How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy<br /><br />If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You'll be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog over many years.<br /><br />Online sources and pet stores offer puppies that are typically from puppy mills, which prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Select a reputable breeder instead.<br /><br />How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable<br /><br />It is important to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to give you details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. They will be willing to discuss health and genetic testing, early socialization, and the environment where their puppies are being raised.<br /><br />Your local German Shepherd club or organization is the best place to start. 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 to get an inventory of licensed breeders.<br /><br />If you've found a breeder with good breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. You should look for an environment that is clean and comfortable where the puppies and their mother are confined. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings; you want to see proof that they've been screened for hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, and Degenerative Myelopathy.<br /><br />A responsible breeder will also be capable of providing you with copies of your puppy's medical record and an up-to-date shot schedule. They should have a great relationship with a veterinarian who is able to perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to give you the name of the veterinarian as well as the number of his phone and give you a consultation note.<br /><br />Ask the breeder about any concerns they may have regarding your lifestyle and living circumstances. This may stop them from selling the 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 can be aggressive towards children.<br /><br />You should also expect a reputable breeder to require you to sign an agreement for the purchase of your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include details about the parents and their AKC registration number, and the clause that allows them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a great way breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and make sure they go to good homes.<br /><br />Health Tests for Health<br /><br />Breeders with a good reputation will test the health of the dogs they plan to use as breeding stock. This is to make sure that they do not produce puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include elbow and hip dysplasia, myelopathy degenerative and GDV (also known as Bloat).<br /><br />In addition to health screening Breeders who are reputable strive to acquire a personal understanding of the temperaments and health of each pet they own. They also share this information completely and openly with other breeders and prospective buyers.<br /><br />As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program, members are required to conduct certain tests with their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders carry out additional tests.<br /><br />These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also permit breeders to make better informed choices about mating, which will reduce the chance of developing hereditary diseases in the coming generations.<br /><br />Common genetic tests include<br /><br />Hip Dysplasia<br /><br />The elbow dysplasia and the hip are common problems in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition in their front limbs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause pain and discomfort but can be controlled with weight control, activity limitations supplements, and medications. X-rays are taken with conscious sedation to obtain precise results, and then sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).<br /><br />The OFA test focuses on hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra, block vertebra, lumbar sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't impervious and cannot predict the likelihood that a dog's spinal problem will be degenerative myelopathy.<br /><br />Socialization<br /><br />GSDs require intense physical exercise along with training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They are prone to becoming bored and inactivity can lead to destructive behavior such as excessive digging or eating shoes. Most often, these behaviors stem from unmet emotional needs. Socialization at an early age is crucial for German Shepherd pups. A good socialization program allows the puppy to build confidence around new people and different environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will grow fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.<br /><br />Puppy socialization begins with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches the puppies appropriate social cues and how to deal with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The pups are also exposed to a variety sights, sounds and smells. The puppies are taught to behave in the group. This is crucial to their success as adults.<br /><br />Introduce the puppy to various household sounds, like vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed to different outdoor sounds such as sirens, traffic and construction. This is very important so that the puppy will not become scared or anxious of these sounds when they become adults. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable rate, and positive reinforcement is utilized throughout the process.<br /><br />During this time, it is essential that the puppy interacts with different people and pets. <a href="https://entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de/">blaue schäferhunde</a> 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 dogs.<br /><br />The puppy should be allowed to interact in a controlled, safe manner with other dogs. At first, the interaction should be restricted to ensure that the puppy isn't overwhelmed. The puppy should be allowed to interact also with older, more relaxed, calmer dogs. This will allow the puppy to realize that not all larger, older dogs are scary and it will help them to develop a positive temperament.<br /><br />Training<br /><br /><br /><br />German Shepherds require consistent, firm obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in a training class early especially when they're still puppy dogs. This will allow them to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a good time to familiarize them with basic commands such as sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog can learn these basic behaviors and commands, the easier it will be for them to follow your directions as they grow older.<br /><br />Territorial aggression is a frequent issue for many German Shepherd owners. They may be overly concerned about their home and property, resulting in screaming or groaning at other any animal or person who enters their territory. Territorial behavior is averted by proper training, exercise, and socialization.<br /><br />Obedience training can also help to prevent other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained could cause annoyance to their family and friends. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands like "sit" and "down."<br /><br />In the early years of puppyhood it is important to continue to socialize your German Shepherds with new people, places and sounds. This is especially important prior to when they reach 16 weeks old, as they go through an important period of brain development during this time. If your German Shepherd is a quiet pup until then, they will likely find new experiences more difficult in adulthood and will be more prone to anxiety and fear-based aggression.<br /><br />Many dog owners do not realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be calm and happy. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and they have a strong desire to please their owners as well as work. If they don't get enough exercise, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's also a great method to bond with your German shepherd!<br /><br />