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How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy You're making a big commitment when you purchase the German Shepherd pup. You'll be responsible for the health, training, and mental stability of your dog over many years. Pet stores and online resources generally sell puppies from puppy mills that prioritize profit over animal well-being. Select a reputable breeder instead. Choosing a Reputable Breeder Before you purchase a German Shepherd pup, it's crucial to know the breeder. Responsible breeders are happy to discuss their dogs and their 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 group is the best place to start. The breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you to breeders who are reputable. You can also contact the animal control agency in your state to find an updated list of licensed breeders. Make the effort to meet a breeder in person once you've located one that meets your breed standards. Look for a clean facility where the mother and pups are comfortably confined. Ask about the puppy's parents and siblings. You'll would like to verify that they were screened for hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy. A responsible breeder will also be in a position to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and a current shot schedule. They should have a good working relationship with a vet that can perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able to provide you with the name of the doctor and phone number, and also give you consultation notes. It's also recommended to ask the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living circumstances that would stop them from selling you a puppy. For example, if they know you have children, they may be hesitant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children. A reputable breeder may require you to sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain details about the parents as well as their AKC registration number as well as an option to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an important 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 with a good reputation will examine the health of the dogs they plan to breed. This is to ensure that they don't create puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and GDV (also known as bloat). In addition to health screening Breeders who are reputable strive to gain personal knowledge of the temperaments and health of each dog they own. They also share this information fully and freely with other breeders and prospective buyers. As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program members are required to take certain tests with their dogs. The breed clubs for German shepherds also recommend that breeders take additional tests. These tests check for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also help breeders make more informed mating decisions, which will reduce the incidence of hereditary disease in future generations. The most common genetic tests are Hip Dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition that affects their front limbs. These degenerative joint disorders cause pain and discomfort, but can be managed through exercise restrictions, weight control and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays while sedating to ensure that the results are accurate. The OFA test checks for the presence of hemivertebrae and butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae as well as lumbar-sacral verbrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not impervious and cannot predict the likelihood that a dog's spinal problem is degenerative myelopathy. Socialization GSDs require intense physical exercise in addition to training and mental stimulation to keep them busy. They can get bored easily and inactivity could lead to destructive behaviors like excessive digging or eating shoes. Often, these behaviors are a result of insufficient emotional requirements. Socialization early is essential for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization helps the puppy to gain confidence in new people and different environments. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will develop scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations. Puppy socialization begins with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This helps them learn to get along with their rough and boisterous siblings. schäferhund kaufen are also exposed to a variety of sights, sounds and smells. The puppies learn to behave in a group environment, which is key to their success as dogs who mature. The puppy should be introduced to different household sounds like doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, like sirens, traffic and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy doesn't grow up afraid or anxious of these stimuli. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace, and positive reinforcement should be utilized throughout the process. During this time, it's also important that the puppy gets to meet many different people and pets. This can reduce separation anxiety while the owner is away. 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 allowed to interact in a controlled, secure way with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be limited to ensure that the puppy does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to be around calmer, older and doggies who are friendly. This will help your puppy understand that bigger, older dogs do not need to be terrifying. It can also aid in developing a good attitude. Training German Shepherds require regular, strict obedience training. It is important to get them into a training class early, especially when they are still young. This will help them become confident and well-mannered dogs. This is also a good moment to familiarize them with the basic commands like sit down, down, stay and come. The earlier a dog is taught these basic commands the more easy it will be for them to follow your commands as they get older. Territorial aggression is a common issue for many German Shepherd owners. They may be extremely cautious of their property and homes, which can lead to their barking at strangers or animals who venture into their area. Territorial behavior is averted by the proper training, exercise and socialization. Other issues with behavior can be prevented by obedience training in German Shepherds. Dogs who aren't properly trained may be a nuisance to their neighbors and family members. They are easily distracted by other pets, toys, or children. They may not be able to follow simple commands like “sit” and “down.” During their puppy years it is crucial to socialize your German Shepherds with new people, places, sights and sounds. This is especially important before the puppy reaches 16 weeks, when their brains are going through an important stage of development. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy it's likely to be more difficult for them to master new things as an adult. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety-based aggression or fear. One thing that many pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to remain calm and happy. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong desire to satisfy their owners If they don't have enough work to do, they can become bored or destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles and decreases “cabin-fever.” It also improves circulation, aids in weight loss and decreases “cabin-fever.” It's also a great way to bond with your German shepherd!