How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
You're taking a huge risk when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You will be responsible for the health, training, and mental stability of your dog for many years.
Online sources and pet stores offer puppies that are typically from puppy mills, which prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Pick a reputable breeder.
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
Before you purchase a German Shepherd pup, it's crucial to know the breeder. Breeders who are responsible will be delighted to share information about their dogs and breeding practices. They will be willing to discuss genetic and health testing early socialization, as well as the environment where their puppies are raised.
Your local German Shepherd club or group is the best place to begin. Breed clubs usually have a secretary or puppy officer, who can direct you to reputable breeders. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency for an inventory of licensed breeders.
Once you've identified a breeder that meets breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. Look for a clean facility where the mother and puppies are kept in a safe environment. Find out about the puppy's parents and siblings; you want to see proof that they've been examined for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy.
A responsible breeder should be capable of providing you with a copy of your puppy's medical records and an up-to-date shot schedule. They should have a great working relationship with a vet who is able to carry out all necessary tests and vaccines. They should be able to provide the name of the vet, his telephone number, and will provide you with the records of consultation.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living conditions that would prevent them from offering you puppies. If they are aware that you have children and they are concerned about your children's safety, they might not wish to sell you a German Shepherd puppy because they are known to be aggressive with children.
You should also expect a reputable breeder to ask you to sign a contract to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include details about the parents and their AKC registration number, and an option to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an important way for a responsible breeder to keep track of their dogs and ensure they are going to good homes.
Health Tests for Health
Breeders with a good reputation will test the health of the dogs they intend to use as breeding stock. This is to make sure that they don't create puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat.
Breeders who are trustworthy seek to be aware of the temperaments and health conditions of each dog they own. They also share this information fully and freely with other breeders as well as prospective buyers.
As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder scheme, members are required to take certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders conduct additional tests.
These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. These tests also enable breeders to make better choices when mating which will reduce the incidences of here ditary diseases in future generations.
Typical genetic tests include:
Hip Dysplasia
German Shepherds are at risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, especially in the front limbs. These joint disorders that cause degeneration cause pain and discomfort but can be managed by 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).
The OFA test focuses on the presence of hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. This test isn't 100% reliable, however, and cannot determine if a dog will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal conditions later in life.
Socialization
GSDs require a lot of physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to keep occupied. They are prone to becoming bored and a lack of exercise could lead to destructive behaviors such as eating excessively or digging shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional needs. This is why early socialization is crucial for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization can help the puppy gain confidence with new people and situations. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will become fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Puppy socialization starts 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 of kinds of sounds, sights and smells. The puppies are taught to behave in the group. This is essential to their success as adults.
The puppy should be introduced to a variety of household noises like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to different sounds outside, such as sirens, traffic, and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy doesn't grow up afraid or anxious of these stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process.
During this time, it's essential that the puppy interacts with different animals and people. This can reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away. One good example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes and dog parks or play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled way with other dogs. At first, the interactions should be confined so that the dog does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with calmer, older and more gentle dogs. This will help the puppy to realize that not all larger, older dogs are scary and it will aid in developing a positive temperament.
Training
German Shepherds require consistent, firm obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in a training class early particularly when they are still puppy dogs. This will allow them to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a great opportunity to teach them basic commands, such as sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog learns these basic behaviors and commands, the more easy it will be for them to follow your directions as they grow older.
Territorial aggression can be a problem in many families with German Shepherds. They might be extremely protective of their homes and property and this can result in them barking at other people or animals who venture into their area. Training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.
Obedience training will also help prevent other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained may be a nuisance to their family and friends. They are easily distracted by other pets toys or children, and ignore basic commands like "sit" or "down."
During the puppy years it is important to continue to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places and sounds. This is especially important prior to when they reach the age of 16 weeks since they enter an important phase of brain development during this period. If your German shepherd is a protected puppy it's likely to be much more difficult for them to master new things once they are an adult. 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 content and peaceful. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and they are driven to please their owners and work. If they don't get enough exercise they could become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, reduces "cabin fever," improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's the perfect way to bond with your German Shepherd, too!