Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in an environment that offers plenty of space for training and exercise. You'll need to find a reliable breeder who provides health and temperament tests for every litter they sell.
Find puppies that are curious and eager to be around humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can help decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds live longer than other breeds, but they are more prone to particular health issues. Responsible breeders check their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease), bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest regular veterinary examinations and a balanced diet, fitness for the body and mind and early intervention if any health issues develop.
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 can be painful for the dog. Utilizing a weight loss program or reducing their activities, taking joint-protection supplements, and giving them anti-inflammatory medicines can ease 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 addressed quickly. This condition is more frequent in dogs that live at higher elevations, those who have an excessive exposure to UV light, or those living in areas with severe air pollution. It is important to keep your German Shepherd indoors during the sunniest times of the day, ensuring a shaded area, or trying a pair of doggie sunglasses can help prevent the condition.
Like many large breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life, which can be painful for the dog. Although any breed can be affected by this condition, the likelihood is higher for larger breeds. If you opt for an adult German Shepherd, make sure to select an accredited breeder and provide them plenty of exercise in an enclosed yard. This will help reduce the impact of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of activity to burn it. They thrive in a house with large open spaces and regular walks.
It's a great idea to begin with basic obedience classes for your puppy. They are intelligent and will be responsive to training. A good place to start is with basic commands such as'sit down','sit', and'stay'. Once they've mastered those basics and are confident, you can progress to more complex obedience work such as 'come when called' and leave it'.
Making sure that you get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people will also aid in preventing fearful behavior later on. It is important to introduce them to other people and animals in a controlled environment, such as at the dog-friendly park or cafe. Rewarding them with treats can assist your German Shepherd to become more aware on their surroundings and ensure that they do not overwhelmed by strangers and become fearful.
It is important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, so they will do things like play with and chew on everything. It's also recommended to train them in the beginning to avoid jumping up on people and other pets, so that they are comfortable around everyone in your household.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and sounds throughout the first year of their existence. They will experience a period of time called the Fear Period, which means that they'll have trouble understanding certain things that seem safe to us (such as children, loud noises or unfamiliar surfaces). During this time it is crucial to expose your German shepherd to a range of things to avoid developing fears later in the course of.
You should also enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, especially when other family members are able to assist. The presence of a person who can help reinforce the good behaviours that you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you to make progress faster and will also give your German dog some stability so that they don't feel overwhelmed by all the new experiences at the same time.
Exercise
German Shepherds require daily exercise because they are very active dogs. This exercise is beneficial to both the dog and the owner. It helps the dog maintain a healthy weight and keeps their muscles flexible and strong. It also helps prevent health problems like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can also help to keep a dog's brain sharp and reduce the risk of behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are bred for police and military work, so daily exercise is vital. It can prevent destructive behaviors such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also improve obedience training and strengthen bonds between pet and owner.
Puppies are full of energy and require more exercise. It is essential to limit your dog's exercise because this could cause damage to their joints and bones. This is especially applicable if the puppy is still growing, which can occur at any time up to 12 months age.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. Regular walks can boost cardiovascular health, aid in managing their weight and reduce stress. By exposing them to different animals and people It can help them develop their social abilities. This can help them adapt to new situations, and cope with difficult situations in the future.
As a rule of thumb to figure out how much exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can take the dog for a walk for five minutes every month. This can be played and training, but it should be supervised at all times. It is also recommended to allow the dog to take a break when it is exhausted.
German Shepherds can benefit from a myriad of games, such as fetch, tracking, agility training, obedience, and games such as hide and seek. This is a great method for your puppy to exercise its hunting instincts and to prevent boredom that could lead to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly smart dogs and respond well to early training. They are large dogs that have a lot of power and require space to burn it off. If they aren't given enough exercise, they may turn destructive. Their natural protective nature can be a source of aggression when they aren't properly socialized or trained from puppyhood.
Choose a breeder who is open about his breeding practices and offers AKC papers to each puppy. He is also expected to tell you about each puppy's personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should let you to play with the puppies along with their mother and stud dog (if living in the same residence).
Be sure to inquire with the breeder for references from previous buyers. Also, check with local animal shelters and veterinarians for references to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder won't sell a puppy who is undersocialized or unhealthy. He can also explain the way he has planned the breeding program to highlight certain qualities in the puppies. He may even be able to give you a replacement puppy should the one you choose doesn't work out.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz should look for a sturdy and healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, curious and active, but not anxious or hyperactive. A sluggish or aggressive puppy is best avoided.
Observe the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his other dogs or littermates. He should be curious and unafraid of interacting with other dogs. He should also demand attention from people with confidence. It's important to remember that if he chooses to focus on one puppy in the litter over the other puppies, this behavior could persist into adulthood.
Bring the puppy for a visit to your veterinarian to ensure that they are up-to-date on all vaccinations and have been microchipped. Introduce him to your family when he is still a young puppy so you can start teaching him basic house rules and basic obedience.