Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in a setting that provides plenty of space for training and exercise. You'll want to search for an established breeder who offers health and temperament testing for each litter of puppies they sell.
Look for puppies that are curious and fearless of people. Avoid those who exhibit territorial aggression, which can be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can help to reduce aggression.
Health
German Shepherds are healthier than other breeds, yet they are prone to some specific health problems. Responsible breeders screen their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) and bloat, cancer, allergies, and heart disease. A reputable vet will advise regular veterinary examinations in addition to an appropriate and balanced diet, physical and mental exercise, and early intervention in the case of any health concerns.
German Shepherds should not exert too much themselves, despite their athletic nature. This can lead to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia which can be painful. Losing weight, reducing activity, taking joint supplements, and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms like limping and reduced mobility.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus. It can affect the cornea and cause blindness if it is not treated promptly. This condition is more frequent in dogs living at higher altitudes, those with excessive exposure to UV light or in areas that have high levels of air pollution. It is important to keep your German Shepherd inside during the sunniest times of the day, ensuring shaded areas, or trying a pair of doggie sunglasses can help keep the condition from happening.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to osteoarthritis later in life which can be painful for the dog. While any breed can suffer from this condition, the chance is higher for larger dogs. If you choose an adult German Shepherd, make sure to choose a reliable breeder and allow them plenty of exercise in the confines of a yard that is fenced. This will help reduce the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of activity to burn it off. They will thrive in a home that has large open spaces and regular walks.
It's a good idea to begin with basic obedience training for your new puppy. They are intelligent and will respond well to training. The best place to start is with basic commands such as'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once they've mastered those basics and are confident, you can progress to more complex obedience work such as 'come when called' and 'leave it'.
It is important to get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people can aid in preventing fearful behavior later on. Introduce them to other animals in a controlled environment such as an animal-friendly cafe or dog-friendly park. Rewarding them with treats can assist your German Shepherd to become more aware in their presence, so that they are not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become afraid.
It's important to keep in mind that your German Shepherd is a puppy, so they'll play with and chew on everything. It's also a good idea to teach them early to not jump on people and other pets to ensure that they're comfortable with all members of your family.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to get familiar with various sights and sounds, as well as smells. The Fear Period is a time when they have difficulty interpreting things we consider safe (such as children or loud noises). During this time, it is important to expose your German Shepherd to a variety of different things so that they don't develop fears later in life.
You should also take your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, particularly in the event that other family members could help. It will be easier to see progress if you have someone else who can reinforce the good behaviors that you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also give your German Shepard a sense of consistency, so they don't get overwhelmed by too many experiences all at once.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require lots of exercise every day. This activity is beneficial to the dog as well as its owner. It assists the dog to maintain a healthy body weight and keeps its muscles strong and supple. It also helps combat health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can keep the dog's brain sharp and decrease the risk for problems with behavior.
Working line German Shepherds are bred to perform police and military work, so regular exercise is vital. It can help to avoid destructive behaviors, like excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen bonds between dog and pet owner.
Puppy dogs have lots of energy and will need more exercise. It is important to not over-exercise your dog because this could cause damage to their joints and bones. This is particularly true if your puppy is still growing. This can happen up until 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies establish healthy habits that will last for a lifetime. Regular walks can promote cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and ease stress. It can also aid in developing socialization abilities by exposing them to new people and animals. This will make it easier for them to adjust to new situations and deal with stressful events in the future.
As a guideline to determine how much exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can walk your dog for five minutes every month. The exercise could include playing and training, but it should always be monitored. If the dog is tired it's best to allow him to take a break and rest.
Certain activities that provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds include playing fetch as well as agility exercises, tracking such as obedience training, and games like hide and seek. This is a great way to help your puppy exercise its natural hunting instincts, and to prevent boredom that can lead to destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs and respond well to early training. They are also large dogs with a lot of energy that need space to use up the energy. They can be very destructive if they don't get enough exercise. Their natural protective nature can become aggressive when they aren't properly socialized or trained from puppyhood.
Select a breeder who is transparent about his breeding practices and offers AKC papers to each puppy. He should be able to tell you about the personalities of each puppy as well as how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should permit you to play with the puppies and their mother and the stud dog (if living in the same residence).
Be sure to ask the breeder for references from previous buyers. Also, check with local animal shelters and veterinarians for referrals to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy that is not socialized or healthy. schäferhunde kaufen Süßer Deutscher Schäferhund can explain how he designed the breeding program to emphasize certain qualities in the pups. He may also be able to offer you an alternative puppy in the event that the one you pick doesn't work out.
You should look for a sturdy and healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert curious, and active but not overly anxious or hyperactive. A sluggish, unfocused or aggressive puppy is an indicator of trouble and should be avoided.
Be aware of the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his other dogs or littermates. He should be curious and unafraid of approaching other dogs. He should also seek attention from people with confidence. If he singles out one of the other puppies in the litter, it's important to note that this behaviour could persist throughout his life and make him difficult to live with.
Take the puppy to see your veterinarian to ensure that they're up-to-date with all vaccinations and have been microchipped. It's also an excellent idea to introduce him to your family while he's still in the puppy stage, so that you can begin teaching him the basics of behavior and household rules.