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How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're taking on a massive commitment. You'll be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for many years. Online sources and pet stores sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills that focus on profit over the welfare of animals. Select a reputable breeding facility instead. Selecting a Breeder who is reputable It's important to be aware of your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be happy to provide information about their dogs and practices with you. Breeders are happy to give you information about their dogs as well as practices with you. The best place to begin is with your local German Shepherd club or organization. Breed clubs typically have a secretary or puppy officer who can point you to breeders who are reputable. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to find an updated list of licensed breeders. It is a good idea to meet with a breeder in person once you've found one who is in line with your breed standards. You should search for an environment that is clean and comfortable in which the mother dog and her puppies are kept in a secure. Ask about the puppy's fathers and siblings. You'll would like to verify that they've been screened for hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, and Degenerative Myelopathy. A responsible breeder should also be able to supply you with a copy your puppy's medical record and the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a great working relationship with a vet who is able to conduct all the required tests and vaccines. They will be able give you the name of the doctor and his phone number and provide you with consultation records. It's also an excellent idea to inquire with the breeder whether they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living circumstances that could prevent them from selling you an animal. For instance when they know that you have children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy because German Shepherds can be aggressive with children. A reputable breeder will also require that you sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain the names of the parents, as well as their AKC registration numbers as along with a return-to-breeder clause. This is a great way breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and ensure they go to good homes. Health Tests for Health Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that will form part of their breeding collection. This is to ensure that they don't create pups that have an inherited illness. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and Bloat. In addition to health screenings breeders who are trustworthy gain personal knowledge of the health and temperament of each pet they own. They also share this information completely and freely with other breeders and prospective buyers. The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund for German Shepherds also recommend that breeders conduct additional tests. These health tests look for genetic disorders that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. These tests also help breeders make better mating decisions that will reduce the incidences of hereditary diseases in future generations. Typical genetic tests include: Hip Dysplasia The elbow dysplasia and the hip are a common problem in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front legs. These degenerative joint diseases cause pain and discomfort but can be controlled with weight control, activity limitations, supplements, and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays under sedation to ensure accurate results. The OFA test looks for the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transformational vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test isn't completely foolproof however, and does not determine whether a dog will develop degenerative myelopathy or any other spinal diseases later in life. Socialization GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay active. They can easily become bored and a lack of exercise could lead to destructive behaviors such as eating excessively or digging shoes. These behaviors are usually caused by a lack of emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is so vital for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization helps the puppy to build confidence with new people and different environments. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will develop scared or aggressive in unfamiliar situations. Puppy socialization starts with the mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them to get along with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. It also exposes the pups to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds. The puppies are taught how to behave in the group. This is vital to their success as adults. Introduce the puppy to different household sounds, such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of sounds outside, like sirens, traffic, and construction. This is crucial to ensure that the puppy does not be scared or anxious of these stimuli when they become adults. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a moderate rate and positive reinforcement is utilized throughout the process. It is also very important that the puppy gets to meet many different people over this period, along with other pets. This will help reduce separation anxiety when the owner is away from home. This can be achieved by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks, or play dates with other doggies. The puppy should be able to interact with the other dogs in a controlled well-controlled manner. The interaction should be restricted at first so that the puppy does not become overwhelmed. The puppy should also be able to interact with calmer, older and doggies who are friendly. This will help the puppy understand that not all larger, older dogs are dangerous and will aid in developing a positive temperament. Training German Shepherds require consistent, firm obedience training. It is important to get them into classes early enough and especially when they are still young. This will allow them to become confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a great time to introduce them to basic commands, such as sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog learns these basic behaviors the easier it is for them to follow your instructions as they get older. Territorial aggression is an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be overly concerned about their home and property, leading to screaming or groaning at other people or animals that enter their area of. Territorial behavior can be slowed through exercising, training, and socialization. Other behavioral issues can be prevented through obedience training for German Shepherds. A dog that doesn't have the right obedience training could become a nuisance and even a danger to family members and neighbours. They are easily distracted by other pets or toys, or even children and ignore basic commands like “sit” or “down.” During the puppy years, you should continue to introduce your German Shepherds to new locations, people and sounds. This is especially important prior to when the puppy turns 16 weeks old as their brains are going through an important stage of development. If your German shepherd is a sheltered puppy it is likely to be a lot more difficult for them to grasp new things once they are an adult. They may also be more prone towards anxiety-based aggression or fear. One thing that a lot of pet owners don't know is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are herding dogs by nature and have a strong urge to satisfy their owners and if they don't have enough to do, they could become bored or destructive. Regular exercise can tone muscles, decreases “cabin fever,” improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's also a great method to bond with your German shepherd!