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 look for a reputable breeder that offers tests for temperament and health for every litter of puppies they sell.
Look for puppies who are inquisitive and unafraid of humans. Avoid dogs that exhibit territorial aggression. This could pose a risk to those who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can help decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are known 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), degenerative myelopathy, bloat allergies, cancer, and heart disease. A reputable vet will recommend routine veterinary checks as well as an appropriate and balanced diet, physical and mental exercise, and prompt intervention in the event of any health issues.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be overworked as it can lead to joint issues like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These can be painful for the dog. Losing weight, reducing exercise as well as taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help ease symptoms such as the loss of mobility and limping.
Another common health issue in German Shepherds is pannus. It affects the cornea and can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly. This condition is more frequent in dogs living at higher elevations, those who have high exposure to UV light or those who live in areas with severe air pollution. The best way to prevent this from happening is achieved by keeping your German Shepherd inside during the hottest parts of the day. You can also provide a shaded area or even a pair of doggie sunglasses.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to osteoarthritis in later life, which can be painful for the dog. This is a condition that can be present in any breed, however the risk is higher for larger breeds. Choosing an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, and providing them with plenty of exercise in a fenced yard can help reduce the severity of this disease.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and need to be kept active. They will thrive in a house with large open spaces and regular walks.
It's a great idea to begin with basic obedience training for your new puppy. They are intelligent and will be responsive to training. Begin with basic commands like "sit', "down" and "stay". Once they've mastered these basic commands and are confident, you can progress to more advanced obedience tasks such as 'come when called and leaving it.
Getting your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people will also help prevent fearfulness in adulthood. Introduce them to people and other animals in a safe environment such as an animal-friendly cafe or dog-friendly park. Treats can aid in helping your German dog learn to concentrate on you and other people so that they don't get overwhelmed by the presence of strangers.
schäferhunde kaufen to keep in mind that your German Shepherd is a puppy, so they'll play and chew on everything. It's a good idea for you to start training them early so they don't jump on people or other pets.
It is crucial to familiarize your German Shepherd puppy with new sights, sounds and smells throughout the first year of their lives. The Fear Period is a time where they are unable to comprehend things we might consider safe (such as children or loud noises). During this period it is essential to expose your German shepherd to a range of things in order to prevent developing fears later on in life.
It's also a good idea to get your German Shepherd puppy into some classes in obedience and socialisation especially when you have other family members who might be able to help them out. It will be easier to see improvements if you have someone else to reinforce the good behaviors that you are working on with your German shepherd. This will also help to give your German Shepard some consistency to ensure that they don't become overwhelmed by too many things at all.
Exercise
German Shepherds require a daily workout due to their active dogs. This activity is beneficial for both the dog and the owner. It helps the dog maintain a healthy weight and keeps its muscles strong and flexible. It also helps prevent health problems like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help keep a dog's brain sharp and reduce the chance of having problems with behavior.
Working line German Shepherds are bred for military and police work, so daily exercise is essential. It can help avoid destructive behavior, such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between pet and owner.
Puppy dogs require more exercise than adult dogs since they have boundless energy. It is important to not over-exercise your dog because this could cause damage to their joints and bones. This is particularly relevant if your puppy is still growing, which can happen at any time up to 12 months age.
Exercise for puppies can help them build healthy habits for the duration of their lives. Regular walks can promote cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and ease stress. It can also help them develop social skills by exposing them strangers and animals. This will make it easier for them to adapt to new environments and cope with stress-inducing events in the near future.
A good rule of thumb for determining the amount of exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to take five minutes of formal exercise (walking the dog at a moderate pace) every month. This exercise can include play and training, but it should be kept under supervision at all times. When the dog is tired it is a good idea for him to rest.
German Shepherds can benefit from a myriad of games, such as fetch and tracking, agility such as obedience, games, and like hide and seek. This is a great method to help your puppy exercise its natural hunting instincts, and to prevent boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
Care
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs that respond well to early training. They are large dogs that have a lot of power and require space to burn it off. They can be very destructive when they don't get enough exercise. Their natural protectiveness can also turn into aggression if they are not properly socialized or trained from the beginning of puppyhood.
Choose a breeder who is open about his breeding practices and provides AKC papers to every puppy. He is also expected to explain each of the puppies' personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should let you play with the puppies as well as their mother and the stud (if they live with them).
Ask the breeder to provide references from previous customers. Contact local veterinarians or animal shelters in order to get a list of credible breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy who is not socialized or healthy. He will be able to explain how he designed the breeding program to highlight certain characteristics in the puppies. He may also be able to offer you an alternative puppy should the one you select not work out.
You should look for a sturdy and healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, curious, and active but not overly hyperactive or anxious. A sluggish, lethargic, or aggressive puppy is an indication of danger and should be avoided.
Observe how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his littermates and other pets. He should be curious and affluent enough to approach other dogs, and is expected to attract the attention of others with confidence. It is crucial to remember that if he chooses to focus on one puppy in the litter over the other puppies, this behavior may continue into adulthood.
Make sure that your puppy goes to visit your veterinarian to ensure they're current on all vaccinations and microchipped. It is also an excellent idea to introduce him to the rest of your family while he's still an infant to begin teaching him the basics of behavior and household rules.