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 want to look for a reputable breeder that offers health and temperament testing for every litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies who are curious and eager to interact with humans. Avoid those that exhibit territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can help decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are believed to live longer than other breeds. However, they can be prone to certain health issues. Responsible breeders check their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) Bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable vet will advise regular veterinary examinations in addition to an appropriate and balanced diet, physical and mental exercise, and prompt intervention in the case of any health concerns.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be overworked as it can result in joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can be painful for the dog. Losing weight, reducing exercise as well as taking joint supplements and giving anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate symptoms such as the loss of mobility and limping.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus. This affects the cornea and could cause blindness if not treated promptly. This condition is more prevalent for dogs who live at high altitudes, or in areas that have high levels of pollution. Keeping your German Shepherd indoors during the sunniest parts of the day, and providing shaded areas or even wearing a pair of doggie glasses can help keep the condition from happening.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to osteoarthritis later in life, which can be painful for the dog. Although any breed is susceptible to this condition, the likelihood is greater for larger breeds. If you opt for an adult German Shepherd, make sure you choose an accredited breeder and provide them plenty of exercise within an enclosed yard. This will help reduce the impact of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a lot of energy and need lots of activity to burn it off. They will do best in a home that has access to large open spaces or can be regularly taken on long walks.
They are highly intelligent and are able to respond to training, so it's a good idea to begin basic obedience training with your new puppy. The best place to start is with basic commands such as'sit down','sit', and'stay'. Once your dog has mastered the basics, you can progress to more complex obedience training like "come on command" and "leave".
It can also help reduce the fear of adults by the exposure of your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and human. Introduce them to other animals in a safe environment like a dog-friendly park or cafe. Treats as rewards can help your German Shepherd to become more aware on their surroundings and ensure that they do not intimidated by strangers or fearful.
It is important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, and as such, they will do things like play and chew on everything. It's best for you to start training them early so they don't slam into people or other pets.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to get familiar with various sights and sounds as well as smells. The Fear Period is a time when they struggle to understand things we consider safe (such as children or loud sounds). During this period it is crucial to expose your German shepherd to a variety of situations to avoid developing fears later on in life.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some classes in obedience and socialisation especially if you have other family members who might be able to help out. A person who can reinforce the good behaviours that you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you to see progress faster, and it will give your German Shepherd some stability to ensure that they don't get overwhelmed by a myriad of new experiences at one time.
Exercise
German Shepherds require regular exercise because they are very active dogs. This activity is beneficial to the dog and its owner. It aids the dog to maintain a healthy body weight and keeps its muscles flexible and strong. It also helps combat health issues like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can also help to keep a dog's brain alert and decrease the chance of developing behavioral issues.
Regular exercise is particularly essential for German Shepherds working line, which are bred to perform military and police work. It can help to prevent destructive behavior such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and pet owner.
Puppies are full of energy and will need more exercise. It is essential to limit your dog's exercise as this can damage their joints and bones. This is especially the case if your puppy is still growing. This can happen up until 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that will last for Schäferhunde suchen Ein zuhause a lifetime. Walking them on a regular basis can aid in improving cardiovascular health, control their weight, and reduce stress levels. By exposing them species of animals and people and animals, they can develop their socialization skills. This can help them adjust to new environments, and cope with stressful situations in the future.
As a rule of thumb to figure out how much exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can walk the dog for five minutes per month. This exercise can include play and training, but it should be kept under supervision at all times. It is also a good idea to let the dog take a break when it is exhausted.
German Shepherds are able to benefit from a variety of games, such as fetch, tracking, agility training and obedience, as well as 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 lead to negative behaviors like destructive chewing or digging.
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 plenty of space to burn it off. They can be very destructive when they don't get enough exercise. In addition, their natural protection can turn into aggression if not properly socialized and trained as puppies.
When buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is honest about his breeding policies and has the required AKC papers for each puppy. He will also be able to tell you about each of the puppies' personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should let you play with the puppies as well as their mother and stud (if they live with them).
Be sure to inquire with the breeder for references from previous buyers. Contact local vets or animal shelters to find credible breeders.
A responsible breeder will not offer a puppy that is not socialized or healthy. He will be able explain how he designed the breeding program to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He might even 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, active, and curious but not too hyperactive or anxious. A sluggish, unfocused or aggressive puppy is an indicator of trouble and should be avoided.
Observe the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his littermates or other pets. He should be curious and confident of approaching other dogs. He should also seek attention from people with confidence. It is important to keep in mind that if he chooses to focus on one puppy from the litter over the others, this behaviour may persist into adulthood.
Visit your veterinarian and ensure that your puppy is up to current on all vaccinations. They should also be microchipped. It is also recommended to introduce him to your family members while they're still in the puppy stage and you can begin teaching him the basics of obedience and house rules.