Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in a setting that provides plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll need to find an established breeder who offers health and temperament testing for every litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies that are curious and willing to interact with humans. Avoid dogs that exhibit territorial aggression. This could be dangerous to those who visit. Training in obedience and early socialization can help reduce aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds live longer than other breeds, but they are prone to some particular health issues. Responsible breeders check their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) Bloat as well as cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable vet will advise regular veterinary check-ups as well as a balanced and healthy diet, physical and mental exercise, and prompt intervention in the event of any health issues.
German Shepherds shouldn't overwork themselves, despite their athletic nature. This can cause joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia which can be painful. Losing weight, reducing exercise and taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medication can help ease symptoms like walking slower and less mobility.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus. It affects the cornea and could cause blindness if not treated quickly. This condition is more prevalent in dogs at higher altitudes, those with an excessive exposure to UV light, or those living in areas that have high levels of air pollution. Keep your German Shepherd indoors during the sunniest times of the day, providing an area shaded or putting on wearing a pair of doggie glasses can help prevent the condition.
Like schäferhundwelpen kaufen of large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life, which can be painful for the dog. This is a condition that can affect any breed, but the risk is greater for larger dogs. Selecting an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder and providing them with plenty of exercise in a well-fenced yard, can help reduce the severity of this disease.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and require constant stimulation to keep them busy. They thrive in a house with access to large open spaces, or can be regularly taken on long walks.
They are extremely sensitive and will respond well to training It's a great idea to begin basic obedience training with your puppy. A good place to begin is with basic commands like'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once you've learned the basics and are confident, you can progress to more complex obedience work like 'come when you're called' and leaving it.
It can also help reduce the fear of adults by the exposure of your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and people. Introduce them to other animals in a safe environment such as an animal-friendly cafe or dog-friendly park. Treats as rewards can help your German Shepherd become more focused in their presence and ensure that they do not overwhelmed by strangers and become scared.
It's important to keep in mind that your German Shepherd is a puppy, and as such, they'll chew and play with everything. It's a good idea to start training them at an early age so they don't jump on pet owners or other animals.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is a crucial time to get familiar with various sights, sounds, and smells. The Fear Period is a time when they have difficulty interpreting things we consider safe (such as children or loud sounds). During this time it is essential to expose your German shepherd to a variety of situations to avoid developing fears later on in the course of.
It's also a good idea to get your German Shepherd puppy into some classes in obedience and socialisation, especially if you have other family members who might be able to assist them out. It will be easier to monitor improvements 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 things at all.
Exercise
German Shepherds require regular exercise because they are very active dogs. This exercise is beneficial for both the dog and its owner. It helps the dog keep a healthy weight and keep its muscles flexible and strong. It also helps avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can also help to keep the dog's mind sharp and reduce the risk of developing behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are bred to perform police and military jobs, therefore daily exercise is vital. It can help in avoiding destructive behavior, such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also improve obedience training and strengthen bonds between dog and owner.
Puppy dogs require more exercise than adult dogs because they have an unending energy. It is crucial to not over-exert your dog because this could cause damage to their joints and bones. This is especially the case if your puppy is still growing. This can happen up to 12 months.
Exercise for puppies can also aid in developing healthy habits that will last for the duration of their lives. Regular walks can improve cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and reduce stress. It can also help them develop socialization skills by exposing them to new people and animals. This can help them adjust to new situations, and cope with difficult situations in the future.
For a good guideline to determine how much exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can walk the dog for five minutes every month. It can be a combination of play and training, however it must be kept under supervision at all times. It is also a good idea to let your dog rest when exhausted.
German Shepherds benefit from a variety of games, such as fetch, tracking, agility training, obedience, and games like hide and seek. This can be an excellent way to train your puppy to use its natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom, which can result in negative behavior such as destructive chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who respond well to early guidance. They are big dogs that have a lot of power and require space to burn it off. If they don't get enough exercise, they could turn destructive. In addition, their natural protection can be turned into aggression if they're not properly socialized and taught from puppyhood.
Choose a breeder who is honest about his breeding practices and offers AKC papers to every 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 allow you play with the puppies along with their mother and stud (if they are in residence).
Ask the breeder for references from previous customers. Consult local veterinarians or animal shelters to get a list of reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will not sell a puppy who is undersocialized or unhealthy. He will be able to explain how he planned the breeding in order to highlight certain characteristics in the pups. He may be able to provide you with a new puppy if the one you chose doesn't work out.
You should look for a sturdy, healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppy should be alert, curious and active, but not active or anxious. A sluggish or aggressive puppy should be avoided.
Observe the way a German Shepherd puppy acts around his littermates and other pets. He should be curious and confident of interacting with other dogs. He should also be able to demand attention from people with confidence. It's important to remember that if he chooses to focus on a particular puppy in the litter more than the others, this behavior could persist into adulthood.
Bring the puppy to see your vet to make sure they're up-to-date with all vaccinations and have been microchipped. Introduce your family to him while he is still a puppy, so you can start teaching him the basics of house rules and basic obedience.