How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a big commitment. You will be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for a number of years.
Pet stores and online retailers generally sell puppies from puppy mills that prioritize profit over animal well-being. schäferhund baby kaufen .
Selecting a Breeder who is reputable
Before you buy a German Shepherd pup, it's essential to get acquainted with the breeder. Responsible breeders will be willing to share information about their dogs and the ways they treat you. Breeders will be delighted to give you information about their dogs and practices with you.
Your local German Shepherd club or organization is the best place to start. The majority of breed associations have an officer for puppy or secretary who can direct you in the right direction for reliable breeders in your area. If you prefer, you can contact your state animal control agency to get an inventory of licensed breeders.
It is a good idea to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've found one that meets your breed standards. You should look for an environment that is clean and comfortable in which the puppies and their mother are kept. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You'll want to be aware if they've been screened for any hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia or eye issues.
A responsible breeder should also be able provide you with a copy your puppy's medical record and a current vaccination schedule. They should have a good working relationship with a vet who is able to perform all necessary tests and vaccines. They will be able give you the name of the doctor, his telephone number, and will provide you with the records of consultation.
It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder whether they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living situation that could prevent them from offering you puppies. For example If they know that you have young children, they might be hesitant to offer you a puppy because German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children.
You should also expect a reputable breeder to ask you to sign a contract to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain the names of the parents and their AKC registration numbers as well as a return-to-breeder clause. This is a crucial way for a responsible breeder to keep track of their dogs and ensure they are going to good homes.
Health Tests
Breeders who are reputable will examine the health of the dogs they plan to breed as breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't produce pups with inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and Bloat.
Breeders who are trusted are determined to understand the temperaments and health issues of every dog they own. They also share this information fully and openly with other breeders as well as prospective buyers.
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to carry out certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests.
schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen are designed to identify genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich allow breeders to make better informed decisions about mating which will decrease the risk of inheritable diseases in the future.
The most common genetic tests are:
Hip Dysplasia
The elbow dysplasia and the hip are common problems in German Shepherds with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front legs. These joint disorders that cause degeneration cause discomfort and pain, but can be controlled through weight control, activity restrictions, supplements, and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays with sedation to ensure the accuracy of the results.
The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transformational vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. The test is not foolproof and does not predict whether a dog's spinal condition will be degenerative myelopathy.
Socialization
GSDs require intense physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to keep active. They get bored very easily and their inactivity can result in destructive behavior such as excessive digging or chewing up shoes. These behaviors are usually due to unmet emotional needs. This is why early socialization is crucial for German Shepherd puppies. A good socialization program helps the puppy develop confidence in new people and situations. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will become anxious or aggressive in new situations.
Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them to be around their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The pups are also exposed to various sights, sounds and smells. The puppies are taught to behave in a group. This is crucial to their success as adults.
The puppy should be introduced to various household sounds like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed different outdoor sounds such as traffic, sirens and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not become scared or anxious of these situations when they become adults. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a relaxed pace, and positive reinforcement should be utilized throughout the process.
During this time, it is crucial that the puppy gets to meet many different animals and people. This can help prevent separation anxiety when the owner is away from home. One good example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes or dog parks, or even play dates with other dogs.
The puppy should be able to interact with other dogs in a secure way, and in a controlled manner. The interaction should be restricted initially so that the puppy doesn't become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with older, calmer and more doggies who are friendly. This will help your puppy see that bigger, older dogs do not have to be terrifying. It will also aid in developing an excellent attitude.
Training
German Shepherds need strict and consistent obedience training. It is important to enroll them in classes early particularly when they are still puppies. This will help them develop into well-mannered, confident dogs. It is also a great time to familiarize them with basic commands, such as sit down, sit and stay. The earlier you begin teaching your dog these basic skills, they will be more likely to follow your commands as they age.
Territorial aggression can be an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be extremely cautious of their homes and property and this can result in their barking at strangers or animals who enter their territory. Territorial behavior can be prevented through exercising, training, and socialization.
Obedience training will also help prevent other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained may cause trouble for their family and friends. They are often distracted by other pets, toys or children. They might not pay attention to basic commands like "sit" and "down."
During their puppy years, it's important to continue to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy is 16 weeks old and their brains are in a critical phase of development. If your German shepherd is a protected puppy until then it is likely to be a lot more difficult for them to learn new things once they are an adult. They could also be more prone to anxiety or fear-based aggression.
One thing that a lot of pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to stay calm and happy. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and they are driven to please their owners and work. If they don't get enough exercise they can become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and reduces "cabin-fever." It helps improve circulation, assists in weight loss and reduces "cabin-fever." It's the perfect way to connect with your German Shepherd also!