Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in a home that has plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll want to search for a reputable breeder that offers tests for temperament and health for each litter of puppies they sell.
Look for puppies who are curious and eager to interact with humans. Avoid dogs that exhibit territorial aggression. This can be dangerous to those who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are healthier than other breeds, however they are more prone to specific health problems. Responsible breeders check their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) Bloat, cancer, allergies, and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest routine veterinary checks in addition to an appropriate and balanced diet, mental and physical exercise, and early intervention in the case of any health concerns.
Despite deutscher schäferhund pflege , the German Shepherd should not be overworked as it can lead to joint issues like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, which can be painful for the dog. Losing weight, reducing exercise, taking joint supplements, and giving anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate symptoms such as walking slower and less mobility.
A common health issue for German Shepherds, pannus affects the cornea. If not treated immediately it can cause blindness. This condition is more prevalent in dogs at higher elevations, those who have excessive exposure to UV light, or those who live in areas with severe air pollution. Preventing this condition can be achieved by keeping your German Shepherd in a cool area during the hottest times of the day. You can also provide a shaded area or give them a pair of doggie sunglasses.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to osteoarthritis later in life, which can be painful for the dog. While any breed can be affected by this condition, the likelihood is higher for larger dogs. If you opt for an adult German Shepherd, make sure you choose an accredited breeder and provide them plenty of exercise within an enclosed yard. This will help reduce the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a high amount of energy and require lots of activity to burn it off. They will do best in a house where they have access to large open spaces, or can be regularly taken for long walks.
It's a great idea begin with basic obedience training for your puppy. They are smart and will be responsive to training. A good place to start is with simple commands such as'sit down','sit', and'stay'. Once your dog is proficient with the basics, you can move on to more advanced obedience exercises like "come on command" and "leave".
Making sure that you get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people can help to prevent fear in later life. It is essential to introduce them to other animals and people in a controlled environment, such as at a dog-friendly cafe or park. Treats as rewards can aid your German Shepherd to become more aware in their presence and ensure that they do not intimidated by strangers or afraid.
It's important to keep in mind that your German Shepherd is a puppy, and as such, they will do things like play and chew on everything. It's also a good idea to train them in the beginning to not jump on people and other pets to ensure they're at ease with everyone in your family.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights, sounds and smells in the first year of their existence. The Fear Period is a time when they struggle to understand things that we may find safe (such as children or loud sounds). During this time, it is important to expose your German Shepherd to a variety of different things so that they don't develop fears later in life.
It's also recommended to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some socialisation and obedience training classes especially when you have other family members who will be able to help out. It will be easier to monitor the progress you are making if there is someone else to help reinforce the good behaviors that you are working on with your German shepherd. This will also provide your German Shepard some structure to ensure that they don't become overwhelmed by too many things all at time.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require lots of exercise. This activity is beneficial for both the dog and the owner. It helps the dog to keep a healthy weight and keep its muscles supple and strong. It can also help to combat health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise is also a great way to keep a dog's brain alert and decrease the chance of developing behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are bred for military and police jobs, therefore daily exercise is vital. It can help in avoiding destructive behavior, such as excessive digging or chewing. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between pet and owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs due to the fact that they have an unending energy. It is important to not over-exert your dog because this could cause damage to their joints and bones. This is especially the case if your puppy is still growing. This can happen until 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. Regular walks can boost cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and reduce stress. It can also aid in developing social skills by exposing them new animals and people. This will help them adapt to new situations and cope with stressful situations in the near future.
A good guideline to determine how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to do five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a slower pace) each month. This can include play and training but it must always be controlled. It is also recommended to let your dog rest when it is tired.
A few activities that offer a great deal of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds include playing fetch as well as agility exercises, tracking as well as obedience training games like hide and seek. This is a great way to get your puppy to engage in its natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom, which can lead to negative behaviors like destructive chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that respond well to early guidance. However, they are large dogs with a lot of energy, and they require plenty of space to use up their energy. If they are not given enough exercise, they may turn destructive. Their natural protectiveness can also become aggressive if they are not properly socialized or taught from the time of puppyhood.
If you are looking to purchase a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is transparent about his breeding practices and provides the necessary AKC papers for every puppy. He should also be able to provide you with information about each puppy's personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should allow you to play with the puppies along with their mother and the stud dog (if in residence).
Ask the breeder to provide references from previous customers. Also, consult local vets and animal shelters for references to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy that is undersocialized or unhealthy. He will be able explain how he planned his breeding program to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He may even be able to provide you with a replacement puppy should the one you select not work out.
Look for a healthy-looking, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppy should be alert, curious and active, but not overly hyperactive or anxious. A puppy that is sluggish or aggressive should be avoided.
Be aware of how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his family members and other pets. He should be inquisitive and not be afraid to interact with other dogs, and he is expected to attract the attention of other people with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the puppies in the litter, it's important to note that this behavior can continue into adulthood and make him difficult to live with.
Visit your doctor and make sure that the puppy is up-to date on all vaccinations. They must also be microchipped. It is also an excellent idea to introduce him to your family members while he's a puppy and you can begin teaching him the basics of behavior and house rules.