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 need to find a reputable breeder that offers health and temperament tests for every litter they sell.
Look for puppies who are curious and fearless of people. Avoid those that exhibit territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for visitors. Early socialization and obedience training can decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are thought to live longer than other breeds. However, they can be susceptible 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 advise regular veterinary examinations as well as an appropriate and balanced diet, physical and mental exercise, and early intervention in the case of any health concerns.
German Shepherds should not overwork themselves, despite their athletic nature. This can lead to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia, which can be painful. A weight loss program or reducing their exercise, taking joint protection supplements, and giving them anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms such as limping and a reduced range of motion.
Another health issue that is common among German Shepherds is pannus. It affects the cornea and could cause blindness if not treated quickly. This condition is more common in dogs who live at high altitudes or in areas with severe pollution. It is important to keep your German Shepherd inside during the hottest times of the day, ensuring an area shaded or even wearing a pair of doggie glasses can help to stop the condition.
Like many large breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life which can be painful for the dog. This condition can affect any breed, but the risk is higher for larger breeds. Selecting an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder and providing them with plenty of exercise in a fenced yard can help lessen the impact of this disease.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a high amount of energy and require plenty of activity to burn it. They will thrive in a home that has large open spaces and regular walks.
It's a great idea to start with basic obedience training for your puppy. They are intelligent and respond well to training. A good place to start is with basic commands like'sit down','sit', and'stay'. Once they've mastered these basic commands, you can move on to more advanced obedience tasks like 'come when you're called and 'leave it'.
Getting your German Shepherd puppy used to other animals and people will aid in preventing fearful behavior later on. Introduce them to people and other animals in a controlled setting such as a dog-friendly café or park. Treats can help your German shepherd learn to focus on you and others so they don't get overwhelmed by the presence of strangers.
It's important to keep in mind that your German Shepherd is a puppy, so they will do things like chew and play with everything. It's also an excellent idea to train them early to not jump up on other pets and people to ensure that they're comfortable with all members of your household.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is a crucial time to get familiar with various sights, sounds, and smells. The Fear Period is a time when they struggle to understand things we consider safe (such as children or loud sounds). During this time it is crucial to expose your German shepherd to a range of situations to avoid developing fears later in the course of.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some classes in obedience and socialisation, especially if you have other family members who might be able to assist them out. It is easier to monitor improvements if you have someone else to reinforce the good behaviors that you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also help to give your German Shepard a sense of consistency and help them not get overwhelmed by too many different experiences all at time.
Exercise
German Shepherds require a daily workout because they are very active dogs. This activity is beneficial to the dog and its owner. It helps the dog maintain a healthy weight and keeps the muscles flexible and strong. It can also help to avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can keep a dog's mind sharp and lower the risk for behavioral issues.
Regular exercise is particularly essential for German Shepherds working line that are bred to perform in police and military work. It can help to avoid destructive behavior, such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also assist in improve obedience training and strengthen the relationship between dog and owner.
Puppies are full of energy and require more exercise. However, it is important not to over-exercise them because it can cause damage to joints and bones. This is especially relevant if your dog is still growing. This can happen up to 12 months.
Exercise for puppies can aid in developing healthy habits for the remainder of their lives. Regular walks can improve cardiovascular health, assist in reducing their weight and stress levels. It will also help them develop socialization skills by exposing them to strangers and animals. This will help them adapt to new situations, and handle stressful situations in the future.
A good guideline for determining how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to take five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a slower pace) each month. It can be a combination of play and training, however it must be supervised at all times. It is also recommended to let your dog rest when exhausted.
German Shepherds benefit from a wide range of activities, including fetch, tracking, agility training and obedience, as well as games like hide and seek. This is a great opportunity for your puppy to exercise its natural hunting instincts, and also to avoid boredom that could lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs and respond well to early training. They are big dogs that have a lot of power and require plenty of space to burn it off. If they don't get enough exercise, they may be destructive. Their natural protectiveness can also become aggressive if they are not properly socialized or trained from puppyhood.
Select a breeder who is transparent about his breeding practices and Deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung (Entzckendescferhundwelpen-wec35d.de) offers AKC papers to every puppy. He should be able to tell you about the personality of each puppy as well as how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should let you to play with the puppies and their mother and stud dog (if they are in the residence).
Be sure to inquire with the breeder for references from previous buyers. Check with local veterinarians or animal shelters in order to get a list of credible breeders.
A responsible breeder won't sell a puppy that is not socialized or healthy. He can explain how he planned the breeding program to highlight certain characteristics in the puppies. He might even be able to provide you with a puppy replacement in the event that the one you pick does not meet your expectations.
Look for a healthy-looking, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert active, and curious but not excessively hyperactive or anxious. A sluggish, lethargic or aggressive puppy is an indicator of trouble and should be avoided.
Take note of the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his pet's littermates or other animals. He should be curious and confident of approaching other dogs. He should also seek attention from people with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the puppies in the litter it is important to keep in mind that this behavior could continue throughout his life and make him difficult to live with.
Take the puppy to visit your veterinarian to ensure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations and are microchipped. It's also an excellent idea to introduce him to your family members while he's in the puppy stage and you can begin teaching him basic obedience and house rules.