Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in an environment that offers plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll want to search for an established breeder who offers the ability to test for temperament and health each litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies that are curious and eager to be around humans. Avoid dogs that exhibit territorial aggression. This can be dangerous to visitors. Early socialization and obedience training can help decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are believed to live longer than other breeds. However, they may be susceptible to certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia (similar to Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and degenerative myelopathy, bloat allergies, cancer and heart disease. A reputable vet will advise regular veterinary examinations in addition to a balanced and healthy diet, mental and physical exercise, and early intervention in the case of any health issues.
German Shepherds should not exert too much themselves, despite their athletic nature. This can lead to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia which can be painful. Utilizing a weight loss program and reducing their exercise, taking joint protection supplements, and giving them anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms such as limping and a reduced range of motion.
A common health problem in German Shepherds, pannus can affect the cornea. If not treated quickly it could lead to blindness. This condition is more prevalent in dogs living at higher elevations, those who have high exposure to UV light or in areas with high levels of air pollution. It is important to keep your German Shepherd inside during the sunniest times of the day, ensuring an area shaded or putting on a pair of doggie sunglasses can help to stop the condition.
German Shepherds can suffer from osteoarthritis later in their lives as do other large breeds. It can be painful. This condition can be present in any breed, however the risk is higher for larger dogs. If you choose to purchase an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, and supplying them with plenty of exercise in a well-fenced yard, can help reduce the severity of this disease.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of activity to burn it. They will thrive in a home that has large open spaces and regular walks.
It's a great idea begin with basic obedience classes for your new puppy. They are smart and respond well to training. Start with simple commands like'sit and stay', "down" 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 leaving it.
It will also prevent adult fear by the exposure of your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and people. It is essential to introduce them to other animals and people in a controlled environment, such as at the dog-friendly park or cafe. Treats as rewards can help your German Shepherd become more focused in their presence, so that they are not overwhelmed by strangers and become scared.
Remember that your German shepherd is still a puppy. They'll play and chew on anything. It's also an excellent idea to train them in the beginning to avoid jumping up on other pets and people, so that they are comfortable around all members of your household.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to get them familiar with different sights and sounds as well as smells. altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen is a time where they are unable to comprehend things we might consider safe (such as children or loud sounds). During this time, it is important to expose your German shepherd to a range of things to avoid developing fears later on in life.
You should also enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, particularly in the event that other family members could assist. A person who can reinforce the good behavior you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you to see progress faster and will also give your German Shepherd a sense of stability so that they don't feel overwhelmed by a myriad of new experiences at one time.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require lots of exercise every day. This exercise is beneficial for both the dog and the owner. It helps the dog maintain an ideal weight and keeps their muscles flexible and strong. It also helps prevent health problems like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can also help to keep the dog's mind sharp and lower the risk of behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are bred for military and police jobs, therefore daily exercise is crucial. It can prevent destructive behavior such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen bonds between dog and pet owner.
Puppy dogs require more exercise than adult dogs because they have boundless energy. It is essential 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. It can happen up until 12 months.
Exercise for puppies can also help them build healthy habits that will last for the remainder of their lives. Regular walks can improve cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and reduce stress. By exposing them to different animals and people and animals, they can develop their social abilities. This will help them to adapt to new situations and deal with stress-inducing events in the near future.
A good guideline for determining how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to take five minutes of formal exercise (walking the dog at a moderate pace) every month. It can be a combination of play and training, however it must be supervised at all times. It is also a good idea to allow the dog to rest when it is tired.
German Shepherds benefit from a myriad of games, such as fetch, tracking, agility training, obedience, and games such as hide and seek. This is a great opportunity for your puppy to develop its hunting instincts and also to stop boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs and respond well to early training. However, they are big dogs with a lot of energy, and they require plenty of space to get rid of the energy. If they are not given enough exercise, they can become destructive. In addition, their natural protection can become aggressive if they aren't properly socialized and taught from the time they are puppies.
Select a breeder who is open about his breeding practices and gives AKC papers to every puppy. He should be able to tell you about the personality of each puppy as well as how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should allow you to play with the puppies as well as their mother and stud dog (if living in the same residence).
Ask the breeder for references from previous customers. Also, consult local veterinarians and animal shelters for referrals to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder won't sell a puppy who is not well-socialized or unhealthy. He will be able to explain how he designed the breeding program to highlight certain characteristics in the pups. He might be able to offer you a replacement puppy if the one you chose does not work out.
Look for a healthy-looking, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies must be curious, alert and active, but not active or anxious. A slow, sluggish, or aggressive puppy is an indicator of trouble and should be avoided.
Observe the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his littermates or other pets. He should be inquisitive and not be afraid to interact with other dogs, and is expected to attract the attention of other people with confidence. It is crucial to remember that if he chooses to focus on one puppy in the litter more than the others, this behaviour may persist into adulthood.
Visit your doctor and make sure that your puppy is up-to date on all vaccinations. They must also be microchipped. Introduce your family members to him when they are still a puppy, so you can start teaching him the basics of house rules and basic obedience.