How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy

When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You'll be accountable for Schäferhunde Kaufen a long time for the health and training of your dog.

Pet stores and online sources generally sell puppies from puppy mills that prioritize profits over animal welfare. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.

How to Choose a Breeder who is Reputable

It is important to know your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders are happy to share information about their dogs and the ways they treat you. They'll be willing to discuss health and genetic testing, early socialization, and the environment that their puppies are raised.

Your local German Shepherd club or group is the best place to begin. Most breed clubs have an officer or secretary who can direct you to credible breeders in your region. If you prefer, you can contact your state animal control agency for SchäFerhund Welpe Kaufen a list of licensed breeders.

Once you've identified a breeder who has good breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. You should seek out a clean, comfortable facility in which the puppies and their mother are kept in a secure. It is important to inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You want to find out if they've been screened for schäferhund welpe kaufen hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, and eye issues.

A responsible breeder should be able to supply you with a copy your puppy's medical record and Deutscher SchäFerhund Zu Verkaufen the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a great working relationship with a vet that can carry out all necessary tests and vaccines. They can tell you the name of the vet and his phone number and also provide you with the records of consultation.

Ask the breeder about any concerns they might have regarding your lifestyle and living circumstances. This may prevent the breeder from selling a puppy to you. For instance, if they know you have children, they may be hesitant to offer you a puppy because German Shepherds can be aggressive with children.

You should also expect a reputable breeder to ask you to sign an agreement for the purchase of your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should include information about the parents as well as their AKC registration number, and an option to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a vital way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and ensure that they are going to good homes.

Health Tests

Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that will be part of their breeding selection. This is to ensure that they do not produce puppies that have an inherited condition. These tests include elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and GDV (also called bloat).

In addition to health screening breeders who are trustworthy get a better understanding of the temperaments and health of every pet they own. They also are able to freely and completely share this information with other breeders as well as potential buyers.

The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to carry out certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.

These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also allow breeders to make better informed decisions about mating which will decrease the chance of developing hereditary diseases in the coming generations.

The most common genetic tests are:

Hip Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia are a common problem in German Shepherds with the latter suffering from the condition in their front limbs. These degenerative joint diseases cause pain and discomfort, but can be managed by weight control, activity limitations as well as supplements and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure accurate results.

The OFA test is a check for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis, and spina bifida. This test is not impervious and cannot predict the likelihood that a dog's spinal problem will be degenerative myelopathy.

Socialization

GSDs require rigorous physical exercise along with training and mental stimulation to keep them engaged. They are easily bored and their lack of activity can result in destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or Schäferhund welpe kaufen chewing up shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is important for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization can help the puppy build confidence in new people and situations. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will be scared or aggressive when in unfamiliar situations.

Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This helps them learn to be around their rough and boisterous siblings. They are also exposed to a variety of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies learn how to behave appropriately in a group environment, which is key 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 to various outdoor sounds like traffic, sirens and construction. This is important to ensure that the puppy doesn't develop afraid or anxious of these stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate rate and positive reinforcement is utilized throughout the process.

During this time, it is also important that the puppy gets to meet many different pets and people. This can help prevent anxiety about separation when the owner is away from home. This can be accomplished by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other doggies.

The puppy should be able to interact with the other dogs in a controlled, controlled manner and the interactions should be tempered initially so that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to be around calmer, older and more friendly dogs. This will help your puppy see that bigger, older dogs don't have to be frightening. It can also help them develop an excellent attitude.

Training

German Shepherds need firm and consistent obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in a training class early especially when they're still puppy dogs. This will help them become confident and well-mannered dogs. It is also a great time to introduce them to basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog learns these basic commands, the easier it will be for them to follow your instructions as they grow older.

Territorial aggression is a frequent issue for many German Shepherd owners. They may be overly guarded of their homes and property which could lead to them barking at other people or animals who venture into their area. Territorial behavior can be prevented through exercising, training, and socialization.

Training in obedience can aid in preventing other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. A dog that doesn't have the right obedience training could become a nuisance and even a danger to family members and neighbours. They can easily be distracted by other pets or toys, or even children and disregard basic commands like "sit" or "down."

In the early years of their puppyhood it is crucial to socialize your German Shepherds with new people places, sights, and sounds. This is particularly important before they are 16 weeks old, as they go through a critical period of brain development during this period. If your German shepherd is a protected puppy, it will likely be a lot more difficult for them to learn new things when they become adults. They may also be more prone towards anxiety or fear-based aggression.

One thing that many dog owners don't realize is that a German Shepherd needs lots of mental as well as physical exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are herders by nature and have a strong urge to do their best and satisfy their owners and if they don't have enough things to do, they could become bored or destructive. Regular exercise also tones muscles, SchäFerhund Kaufen Welpe decreases "cabin fever," improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's a great way to bond with your German Shepherd also!