Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in an environment that has plenty of room for exercise and training. You'll want to look for a reputable breeder that offers the ability to test for temperament and health each litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies that are inquisitive and unafraid of humans. Avoid those who exhibit territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for visitors. Obedience training and early socialization can help mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds are thought to live longer than other breeds. However, they can be prone to certain health problems. Breeders who are responsible for their breedings screen their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease), bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest routine veterinary checks as well as an appropriate and balanced diet, mental and physical exercise, and early intervention in the case of any health concerns.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be over-worked since it can result in joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, which can be painful for the dog. Using a weight loss program and reducing their exercise, taking joint protection supplements, and administering anti-inflammatory medicines can ease symptoms like limping and reduced range of motion.
A common health issue in German Shepherds, pannus affects the cornea. If not treated promptly it can cause blindness. This condition is more frequent in dogs at higher altitudes, those with high exposure to UV light or those who live in areas with high levels of air pollution. It is important to keep your German Shepherd indoors during the hottest times of the day, providing shaded areas, or trying a pair of doggie sunglasses can help to keep the condition from happening.
Like many large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to osteoarthritis in the later years of their lives which can be painful for the dog. This condition can be present in any breed, however the risk is greater for larger dogs. If you decide to adopt an adult German Shepherd, make sure to select an accredited breeder and provide them plenty of exercise in a fenced-in yard. This will reduce the impact of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a large amount of energy and require plenty of exercise to burn it off. They are most comfortable in a house that has access to large open spaces or be regularly taken on long walks.
It's a good idea to start with basic obedience training for your new puppy. They are smart and respond well to training. The best place to start is with simple commands such as'sit', 'down' and'stay'. Once your dog has learned the basics, you can move on to more advanced obedience training like 'come on command' and 'leave'.
Making sure that you get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people can help prevent fearfulness in adulthood. It's important to introduce them to other animals and people in a controlled setting like an animal-friendly café or in a park. Treats can aid your German shepherd learn to focus on you and others so they don't get overwhelmed by the presence of strangers.
It's important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, and as such, they will do things like play with and chew on everything. It's best for you to start training them at an early age so they don't slam into people or other pets.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights, sounds and smells throughout the first year of their lives. They will go through an experience called the Fear Period, which means that they'll have trouble interpreting certain things that may appear safe to us (such as children, loud noises or unfamiliar surfaces). During this time it is crucial to expose your German shepherd to a variety of things in order to prevent developing fears later in life.
It is also advisable to enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, especially if other family members can help. It is easier to track progress if you have someone else to help reinforce the positive behaviors you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also provide your German Shepard some consistency to ensure that they don't become overwhelmed by too many different experiences all at once.
Exercise
German Shepherds are highly active dogs that require a lot of exercise. This activity is beneficial for both the dog and its owner. It assists the dog maintain a healthy body weight and keep its muscles strong and supple. It also helps avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help keep the dog's brain sharp and lower the chance of developing problems with behavior.
Working line German Shepherds are specially bred for police and military work, so regular exercise is crucial. It can help avoid destructive behavior, such as excessive digging or chewing. It can also aid in obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs because they are bursting with energy. However, it is crucial not to over-exercise them because this can cause injury to joints and bones. This is especially applicable if the puppy is still growing, which is possible until 12 months of age.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Regular walks can boost cardiovascular health, assist in reducing their weight and stress levels. Read Homepage will also help them develop social skills by exposing them strangers and animals. This can help them to adjust to new situations and cope with stressful events in the future.
For a good rule of thumb to figure out how much exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can walk the dog for five minutes per month. This exercise can include play and training, but should be supervised at all times. It is also a good idea to let the dog take a break when it is exhausted.
German Shepherds benefit from a myriad of games, such as fetch and tracking, agility and obedience, as well as games such as hide and seek. This is a great opportunity for your puppy to develop its natural hunting instincts, and also to stop boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
Care
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that respond well to early guidance. However, they are big dogs with a lot of energy and require space to use up that energy. If they aren't given enough exercise, they may turn destructive. Their natural protective nature can turn into aggression when they aren't properly socialized or trained from the beginning of puppyhood.
Choose a breeder that is honest about his breeding practices and provides AKC papers to every puppy. He should also be able to provide you with information about each of the puppies' personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should let you to play with the puppies along with their mother and stud dog (if living in the same residence).
Ask the breeder to provide references from previous customers. Also check with local animal shelters and veterinarians for recommendations to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy who is not socialized or healthy. He can explain how he designed the breeding to emphasize certain qualities in the pups. He may also be able to provide you with a puppy replacement should the one you select doesn't work out.
Find a healthy, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert active, and curious but not too anxious or hyperactive. A puppy that is sluggish or aggressive 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 be able to demand attention from people with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the other puppies in the litter, it's important to note that this behavior can continue into adulthood 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 microchipped. Introduce him to your family when he is still a young puppy to begin teaching him basic rules of the house and behavior.