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 the ability to test for temperament and health every litter of puppies they sell.
Find try here that are curious and eager to engage with humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression. This could be dangerous to visitors. Training in obedience and early socialization can help reduce aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds are believed to live longer than other breeds. However, they may be susceptible to certain health problems. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia (similar to Lou Gehrig’s Disease) degenerative myelopathy, bloat allergies, cancer, and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest regular veterinary examinations and a balanced diet, fitness for the mind and body, and early intervention when any health issues arise.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be over-worked since it can cause joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, which are painful for the dog. Weight loss, reducing activity as well as taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate symptoms such as limping and reduced mobility.
Another common health issue in German Shepherds is pannus, which affects the cornea and can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly. This condition is more frequent in dogs at higher elevations, those who have high exposure to UV light, or in areas that have high levels of air pollution. Keep your German Shepherd indoors during the sunniest times of the day, providing a shaded area or putting on a pair of doggie sunglasses can help prevent the condition.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life, which can be painful for the dog. This is a condition that can be present in any breed, however the risk is higher for larger breeds. Selecting an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, and supplying them with plenty of exercise in a well-fenced yard can help lessen the impact of this disease.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and need to be kept busy. They are most comfortable in a house where they have access to large open spaces, or can be regularly taken on long walks.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to training It's a great idea to begin basic obedience training with your puppy. A good place to start is with basic commands such as'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once your dog is proficient with the basics, you can move to more advanced obedience exercises like 'come on command' and "leave".
Making sure that you get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people can aid in preventing fearful behavior later on. It is essential to introduce them to other animals and people in a controlled setting such as a dog-friendly cafe or park. Treats as rewards can assist your German Shepherd to become more aware on their surroundings, so that they are not overwhelmed by strangers and become scared.
It is important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, which means they will do things like chew and play with everything. It's a good idea to begin training them early so they don't slam into pet owners or other animals.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is a crucial time to get them familiar with different sights, sounds, and 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 essential to expose your German shepherd to a variety of things to avoid developing fears later on in the course of.
It's also a good idea to get your German Shepherd puppy into some socialisation and obedience training classes, especially if you have other family members who will be able to assist them out. The presence of a person who can help reinforce the good behaviors you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you to see progress faster and also provide your German Shepherd a sense of regularity to ensure that they don't get overwhelmed by all the new experiences at the same time.
Exercise
German Shepherds require regular exercise due to their active dogs. This exercise is beneficial to both the dog and the owner. It helps dogs maintain an ideal weight and keeps its muscles strong and flexible. It also helps avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help to keep the dog's mind alert and decrease the chance of behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are bred to perform police and military work, so regular exercise is crucial. It can help in avoiding destructive behaviors, such as excessive digging or chewing. It can also assist in increase obedience training and improve the relationship between dog and owner.
Puppies have a lot of energy and require more exercise. However, it's important not to over-exert themselves because this could cause injury to the dog's joints and bones. This is particularly true if the puppy is still growing, which is possible up to 12 months of age.
Exercise can help puppies establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Regular walks can improve cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and ease stress. It can also help them develop social skills by exposing them to new animals and people. This will help them adapt to new situations and deal with difficult situations in the future.
As a rule of thumb to figure out how much exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can walk your dog for five minutes every month. This exercise can include play and training, but it should be kept under supervision at all times. When the dog is tired, it's a good idea to let him lay down.
Certain activities that provide an abundance of physical and mental stimulation for German Shepherds include playing fetch as well as agility exercises, tracking as well as obedience training games like hide and seek. This is a great way to get your puppy to utilize its natural hunting instincts, and also prevent boredom, which could cause negative behaviors such as destructive chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly smart dogs and respond well to early training. However, they are large dogs with a lot of energy and require space to get rid of that energy. If they are not given enough exercise, they can become destructive. In addition, their natural protection can be turned into aggression if they're not properly socialized and taught from the time they are puppies.
If you are looking to purchase a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is transparent about his breeding policies and has the required AKC papers for every puppy. He should be able to tell you about the personality of each puppy and how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should let you to play with the puppies as well as their mother and the stud dog (if in residence).
Be sure to inquire with 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 won't sell a puppy who is not well-socialized or unhealthy. He will be able to explain how he designed the breeding in order to highlight certain characteristics in the puppies. He may also be able provide you with a new puppy if the one you chose does not work out.
Find a strong, healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, curious and active, but not active or anxious. A dog that is slow or aggressive is best avoided.
Watch how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his companions and other pets. He should be curious and confident of interacting with other dogs. He should also be able to demand attention from people with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the other puppies in the litter, it's important to note that this behavior can continue into adulthood and make him difficult to live with.
Take the puppy to see your veterinarian to ensure they're up-to-date with all vaccinations and microchipped. It's also recommended to introduce him to the rest of your family members while they're still in the puppy stage to begin teaching basic behavior and household rules.