Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in an environment that offers plenty of space for training and exercise. You'll want to search for a reliable breeder that provides health and temperament testing for every litter of puppies they sell.
Look for puppies that are curious and tolerant of humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and training in obedience can reduce aggressive behavior.
Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen live longer than other breeds, but they are prone to some specific health problems. Responsible breeders screen their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) Bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will recommend routine veterinary checkups and a balanced diet, exercises for the body and mind, and early intervention when any health issues occur.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be over-worked since it can lead to joint issues like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, which are painful for the dog. Losing weight, reducing exercise as well as taking joint supplements and giving anti-inflammatory medication can ease symptoms like limping and reduced mobility.
Another common health issue in German Shepherds is pannus. It can affect the cornea and cause blindness if it is not treated quickly. This condition is more prevalent in dogs living at high altitudes or in areas with severe pollution. Keeping your German Shepherd inside during the sunniest parts of the day, providing shaded areas or putting on the use of doggie sunglasses can help to keep the condition from happening.
Like many large breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to osteoarthritis in the later years of their lives and can cause pain for the dog. This is a condition that can affect any breed, but the risk is higher for larger breeds. If you opt for an adult German Shepherd, make sure to choose a reliable breeder and allow them plenty of exercise in a fenced-in yard. This will reduce the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a large amount of energy and require lots of activity to burn it off. They thrive in a house with large open spaces and regular walks.
It's a great idea to start with basic obedience training for your new puppy. They are smart and will be responsive to training. Begin with simple commands such as'sit and stay', "down" and "stay". Once they've mastered those basics, you can move on to more complex obedience work such as 'come when called and 'leave it'.
It will also prevent adult fear by exposing your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and human. Introduce them to people and other animals in a controlled environment like a dog-friendly café or park. Rewarding them with treats can help your German Shepherd become more focused in their presence and ensure that they do not intimidated by strangers or afraid.
Remember that your German shepherd is still a puppy. They will play and chew on everything. It's best for you to start training them early so they don't get sucked into other pets or people.
It is important to familiarize your German Shepherd puppy with new sights, sounds and smells throughout the first year of their lives. They will experience an experience known as the Fear Period, which means that they will have difficulty understanding certain things that seem safe to us (such as children, loud noises, or unfamiliar surfaces). During this time, it is important to expose your German Shepherd to a variety of diverse things to ensure that they don't develop fears later on in their lives.
It is also advisable to enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, especially when other family members are able to help. Having someone else who can reinforce the good behavior you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you to make progress faster and will also give your German Shepherd a sense of stability to ensure that they don't get overwhelmed by too many new experiences at once.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require lots of exercise. This exercise is beneficial to both the dog and its owner. It assists the dog maintain a healthy body weight and keeps its muscles strong and supple. It also helps to avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can keep the dog's brain sharp and decrease the risk for problems with behavior.
Working line German Shepherds are bred to perform police and military jobs, therefore daily exercise is crucial. It can help prevent destructive behaviors like excessive chewing or digging. It can also assist in increase obedience training and improve the bond between dog and its owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs due to the fact that they have an unending energy. It is essential to not over-exert your dog since this could damage their joints and bones. This is particularly relevant if your puppy is still growing, which can occur until 12 months of age.
Exercise for puppies can help them develop healthy habits that will last for the duration of their lives. Going for walks regularly can help to promote cardiovascular health, manage their weight, and reduce stress levels. Through exposing them to other animals and people, it can help them improve their social abilities. This can help them to adapt to new situations and cope with difficult situations in the future.
A good rule of thumb for determining how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to take five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a slower pace) every month. This can be played and training, but should be monitored at all times. If your dog is exhausted it's best for him to lay down.
German Shepherds benefit from a variety of games, such as fetch, tracking, agility training and obedience, as well as games like hide and seek. This can be a great way to get your puppy to utilize its natural hunting instincts, and also prevent boredom, which can result in negative behavior such as destructive chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that respond well to early guidance. They are large dogs who have plenty of power and need space to burn it off. If they don't get enough exercise, they could turn destructive. Their natural protective nature can turn into aggression in the event that they aren't socialized or trained from puppyhood.
Select a breeder who is transparent about his breeding practices and gives AKC papers to each puppy. He should be able tell you about the personalities of each puppy and 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).
Be sure to ask the breeder for references from buyers who have purchased before. Also, check with local vets and animal shelters for referrals to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy who is not well-socialized or unhealthy. He will also be able explain the way he has planned the breeding program to highlight certain qualities in the puppies. He might be able to provide you with a new puppy if the one you chose doesn't work out.
Look for a robust, healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert active, and curious but not excessively hyperactive or anxious. A slow, sluggish, or aggressive puppy is an indicator of trouble and should be avoided.
Be aware of how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his companions and other pets. He should be curious and not be afraid to interact with other dogs, and is expected to attract the attention of other people with confidence. It is important to keep in mind that if he chooses to focus on a particular puppy in the litter over the other puppies, this behavior may continue into adulthood.
Make sure that your puppy goes to see your veterinarian to ensure they're up-to-date with all vaccinations and microchipped. It's also an excellent idea to introduce him to the rest of your family while he's still in the puppy stage to begin teaching him basic behaviour and household rules.