Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in an environment with plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll want to look for a reputable breeder that offers tests for temperament and health for every litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies that are curious and fearless of humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression. This could pose a risk for visitors. Early socialization and obedience training can help decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds live longer than most other breeds, but 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 and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest routine veterinary checkups and a balanced diet, exercises for the body and mind, and early intervention when any health issues arise.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be over-worked since it can lead to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These can be painful for the dog. Weight loss, reducing activity as well as taking joint supplements and giving anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate symptoms like the loss of mobility and limping.
A common health issue for German Shepherds, pannus affects the cornea. If not treated promptly it could lead to blindness. This condition is more prevalent in dogs who live at higher altitudes or in areas with severe pollution. Preventing this condition can be done by keeping your German Shepherd in a cool area during the hottest times of the day. You can also provide a shaded space or give them a pair of doggie sunglasses.
German Shepherds are susceptible to osteoarthritis later in their lives similar to other large breeds. This can be painful. Although any breed can suffer from this condition, the chance is greater for larger breeds. Choosing an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, and providing them with plenty of exercise in a secure yard, can help reduce the effects of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of activity to burn it. They are most comfortable in a home where they have access to large open spaces, or can be regularly taken on long walks.
It's a good idea to begin with basic obedience classes for your puppy. They are smart and will be responsive to training. Start with basic commands like "sit and stay', "down" and "stay". Once your dog is proficient with the basics, you can move on to more advanced obedience exercises like "come on command" as well as "leave".
Getting your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people will also aid in preventing fearful behavior later on. Introduce them to people and other animals in a safe environment like an animal-friendly cafe or dog-friendly park. Using treats as rewards can aid your German Shepherd become more focused on their surroundings to ensure they're not overwhelmed by strangers and become scared.
It is important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, so they'll play with and chew on everything. It's a good idea to start training them early so they don't jump on pet owners or other animals.
It is important to familiarize your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and sounds throughout the first year of their lives. They will experience a period of time called the Fear Period, which means that they may have difficulty interpreting certain things that may seem safe to us (such as children, loud noises, or unfamiliar surfaces). During this time it is essential to expose your German shepherd to a range of things to avoid developing fears later on in the course of.
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 behaviours that you're working on with your German Shepherd will allow you to see progress faster and will also give your German Shepherd some consistency to ensure that they do not feel overwhelmed by a myriad of new experiences at once.
Exercise
German Shepherds are highly active dogs that require plenty of exercise. This activity is beneficial for both the dog and its owner. It assists the dog maintain a healthy body weight and keep its muscles flexible and strong. It can also help to combat health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can keep a dog's mind sharp and reduce the chance of having issues with their behavior.
Regular exercise is particularly crucial for German Shepherds working line, which are bred to perform in military and police work. It can help in avoiding destructive behaviors, such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also aid in obedience training and strengthen the bond between pet and owner.
Puppy dogs require more exercise than adult dogs since they are bursting with energy. However, it is crucial not to over-exercise them because this can cause injury to joints and bones. This is particularly relevant if your puppy is still growing, which can happen at any time up to 12 months age.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that will last for a lifetime. Taking them for regular walks can help improve cardiovascular health, control their weight and lower stress levels. Through exposing them to other animals and people, it can help them improve their social abilities. This will help them adapt to new environments, and deal with stressful situations in the near future.
As a rule of thumb to determine the amount of exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can take the dog for a walk for five minutes per month. This exercise may include play and training, but it should always be monitored. It is also a good idea to let your dog take a break when it is exhausted.
German Shepherds are able to benefit from a variety of activities, such as fetch and tracking, agility, obedience, and games such as hide and seek. This is a great way to help your puppy exercise its natural hunting instincts, and to prevent boredom that could lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs that respond well to early training. However, they are big dogs with lots of energy that need space to use up the energy. They can be very destructive when they don't get enough exercise. Their natural protective nature can turn into aggression in the event that they aren't socialized or taught from the time of puppyhood.
Choose a breeder that is transparent about his breeding practices and provides AKC papers to every puppy. He is also expected to tell you about each of the puppies' personalities and how they interact with their littermates. 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 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 not sell a puppy that is unsocialized or unhealthy. He will also be able explain how he has planned his breeding to emphasize particular qualities in the puppies. He may also be able to give you a puppy replacement should the one you select doesn't work out.
You should look for a healthy and robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, curious, and active but not overly active or anxious. A sluggish or aggressive puppy is best avoided.
Observe how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his companions and other pets. He should be curious and not afraid of approaching other dogs. He should also demand attention from people with confidence. If he singles out one of the puppies in the litter, it's important to note that this behaviour could persist into adulthood and cause him to be difficult to live with.
Visit your veterinarian and ensure that your puppy is up-to current on all vaccinations. They must also be microchipped. visit the up coming internet site 's also a good idea to introduce him to your family members while he's a puppy, so that you can begin teaching basic obedience and household rules.