Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in a home that has plenty of space for training and exercise. You'll have to find a reputable breeder that offers health and temperament tests for every litter they sell.
Find puppies who are curious and willing to be around humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression. This can be dangerous to those who visit. Obedience training and early socialization can help mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds are thought to live longer than other breeds. However, they could be prone to certain health issues. Responsible breeders screen their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) and bloat, cancer, allergies, and heart disease. A reputable vet will recommend regular veterinary examinations as well as a balanced and healthy diet, mental and physical 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 cause joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These can be painful for the dog. Using a weight loss program, reducing their level of exercise, taking joint protection supplements, and supplying them with anti-inflammatory medications can ease symptoms like limping and reduced range of motion.
A common health problem in German Shepherds, pannus is a condition that affects the cornea. If not treated promptly it could lead to blindness. This condition is more common for dogs who live at high altitudes or in areas that have high levels of pollution. Preventing this condition can be done by keeping your German Shepherd inside during the hottest hours of the day. You can also provide a shaded area or even a pair of doggie sunglasses.
Like a lot of large breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life and can cause pain for the dog. While any breed is susceptible to this condition, the risk is greater for larger breeds. If deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen opt for an adult German Shepherd, make sure to choose a reliable breeder and allow them plenty of exercise in an enclosed yard. This will lessen the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and require constant stimulation to keep them active. They are a great fit in a home with large open spaces and regular walks.
They are extremely intelligent and are able to respond to training, so it's a good idea to begin basic obedience training with your new puppy. Start with basic commands like "sit down', "down" and "stay". Once they've mastered these basic commands 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 animals and people will help to prevent fear in later life. It is important to introduce them to other people and animals in a controlled environment, such as at the dog-friendly park or cafe. Treats as rewards can aid your German Shepherd learn to focus on their surroundings and ensure that they do not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become afraid.
schäferhund beschützerinstinkt to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, which means they'll play and chew on everything. It's also recommended to train them early to not jump up on other pets or people to ensure that they're at ease with everyone in your household.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to make them familiar with different sights and sounds as well as smells. They will experience an experience known as the Fear Period, which means that they will have difficulty interpreting certain things that may seem safe to us (such as children, loud noises or unfamiliar surfaces). During this period, it's crucial to expose your German Shepherd to many diverse things to ensure that they don't develop fears later on in life.
It is also advisable to enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, particularly in the event that other family members could help. Having someone else who can reinforce the positive behaviours that you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you see your progress more quickly and will also give your German Shepherd some stability to ensure that they don't get overwhelmed by too many new experiences at the same time.
Exercise
German Shepherds require daily exercise because they are very active dogs. This activity is beneficial for both the dog and its owner. It helps dogs maintain a healthy weight and keeps their muscles flexible and strong. It also helps to prevent health problems like 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 for military and police work, so regular exercise is vital. It can help to avoid destructive behaviors, like excessive chewing or digging. It can also improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs because they have an unending energy. However, it's important not to over-exercise them because it can cause damage to the dog's joints and bones. This is particularly applicable if the puppy is still growing, which is possible until 12 months of age.
Exercise for puppies can also help them develop healthy habits that will last for the remainder of their lives. Going for walks regularly can help to promote cardiovascular health, control their weight, and lower stress levels. It can also aid in developing socialization skills by exposing them to new people and animals. This can make it easier for them to adapt to new situations and cope with stressful events in the future.
A good rule of thumb to determine how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to do five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a moderate pace) every month. The exercise could include play and training but it must always be monitored. It is also recommended to let the dog take a break when it is tired.
German Shepherds can benefit from a myriad of activities, such as fetch and tracking, agility, obedience, and games such as hide and seek. This is a great method to help your puppy exercise its natural hunting instincts, and also to stop boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who respond well to early training. They are big dogs that have lots of energy and need space to burn it off. If they are not given enough exercise, they could turn destructive. Their natural protectiveness can also turn into aggression in the event that they aren't socialized or taught from the time of puppyhood.
When you are buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is open about his breeding policies and provides the necessary AKC papers for every puppy. He should be able 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 to play with the puppies and their mother and the stud dog (if they are in the residence).
Ask the breeder to provide references from previous customers. Also, consult local vets and animal shelters for referrals to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never offer a puppy that is unsocialized or unhealthy. He can also explain the way he has planned the breeding to emphasize particular qualities in the puppies. He may also be able provide you with a replacement puppy in the event that the one you choose doesn't work out.
Look for a healthy-looking, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, curious, and active but not excessively anxious or hyperactive. A sluggish or aggressive puppy is best avoided.
Take note of the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his pet's littermates or other animals. He should be curious and unafraid to approach other dogs, and he should demand attention from others with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the puppies in the litter it is important to keep in mind that this behavior can continue throughout his life and make him difficult to live with.
Bring the puppy to see your veterinarian to ensure they're current on all vaccinations and microchipped. It is also recommended to introduce him to the rest of your family while he's still in the puppy stage to begin teaching basic behaviour and house rules.