positive reinforcement should be utilized throughout the process.
It is also very important for the puppy to meet numerous people during this period, along with other pets. This can help prevent anxiety over separation when the owner is away from home. A good example of this is when the dog is taken to puppy classes and 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 beginning, interactions should be confined so that the pup does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to be around calmer, older, gentle dogs. This will allow the puppy understand that not all older, larger dogs are dangerous and will help them to develop a good temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require consistent, firm obedience training. It is important to start a training class early, especially when they are still puppies. This will allow them to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. It is also a good time to get them familiar with the basics of commands such as sit down, stay, and come. The earlier you teach your dog these basic commands and commands, they'll be more likely to obey your instructions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression is a frequent problem for many German Shepherd owners. They might be extremely protective of their homes and property, which can lead to their barking at strangers or animals that enter their area. Territorial behavior is averted by exercising, training, and socialization.
Other behavioral issues can be prevented by obedience training in German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't possess the proper obedience training can be a nuisance, or even a threat to their family members and neighbours. They are easily distracted by other animals 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 keep your German Shepherds in contact with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy reaches 16 weeks and their brains are undergoing an important phase of development. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered pup until then, they will likely find new experiences much more challenging in adulthood and will be more prone to anxiety and fear-based aggression.
One thing that many dog owners aren't aware of is that a German Shepherd needs lots of mental as well as physical exercise to stay healthy and happy. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and have a strong desire to please their owners and work. If they don't exercise enough, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It helps improve circulation, assists in weight loss and helps reduce "cabin-fever." It's also a great opportunity to bond with your German shepherd!