Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in a setting that provides plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll need to find a reliable breeder who provides health and temperament tests for each litter they sell.
Look for puppies who are curious and eager to interact with humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are believed to live longer than other breeds. However, they may be prone to certain health problems. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease), degenerative myelopathy, bloat, allergies, cancer, and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest routine veterinary checks in addition to an appropriate and balanced diet, physical and mental exercise, and prompt intervention in the event of any health issues.
German Shepherds should not overwork themselves despite their athletic characteristics. Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen could lead to joint issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia which can be painful. Utilizing a weight loss program or reducing their exercise, taking joint protection supplements, and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate 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 quickly it can cause blindness. This condition is more common for dogs who live at higher altitudes or in areas of high pollution. It is important to keep your German Shepherd indoors during the sunniest parts of the day, providing a shaded area, or trying wearing a pair of doggie glasses can help keep the condition from happening.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to osteoarthritis later in life and can cause pain for the dog. This is a condition that can be a problem for any breed, but the risk is higher for larger breeds. If you decide to adopt an adult German Shepherd, make sure to choose an accredited breeder and provide plenty of exercise in a fenced-in yard. This will reduce the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and require constant stimulation to keep them active. They thrive in a home where they have access to large open spaces or be regularly taken on long walks.
They are extremely intelligent and respond well to training and therefore it's a good idea to begin basic obedience training with your new puppy. A good place to begin is with simple commands such as'sit', 'down' and'stay'. Once your dog has learned the basics, you can progress to more advanced obedience exercises like "come on command" and "leave".
It also helps to reduce the fear of adults by the exposure of your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and humans. Introduce them to other animals in a safe environment like an animal-friendly cafe or dog-friendly park. Treats can help your German dog learn to concentrate on you and others so they don't get overwhelmed by the presence of strangers.
Keep in mind that your German shepherd is still an infant. They will play and chew on everything. It's a good idea to begin training them early so they don't get sucked into pet owners or other animals.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is a crucial time to get familiar with various sights and sounds, as well as smells. The Fear Period is a time when they struggle to understand things we consider safe (such as children or loud sounds). During this period, it is important to expose your German shepherd to a range of situations to avoid developing fears later in life.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some classes in obedience and socialisation particularly in the case of other family members who will be able to help out. A person who can help reinforce the good behavior you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you see your progress more quickly and also provide your German Shepherd a sense of consistency so that they don't feel overwhelmed by too many new experiences at once.
Exercise
German Shepherds require a daily workout due to their active dogs. This exercise is beneficial for both the dog and its owner. It helps the dog keep a healthy weight and keeps its muscles flexible 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 behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are bred for military and police work, so daily exercise is crucial. It can help in avoiding destructive behavior, such as excessive digging or chewing. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen the relationship between dog and owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs because they are bursting with energy. It is important to not over-exercise your dog since this could damage their joints and bones. This is particularly relevant if your dog is still growing. This can happen to 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that last for a lifetime. Regular walks can promote cardiovascular health, aid in managing their weight and ease stress. It will also help them develop socialization skills by exposing them new animals and people. This will help them adapt to new situations, and deal with difficult situations in the future.
A good rule of thumb for determining how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to do five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a moderate pace) per month of age. It can be a combination of play and training, but it should be supervised at all times. It is also recommended to let the dog take a break when it is exhausted.
German Shepherds are able to benefit from a variety of games, such as fetch and tracking, agility training such as obedience, games, and like hide and seek. This can be a great way to get your puppy to use its natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom that can lead to negative behaviors like destructive chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs that respond well to early training. They are large dogs that have plenty of power and require space to burn it off. If they aren't given enough exercise, they can become destructive. Additionally, their natural instinct to protect can be turned into aggression if they're not properly socialized and taught from the time they are puppies.
When you are buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is open about his breeding policy and also provides the necessary AKC papers for every puppy. He should be able to 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 play with the puppies along with their mother and stud (if they live with them).
Ask the breeder to provide references from previous customers. Consult local veterinarians or animal shelters in order to find credible breeders.
A responsible breeder won't sell a puppy who is undersocialized or unhealthy. He will also be able explain how he has planned his breeding to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He might be able to provide you with a replacement puppy if the one you chose doesn't work out.
Look for a robust, healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppy should be alert, active, and curious but not excessively hyperactive or anxious. A dog that is slow or aggressive should be avoided.
Observe the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his other dogs or littermates. He should be curious and confident of approaching other dogs. He should also demand attention from people with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the other puppies in the litter It is important to remember that this behavior can continue throughout his life and make him difficult to live with.
Visit your vet and make sure that your puppy is up-to date on all vaccinations. They should also be microchipped. Introduce your family members to him when they are still a puppy, so that you can begin teaching him basic rules of the house and behavior.