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 have to find a reputable breeder that offers temperament and health tests for each litter they sell.
Look for puppies who are inquisitive and unafraid of humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression. This could be dangerous for visitors. Early socialization and training in obedience can help mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds are known to live longer than other breeds. However, they can be prone to certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible screen their puppies for hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) and degenerative myelopathy, bloat, allergies, cancer and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest routine veterinary checkups as well as a balanced diet and exercises for the mind and body, and early intervention when any health issues develop.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be overworked as it can result in joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, which are painful for the dog. Weight loss, reducing activity as well as taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help ease symptoms such as walking slower and less mobility.
A common health issue in German Shepherds, pannus can affect the cornea. If not treated immediately it can cause blindness. This condition is more common in dogs living at higher altitudes or in areas of high pollution. To prevent this from happening, it can be accomplished by keeping your German Shepherd inside during the hottest parts of the day. You can also provide a shaded area or try a pair doggie sunglasses.
Like many large breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to osteoarthritis in the later years of their lives which can be painful for the dog. While any breed is susceptible to this condition, the risk is greater for larger breeds. If you choose to purchase an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder and providing them with plenty of exercise in a well-fenced yard, can help to reduce the effects of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and require to be kept busy. They are a great fit in a home that has large open spaces and regular walks.
It's a great idea begin with basic obedience classes for your new puppy. They are intelligent and will be responsive to training. The best place to start is with basic commands like'sit', 'down' and'stay'. Once your dog has learned the basics, you can progress to more advanced obedience exercises such as "come on command" as well as "leave".
Getting your German Shepherd puppy used to other animals and people will help prevent fearfulness in adulthood. Introduce them to other animals in a safe environment like a dog-friendly park or cafe. Using treats as rewards can aid your German Shepherd to become more aware on their surroundings, so that they are not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become scared.
Keep in mind that your German shepherd is still an infant. They'll chew and play with everything. It's also recommended to train them in the beginning to not jump up on other pets and people to ensure that they're comfortable around everyone in your household.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to get them familiar with different sights and sounds as well as smells. The Fear Period is a time when they have difficulty interpreting things we might consider safe (such as children or loud noises). During this time, it is important to expose your German Shepherd to lots of diverse things to ensure that they don't become scared later on in their lives.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some classes in obedience and socialisation, especially in the case of other family members who might be able to help out. It is easier to track progress if you have someone else to reinforce the good behaviors that you are working on with your German shepherd. This will also help to give your German Shepard some structure and help them not get overwhelmed by too many different experiences all at time.
Exercise
German Shepherds require regular exercise due to their active dogs. This exercise is beneficial for both the dog and its owner. It aids the dog keep a healthy weight and keeps its muscles strong and supple. It also helps to combat health issues like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help to keep the dog's mind sharp and reduce the risk of developing behavioral issues.
Regular exercise is particularly essential for German Shepherds working line that are bred to perform police and military work. It can help avoid destructive behaviors, like excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen bonds between pet and owner.
Puppies have a lot of energy and require more exercise. It is crucial to not over-exert your dog since this could damage their joints and bones. This is especially relevant if your dog is still growing. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe Süßer Deutscher Schäferhund can happen until 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that last for a lifetime. Walking them on a regular basis can help improve cardiovascular health, control their weight, and reduce stress levels. It will also help them develop social abilities by exposing them to strangers and animals. This can help them adjust to new situations and deal with stressful situations in the near future.
A good guideline for determining how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to get five minutes of formal exercise (walking the dog at a slow pace) per month of age. It can be a combination of play and training, however it must be kept under supervision at all times. It is also an excellent idea to let the dog rest when tired.
A few activities that offer plenty of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds are playing fetch, tracking, agility exercises, obedience training, and games like hide and seek. This is an excellent way to train your puppy to utilize its natural hunting instincts and avoid boredom that can cause negative behaviors such as destructive chewing or digging.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that respond well to early training. However, they are big dogs with a lot of energy that need space to use up the energy. If they are not given enough exercise, they could turn destructive. Their natural protectiveness can also be a source of aggression in the event that they aren't socialized or trained from the beginning of puppyhood.
When buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is open about his breeding policies and has the required AKC papers for every puppy. He should also be able to tell you about each of the puppies' 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).
Be sure to inquire with the breeder for references from previous buyers. Contact local vets or animal shelters to find reliable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never offer a puppy that is unsocialized or unhealthy. He can also explain how he has planned his breeding to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He may also be able to give you an alternative puppy should the one you choose does not meet your expectations.
Find a strong, healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppies must be alert, curious and active, but not excessively active or anxious. A sluggish, unfocused, or aggressive puppy is an indicator of trouble and should be avoided.
Take note of the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his other dogs or littermates. He should be curious and not afraid of interacting with other dogs. He should also seek attention from people with confidence. It's important to remember that if he chooses to concentrate on a puppy in the litter over the other puppies, this behavior could persist into adulthood.
Make sure that your puppy goes to visit your veterinarian to ensure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations and have been microchipped. Introduce your family members to him when he is still a puppy so that you can begin teaching him the basics of house rules and obedience.