Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in an environment that offers plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll need to find a reputable dog breeder who offers temperament and health tests for every litter they sell.
Look for puppies that are inquisitive and unafraid of people. Avoid those that exhibit territorial aggression, which can be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can to reduce aggression.
Health
German Shepherds are healthier than other breeds, but they are susceptible to specific health problems. Responsible breeders check their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease), bloat, cancer, allergies, and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will suggest regular checkups with the vet, a balanced diet, exercises for the body and mind, and early intervention when any health issues develop.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be over-exerted as it could cause joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These can be painful for the dog. A weight loss program and reducing their activity, taking joint protection supplements, and supplying them with anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms such as limping and decreased range of motion.
A common health problem in German Shepherds, pannus affects the cornea. If not treated quickly it could lead to blindness. This condition is more prevalent in dogs that live at higher elevations, those who have high exposure to UV light, or in areas with high levels of air pollution. Keeping your German Shepherd inside during the sunniest parts of the day, ensuring shaded areas or putting on a pair of doggie sunglasses can help to keep the condition from happening.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to osteoarthritis later in life, which can be painful for the dog. This is a condition that can be a problem for any breed, but the risk is higher for larger breeds. Selecting 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 have a large amount of energy and require lots of activity to burn it. They thrive in a house where they have access to large open spaces or be regularly taken on long walks.
It's a great idea begin with basic obedience training for your puppy. They are smart and will respond well to training. A good place to start is with basic commands such as'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once your dog has learned the basics, you can move on to more complex obedience training like "come on command" as well as "leave".
It is important to get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people can help prevent fearfulness in adulthood. It's important to introduce them to other people and animals in a controlled environment such as a dog-friendly cafe or park. Treats can aid in helping your German shepherd learn to focus on you and others, so they don't become overwhelmed by the presence of strangers.
Remember that your German shepherd is still a puppy. They will chew and play with everything. It's also a good idea to teach them early to not jump up on people and other pets to ensure they're at ease with everyone in your family.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is a crucial time to get familiar with various sights and sounds, as well as smells. The Fear Period is a time when they have difficulty interpreting things we consider 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 on in their lives.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some socialisation and obedience training classes especially if you have other family members who will be able to help out. It is easier to track progress if you have someone else to reinforce the good behavior you are working on with your German shepherd. This will also give your German Shepard a sense of consistency and help them not get overwhelmed by too many experiences at all.
Exercise
German Shepherds are highly active dogs that require lots of daily exercise. This activity is beneficial to the dog and its owner. It helps the dog maintain a healthy body weight and keep its muscles strong and supple. It can also help to avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise is also a great way to keep a dog's mind sharp and lower the risk of behavioral issues.
Proper daily exercise is especially important for German Shepherds working line, which are bred to be used in military and police work. It can help in avoiding destructive behavior, such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help to improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Puppies have a lot of energy and will need more exercise. However, it is crucial not to overdo it as this can cause injury to the dog's joints and bones. This is especially true if the puppy is still growing, which can occur until 12 months of age.
Exercise can help puppies establish healthy habits that will last for a lifetime. Going for walks regularly can help improve cardiovascular health, manage their weight and lower stress levels. By exposing them to different species of animals and people It can help them develop their social abilities. This can help them to adjust to new environments and cope with stress-inducing events in the near future.
A good guideline to determine how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to get five minutes of formal exercise (walking the dog at a slow pace) each month. The exercise could include playing and training however it must be controlled. If the dog is tired, it's a good idea to let him lay down.
A few activities that offer an abundance of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds are playing fetch and tracking, agility exercises, obedience training, and games like hide and seek. This is the perfect way to teach your puppy to use its natural hunting instincts and avoid boredom that can cause negative behaviors such as destructive chewing or digging.
Care
German Shepherds are incredibly smart dogs and respond well to early training. They are large dogs that have lots of energy and require space to burn it off. They can be very destructive if they don't get enough exercise. Their natural protective nature can become aggressive 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 honest about his breeding policy and provides the necessary AKC papers for every puppy. He should be able to inform you about the personality of each puppy as well as how they interact with other puppies in their litter. The breeder should allow you play with the puppies along with their mother and the stud (if they live in the same house).
Be sure to inquire with the breeder for references from previous buyers. Also, king shepherd kaufen with local veterinarians and animal shelters for references to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will not sell a puppy that is not well-socialized or unhealthy. He will also be able to explain how he has planned his breeding program to highlight certain qualities in the puppies. He may even be able to offer you a puppy replacement in the event that the one you pick does not meet your expectations.
You should look for a sturdy and healthy-looking German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, curious and active, but not overly hyperactive or anxious. A sluggish or aggressive puppy should be avoided.
Be aware of the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his littermates or other pets. He should be inquisitive and affluent enough to approach other dogs, and must demand attention from others with confidence. It's important to remember that if he decides to concentrate on a puppy in the litter over the others, this behaviour could persist into adulthood.
Visit your vet and make sure that your puppy is up-to current on all vaccinations. They should also be microchipped. It's also recommended to introduce him to your family members while they're still in the puppy stage to begin teaching him basic behaviour and house rules.