10 Quick Tips About Buy A German Shepherd
Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in an environment that has plenty of space to exercise and train. You'll want to search for a reputable breeder that offers health and temperament testing for each litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies that are inquisitive and unafraid of people. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression, which can be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are healthier than other breeds, however they are susceptible to specific health problems. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia (similar to Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and degenerative myelopathy and bloat, allergies, cancer and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will recommend routine veterinary checkups and a balanced diet, fitness for the mind and body and early intervention if any health issues occur.
German Shepherds should not overwork themselves despite their athletic nature. This can cause joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia which can be painful. Weight loss, reducing activity as well as taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate symptoms like limping and reduced mobility.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus. This can affect the cornea and cause blindness if not addressed promptly. This condition is more prevalent in dogs living at higher elevations, those who have an excessive exposure to UV light or in areas that have high levels of air pollution. To prevent this from happening, it can be accomplished by keeping your German Shepherd in a cool area during the hottest times of the day. You can also offer a shaded area or even a pair of doggie sunglasses.
Like a lot of large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life and can cause pain for the dog. Although any breed can be affected by this condition, the risk is greater for larger breeds. Selecting an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, and providing them with plenty of exercise in a secure yard, can help to lessen the impact of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a high amount of energy and require plenty of exercise to burn it. They will thrive in a home with large open spaces and regular walks.
They are extremely intelligent and are able to respond to training, so it's a good idea to begin basic obedience training with your puppy. Start with simple commands like'sit and stay', "down" and "stay". Once your dog is proficient with the basics, you can move on to more advanced obedience exercises such as "come on command" as well as "leave".
It will also prevent adult fear by the exposure of your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and people. Introduce them to other animals in a controlled setting like a dog-friendly park or cafe. Treats can aid your German shepherd focus on you and others, so they don't get overwhelmed by strangers.
Keep in mind that your German shepherd is still a puppy. They will chew and play with everything. It's also an excellent idea to train them early to not jump on other pets and people to ensure they're at ease with everyone in your family.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and sounds during the first year of their life. They will experience a period of time called the Fear Period, which means that they may have difficulty understanding certain things that appear safe to us (such as children, loud noises, or unfamiliar surfaces). During this time, it is important to expose your German shepherd to a variety of things in order to prevent developing fears later on in the course of.
You should also enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, especially when other family members are able to help. It will be easier to see improvements if you have someone else to reinforce the positive behaviors you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also provide your German Shepard some structure, so they don't get overwhelmed by too many experiences all at time.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require a lot of exercise every day. This activity is beneficial to the dog and its owner. It aids the dog keep a healthy weight and keep its muscles flexible and strong. It also helps to combat health issues like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can keep a dog's brain sharp and lower the risk for problems with behavior.
Working line German Shepherds are specially bred for military and police work, so daily exercise is vital. It can help to prevent destructive behavior such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen bonds between dog and owner.
Puppy dogs have lots of energy and will require more exercise. It is important to not over-exert your dog as this can damage their joints and bones. This is particularly relevant if your puppy is still growing, which is possible at any time up to 12 months age.
Training for puppies can help them develop healthy habits that will last for the remainder of their lives. Taking Learn Additional Here for regular walks can aid in improving cardiovascular health, manage their weight, and lower stress levels. By exposing them to different species of animals and people It can help them develop their socialization abilities. This will make it easier for them to adjust to new environments and cope with stress-inducing events in the near future.
A good rule of thumb for determining how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to do five minutes of formal exercise (walking the dog at a slow pace) per month of age. This exercise may include training and play however it must be supervised. If the dog is tired it is a good idea to allow him to lay down.
German Shepherds are able to benefit from a wide range of activities, including fetch and tracking, agility, obedience, and games like hide and seek. This is a great way to help your puppy exercise its hunting instincts and also to avoid boredom that could lead to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly smart dogs that respond well to early training. However, they are big dogs with a lot of energy and require space to burn off that energy. If they aren't given enough exercise, they could become destructive. Additionally, their natural instinct to protect can be turned into aggression if they're not properly socialized and taught from the time they are puppies.
When you are buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is honest about his breeding policy and provides the necessary AKC papers for every puppy. He should be able to inform you about the personality of each puppy as well as how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should allow you play with the puppies as well as their mother and the stud (if they live in the same house).
Be sure to ask the breeder for references from buyers who have purchased before. Also, consult local vets and animal shelters for recommendations to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder won't sell a puppy who is unsocialized or unhealthy. He can explain how he planned the breeding in order to highlight certain characteristics in the pups. He may also be able provide you with a new puppy if the one you chose doesn't work out.
Find a healthy, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be curious, alert and active, but not excessively active or anxious. A sluggish, lethargic, or aggressive puppy is a red flag and should be avoided.
Observe the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his pet's littermates or other animals. He should be curious and not afraid of interacting with other dogs. He should also demand attention from people with confidence. If he singles out one of the other puppies in the litter It is important to remember that this behavior can continue throughout his life and cause him to be difficult to live with.
Bring the puppy for a visit to your veterinarian to ensure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations and have been microchipped. Introduce your family members to him when he is still a young puppy so that you can begin teaching him basic rules of the house and basic obedience.