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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 education of your dog.
Pet stores and online retailers generally sell puppies from puppy mills that place profits over the welfare of the animal. Select a reputable breeder instead.
How to Choose a Breeder who is Reputable
Before you buy a German Shepherd pup, it's crucial to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to provide you with details about their dogs as well as breeding practices. They'll be willing to discuss genetic and health testing early socialization, as well as the environment where their puppies are fostered.
The best place to begin is to contact your local German Shepherd club or organization. Most breed clubs have an officer or secretary who can point you to reputable breeders in your area. You can also contact the animal control department of your state to obtain an updated list of licensed breeders.
Make the effort to meet a breeder in person once you've located one that meets your breed standards. Look for a clean facility where the mother and puppies are comfortably confined. Ask about the puppy's fathers and siblings; you would like to verify that they have been examined for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should also be able to supply you with a copy your puppy's medical record and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a great working relationship with a vet who can carry out all required tests and vaccines. They should be able tell you the vet's name and phone number, and also give you consultation notes.
It's also a good idea to ask the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living circumstances that would stop them from selling you an animal. If they know you have young kids, they may not want to sell you a German Shepherd puppy because they are known to be aggressive with children.
You should also expect an established breeder to ask you to sign an agreement to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents, as well as their AKC registration numbers, as well as a return-to-breeder clause. This is a crucial way for responsible breeders to monitor their dogs and ensure that they are going to suitable homes.
Health Tests
Breeders with a good reputation will test the health of the dogs they intend to breed as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't breed puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and bloat.
In altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen to health screening Breeders who are reputable strive to acquire a personal understanding of the temperaments and health of each dog they have. They are also able to freely and openly give this information to other breeders and potential buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to perform certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also suggest that breeders carry out additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also allow breeders to make better informed choices about mating which will decrease the risk of inheritable diseases in future generations.
Typical genetic tests include
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia particularly in the front limbs. These joint diseases cause discomfort and pain but they can be treated with the control of weight, exercise limitations, supplements and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure the accuracy of the results.
The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebrae as well as butterfly vertebrae. block vertebrae as well as lumbar-sacral verbrae (LSTV), spondylosis, and spina bifida. This test is not foolproof and does not predict whether a dog's spinal condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep engaged. They are easily bored and their lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior such as excessive digging or chewing on shoes. Most often, these behaviors stem from not being able to satisfy their emotional requirements. Socialization early is essential for German Shepherd pups. A good socialization program allows the puppy to build confidence around new people and environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This helps them learn to get along with their rough and boisterous siblings. They are also exposed to a wide range of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies are taught to behave in a group. This is vital to their success as adults.
Introduce the puppy to a variety of household sounds, such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should also be exposed different outdoor sounds such as traffic, sirens and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy does not be scared or anxious of these stimuli when they become adults. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable rate, and positive reinforcement is utilized throughout the process.
During this period, it is essential that the puppy interacts with different people and pets. This will help prevent 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.
The puppy should be allowed to interact in a controlled, safe manner with other dogs. At first, the interactions should be restricted so that the dog does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to interact with calmer, older and more friendly dogs. This will help your puppy understand that bigger, older dogs do not have to be frightening. It will also help them develop an excellent attitude.
Training
German Shepherds require constant, consistent obedience training. It is essential to get them into classes early enough particularly when they are still young. This will help them become confident and well-mannered dogs. It is also a good time to get them familiar with the basic commands like sit, down, stay and come. The earlier a dog can learn these basic commands and commands, the easier it is for them to follow your directions as they age.
Territorial aggression is an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly concerned about their home and property, which can lead to screaming or groaning at other those who enter their area of. Proper training, exercise and socialization can reduce territorial behavior.
Training in obedience can also help to prevent other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't have the right obedience training could become a nuisance and even a danger to family members and neighbours. They can be easily distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands like "sit" and "down."
During their puppy years, it's important to continue to socialize your German Shepherds with new people locations, sights, and sounds. altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen is especially important prior to when they reach the age of 16 weeks since they enter a critical period of brain development during this time. If your German Shepherd is a quiet puppy, they will likely find new experiences more difficult as an adult and be more prone to fear-based aggression and anxiety.
One thing that many dog owners don't realize is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to stay calm and happy. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and they have a strong desire to please their owners and work. If they don't exercise enough they could become bored or destructive. Regular exercise also tones muscles, decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's also a great way to build a bond with your German shepherd!