How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy<br /><br />You're making a significant commitment when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You'll be responsible for a long time for the training and health of your dog.<br /><br />Pet stores and online resources generally sell puppies from puppy mills that place profits over animal welfare. Choose a reputable breeding center instead.<br /><br />How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable<br /><br />It's essential to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be willing to provide information about their dogs and the ways they treat you. Breeders are happy to share details about their dogs and practices with you.<br /><br />Your local German Shepherd club or organization is the best place to start. Most breed clubs have an officer for puppy or secretary who can point you to credible breeders in your region. If you prefer, you can contact your state animal control agency to get the list of breeders who are licensed.<br /><br />Make the effort to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've located one who is in line with your breeding standards. You should search for a clean, comfortable facility where the puppy and the mother dog are kept in a secure. You should inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should find out if they've been screened for hereditary issues such as hip dysplasia and eye issues.<br /><br />A responsible breeder should be able to supply you with a copy of your puppy's medical records and the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a vet who is able to perform all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able give you the name of the vet and his phone number and will provide you with records of your consultation.<br /><br />Ask the breeder about any concerns they might have regarding your lifestyle and living situation. This may prevent them from selling a puppy to you. If they know you have young kids they might not want to sell you a German Shepherd puppy because they are known to be aggressive with children.<br /><br />A reputable breeder will also require that you sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents and their AKC registration numbers, as in addition to a return-to breeder clause. This is a vital way for a responsible breeder to keep track of their dogs and ensure they are going to good homes.<br /><br />Health Tests for Health<br /><br />Breeders who are trustworthy will examine the health of the dogs they plan to breed as breeding stock. This is to make sure that they don't create pups with an inherited disease. These tests include elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and GDV (also known as bloat).<br /><br />Breeders who are reputable strive to know the temperaments and health conditions of every dog they own. They also freely and fully communicate this information to other breeders as well as prospective buyers.<br /><br /><a href="https://entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de/">www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de</a> 's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders carry out additional tests.<br /><br />These tests are designed to detect genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also enable breeders to make better choices when mating which will decrease the likelihood of hereditary diseases in future generations.<br /><br />Typical genetic tests include:<br /><br />Hip Dysplasia<br /><br />Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front limbs. These joint conditions that cause degeneration cause pain and discomfort, however, they can be controlled with weight control, activity limitations and supplements as well as medications. X-rays are taken with conscious sedation to obtain precise results, and then sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).<br /><br />The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebra, butterfly vertebra block vertebra, lumbar sacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. The test isn't 100% reliable, however, and does not tell you if dogs will develop degenerative myelopathy or any other spinal disorders later in the course of.<br /><br />Socialization<br /><br />GSDs require intense physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to keep engaged. They are prone to becoming bored and a lack of exercise could lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are often due to unmet emotional needs. This is why early socialization is so vital for German Shepherd puppies. A good socialization program allows the puppy to gain confidence in new people and environments. It also reduces the chances that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive in new situations.<br /><br />Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches puppies appropriate social signals and how to cope with their boisterous, sometimes rough siblings. They are also exposed to a wide range of smells, sights and sounds. The puppies are taught how to behave in a group. This is vital to their success as adults.<br /><br />The puppy should be introduced to various household sounds including vacuum cleaners, doorbells and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to different sounds outside, such as traffic, sirens and construction. This is important to ensure that the puppy doesn't develop afraid or anxious of these types of stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate rate and positive reinforcement is utilized throughout the process.<br /><br />It is also crucial for the puppy to meet many different people during this time, as well as other pets. This can reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away. One good example is when the dog is taken to puppy classes or dog parks, or even play dates with other dogs.<br /><br />The puppy should be allowed to interact with the other dogs in a secure, controlled manner and the interactions should be tempered initially to ensure that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with older, calmer and doggies who are friendly. This will help your puppy understand that larger, older dogs do not have to be scary. It can also help them develop a good attitude.<br /><br /><br /><br />Training<br /><br />German Shepherds require regular, strict obedience training. It is crucial to enroll them in classes as soon as you can and especially when they are still young. This will help them become confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a great opportunity to teach them basic commands like sit down, stay and sit. The earlier you teach your dog these basic commands, they will be more likely to obey your instructions as they get older.<br /><br />Territorial aggression is an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly protective of their home and property, resulting in barking or yelling at people or animals that enter their territory. Proper training, exercise and socialization can help to prevent territorial behavior.<br /><br />Other behavioral issues can be avoided through obedience training for German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't possess the proper obedience training can become a nuisance and even a danger to their family members and neighbours. They are often distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands such as "sit" and "down."<br /><br />In the early years of puppyhood, you should continue to socialize your German Shepherds with new people, places and sounds. This is especially important when they reach the age of 16 weeks because they are in an important phase of brain development during this time. If your German Shepherd is a sheltered puppy, they will likely find new experiences much more challenging in adulthood and will be more prone to fear-based aggression and anxiety.<br /><br />Many dog owners don't realize that a German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise to be happy and calm. They are herders by nature and have a strong desire to do their best and delight their owners If they don't have enough work to do, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and decreases "cabin-fever." It also improves circulation, aids in weight loss, and helps reduce "cabin-fever." It's a great way to bond with your German Shepherd as well!<br /><br />