Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in a setting that provides plenty of space for training and exercise. You'll want to search for an established breeder who offers tests for temperament and health for each litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies that are curious and tolerant of humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression. This could be dangerous to those who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can help decrease aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are healthier than other breeds, however they are prone to some particular health issues. Responsible breeders screen their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease), bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable vet will recommend routine veterinary checks in addition to an appropriate and balanced diet, physical and mental exercise, and early intervention in the event of any health issues.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be over-worked since it can result in joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These can be painful for the dog. Losing weight, reducing activity, taking joint supplements, and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms like the loss of mobility and limping.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus, which affects the cornea and can cause blindness if not treated quickly. This condition occurs more often in dogs living at higher altitudes, those with high exposure to UV light, or in areas with high levels of air pollution. It is important to keep your German Shepherd indoors during the hottest times of the day, ensuring an area shaded, or trying a pair of doggie sunglasses can help to keep the condition from happening.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to osteoarthritis in later life and can cause pain for the dog. This condition can affect any breed, but the risk is greater for larger dogs. Choosing an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder and providing them with plenty of exercise in a secure yard, can help lessen the impact of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and require constant stimulation to keep them active. They are most comfortable in a house with access to large open spaces or can be regularly taken on long walks.
It's a good idea to start with basic obedience training for your puppy. They are intelligent and will be responsive to training. A good place to begin is with basic commands like'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once you've learned the basics then you can move on to more complicated obedience tasks such as 'come when called and leaving it.
It can also help protect against fear of the adult by the exposure of your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs and humans. It is essential to introduce them to other people and animals in a safe environment such as an animal-friendly café or in a park. Using treats as rewards can assist your German Shepherd learn to focus in their presence and ensure that they do not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become scared.
It is important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, so they will do things like chew and play with everything. It's a good idea for you to start training them before they are old enough so that they don't get sucked into people or other pets.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to make familiar with various 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 sounds). During this time it's important to expose your German Shepherd to many different things so that they don't become scared later in life.
It's also a good idea to get your German Shepherd puppy into some socialisation and obedience training classes particularly in the case of other family members who will be able to assist them out. It is easier to track the progress you are making if there is someone else to reinforce the positive behaviors you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also help to give your German Shepard some structure to ensure that they don't become overwhelmed by too many different experiences all at time.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require a lot of daily exercise. This activity is beneficial to the dog as well as its 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 is also a great way to keep a dog's brain alert and decrease the chance of behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are bred to perform police and military jobs, therefore daily exercise is vital. It can help prevent destructive behaviors such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help increase obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and its owner.
Puppy dogs have lots of energy and require more exercise. It is important to not over-exert your dog as this can damage their joints and bones. This is especially applicable if the puppy is still growing, which is possible up to 12 months of age.
Exercise for puppies can aid in developing healthy habits that will last for the duration of their lives. Regular walks can boost cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and stress levels. Through exposing them to other animals and people and animals, they can develop their social skills. This can help them adapt to new situations, and cope with stressful situations in the near future.
As a rule of thumb to determine the amount of exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can walk the dog for five minutes per month. This can be played and training, but should be monitored at all times. It is also a good idea to let your dog rest when exhausted.
German Shepherds benefit from a variety of activities, such as fetch and tracking, agility such as obedience, games, and such as hide and seek. This is a great way for your puppy to exercise its hunting instincts and also to stop boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who respond well to early instruction. They are large dogs that have a lot of power and need space to burn it off. They can be very destructive if they don't get enough exercise. Their natural protectiveness can also become aggressive in the event that they aren't socialized or trained from the beginning of puppyhood.
When you are buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is honest about his breeding policies and also provides the necessary AKC papers for every puppy. He is also expected to explain each of the puppies' personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should let you to play with the puppies as well as their mother and the stud dog (if they are in the residence).
Ask the breeder to provide references from previous customers. Also, check with 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 can explain how he designed the breeding to emphasize certain qualities in the puppies. He might even 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. Puppy should be curious, alert and active, but not excessively anxious or hyperactive. A sluggish, lethargic or aggressive puppy is an indicator of trouble and should be avoided.
Be aware of how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his companions and other pets. He should be curious and not be afraid to interact with other dogs, and must demand attention from other people with confidence. It is crucial to remember that if he chooses to focus on a particular puppy in the litter more than the other puppies, this behavior may continue into adulthood.
Take the puppy for a visit to your vet to make sure they're up-to-date with all vaccinations and have been microchipped. Introduce Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen to him while they are still a puppy so you can start teaching him basic house rules and obedience.