How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You will be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog over many years.
Pet stores and online sources offer puppies that are typically from puppy mills that focus on profit over the welfare of animals. Choose a reputable breeding facility instead.
How to Choose schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz
Before purchasing a German Shepherd pup, it's essential to get acquainted with the breeder. Responsible breeders are happy to discuss their dogs and practices with you. They'll be willing to discuss genetic and health testing early socialization, as well as the environment that their puppies are being raised.
Your local German Shepherd club or organization is the best place to start. The breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you to reputable breeders. You can also contact the animal control department of your state to find a list of licensed breeding companies.
Once you've identified 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 comfortably confined. Ask about the puppy's fathers and siblings. You need proof that they were screened for hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder will be in a position to provide you with copies of your puppy's medical records and a current shot schedule. They should have a good working relationship with a vet who is able to perform all required tests and vaccines. They can tell you the name of the vet, his telephone number, and will provide you with consultation records.
It's also recommended to ask the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living circumstances that could stop them from offering you an animal. If they are aware that you have young children they might not want to offer 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 to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should include details about the parents as well as their AKC registration number as well as a clause allowing them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is a crucial way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and ensure that they will be placed in good homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that form part of their breeding selection. This is to ensure that they don't breed pups with inherited disease. These tests include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and GDV (also called Bloat).
Breeders who are trusted are determined to understand the temperaments and health conditions of every dog they have. They also are able to freely and completely give this information to other breeders as well as prospective buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program members are required to conduct 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. These tests also help breeders make better mating decisions that can reduce the risk of hereditary diseases in future generations.
Typical genetic tests include:
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia particularly in the front limbs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause pain and discomfort but can be managed by the control of weight, exercise restrictions as well as supplements and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure accurate results.
The OFA test looks for hemivertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae as well as lumbar-sacral verbrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. The test isn't completely foolproof however, and does not determine whether the dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or any other spinal disorders later in life.
Socialization
GSDs require rigorous physical exercise in addition to training and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. They can get bored easily and a lack of exercise may lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or eating shoes. Often, these behaviors are a result of insufficient emotional needs. Early socialization is important for German Shepherd pups. A good socialization program allows the puppy to build confidence with new people and environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will become scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
The mother and her littermates play together and interact with one another. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause teaches puppies appropriate social cues and how to deal with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. They are also exposed to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds. The puppies are taught how to behave in a group. This is essential to their success as adults.
The puppy should be introduced to various household sounds including vacuum cleaners, doorbells and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed sounds outside, including traffic, sirens, and construction. This is essential so that the puppy will not be scared or anxious of these stimuli when they become adults. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a relaxed pace, and positive reinforcement should be used throughout the process.
During this time, it is essential that the puppy meets many 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 doggies.
The puppy should be able to interact with the other dogs in a safe well-controlled manner. The interaction should be limited initially so that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to be around calmer, older and friendly dogs. This will help the puppy realize that not all larger, older dogs are fearsome and helps them develop an appropriate temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require regular, strict obedience training. It's important to enroll them in a training class early particularly when they are still puppy dogs. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. It is also a great time to familiarize them with basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. The earlier you begin teaching your dog these basic skills, they will be more likely to follow your commands as they get older.
Territorial aggression is an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be extremely cautious of their home and property, which can lead to them barking at other people or animals that enter their territory. Training, exercise and socialization can reduce territorial behavior.
Obedience training will also help prevent other issues with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained could cause annoyance to their family and friends. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen are easily distracted by other pets or toys, or even children and disregard basic commands such as "sit" or "down."
During their puppy years, it's important to continue to socialize your German Shepherds with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy turns 16 weeks old as their brains are undergoing an important stage of development. If your German shepherd is a protected puppy, it will likely be more difficult for them to grasp new things when they become adults. They may also be more prone towards anxiety-based aggression or fear.
Many dog owners do not realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise in order to be calm and happy. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong desire to work and satisfy their owners If they don't have enough to do, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise tones muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, aids with weight loss, and decreases "cabin-fever." It's also a great method to bond with your German shepherd!