Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in a setting that has plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll need to find a reputable breeder that offers health and temperament tests for each litter they sell.
Look for puppies who are curious and fearless of people. Avoid those that exhibit territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can reduce aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are believed to live longer than other breeds. However, they may be prone to certain health issues. Responsible breeders check their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) and bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will suggest regular veterinary examinations and a balanced diet, fitness for the mind and body and prompt intervention if any health issues occur.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be over-exerted as it could result in joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These can be painful for the dog. A weight loss program or reducing their activity, taking joint protection supplements, and supplying them with anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms such as limping and decreased range of motion.
A common health issue in German Shepherds, pannus can affect the cornea. If not treated promptly it could lead to blindness. This condition is more prevalent in dogs who live at high altitudes, or in areas that have high levels of pollution. To prevent this from happening, it can be done by keeping your German Shepherd inside during the hottest hours of the day. You can also provide a shaded space or even a pair of doggie sunglasses.
Like a lot of large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to osteoarthritis in the later years of their lives, which can be painful for the dog. Although any breed can suffer from this condition, the chance is greater for larger breeds. If you decide to adopt an adult German Shepherd, make sure you choose a reliable breeder and allow them plenty of exercise in an enclosed yard. This will lessen the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise to burn it off. They thrive in a house where they have access to large open spaces or be regularly taken for long walks.
It's a good idea to begin with basic obedience classes for your new puppy. They are intelligent and will be responsive to training. A good place to begin is with simple commands such as'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once they've mastered those basics and are confident, you can progress to more advanced obedience tasks like 'come when asked and 'leave it'.
It will also reduce the fear of adults by giving your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and human. Introduce them to people and other animals in a safe environment such as a dog-friendly park or cafe. Rewarding them with treats can aid your German Shepherd learn to focus in their presence and ensure that they do not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become fearful.
Keep in mind that your German shepherd is still an infant. They'll chew and play with anything. It's also an excellent idea to teach them early to not jump on people and other pets, so that they are comfortable around all members of your household.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to make familiar with various sights and sounds, as well as smells. The Fear Period is a time where they are unable to comprehend things that we may find safe (such as children or loud noises). During this time it is crucial to expose your German shepherd to a range of things to avoid developing fears later in life.
It's also recommended to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some socialisation and obedience training classes particularly in the case of other family members who will be able to help them out. A person who can help reinforce the good behaviours that you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you see your progress more quickly and also provide your German dog some stability so that they don't feel overwhelmed by a myriad of new experiences at once.
Exercise
German Shepherds are extremely active dogs that require a lot of daily exercise. This exercise is beneficial to both the dog and the owner. It helps dogs maintain healthy weight and keeps their muscles strong and flexible. It also helps combat health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can keep a dog's mind sharp and decrease the risk for behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are specially bred for police and military jobs, therefore daily exercise is crucial. It can help prevent destructive behavior such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between pet and owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs since they are bursting with energy. However, it is crucial not to over-exercise them because this could cause injury to the dog's joints and bones. This is especially the case if your puppy is still growing. This can happen up to 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that will last for a lifetime. Regular walks can boost cardiovascular health, assist in reducing their weight and stress levels. It can also help them develop social 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 the amount of exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to do five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a slower pace) per month of age. The exercise could include training and play, but it should always be monitored. It is also recommended to allow the dog to rest when exhausted.
Some activities that provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds are playing fetch as well as agility exercises, tracking, obedience training, and games like hide and seek. This is a great method for your puppy to exercise its natural hunting instincts, and also to avoid boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly smart dogs that respond well to early training. entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de are also large dogs with a lot of energy, and they require plenty of space to use up that energy. If they aren't given enough exercise, they could turn destructive. Also, their natural protectiveness can turn into aggression if not properly socialized and taught from the time they are puppies.
Select a breeder who is transparent about his breeding practices and gives AKC papers to every puppy. He will also be able to explain 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 stud (if they live with them).
Be sure to inquire with the breeder for references from buyers who have purchased before. Also, consult local vets and animal shelters for references to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy that is not socialized or healthy. He will be able explain how he planned his breeding program to emphasize certain qualities in the puppies. He may even be able to provide you with a puppy replacement in the event that the one you pick doesn't work out.
Find a healthy, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, curious and active, but not overly active or anxious. A sluggish or aggressive puppy should be avoided.
Watch how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his littermates and other pets. He should be curious and unafraid of interacting with other dogs. He should also be able to demand attention from people with confidence. It's important to remember that if he decides to focus on a particular puppy in the litter over the others, this behaviour could persist into adulthood.
Visit your veterinarian and ensure that your puppy is up-to current on all vaccinations. They must also be microchipped. It's also an excellent idea to introduce him to your family members while they're still an infant, so that you can begin teaching him basic behavior and house rules.