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 an established breeder who offers the ability to test for temperament and health each litter of puppies they sell.
Look for puppies who are curious and willing to be around humans. Avoid those who exhibit territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for people who visit. Early socialization and obedience training can help to reduce aggression.
Health
German Shepherds are thought to live longer than other breeds. However, they could be susceptible to certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) degenerative myelopathy, bloat allergies, cancer, and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest regular checkups with the vet, a balanced diet, exercise for the mind and body and early intervention if any health issues develop.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be over-worked since it can cause joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which are painful for the dog. Using a weight loss program or reducing their exercise, taking joint protection supplements, and administering anti-inflammatory medicines can ease symptoms such as limping and a reduced range of motion.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus, which can affect the cornea and cause blindness if not addressed quickly. This condition is more prevalent in dogs that live at higher elevations, those who have high exposure to UV light, or those who live in areas with severe air pollution. Keeping your German Shepherd inside during the sunniest times of the day, providing shaded areas or putting on the use of doggie sunglasses can help keep the condition from happening.
German Shepherds may suffer from osteoarthritis later in their lives similar to other large breeds. This can be painful. This condition can be a problem for any breed, but the risk is greater for larger dogs. If you decide to adopt an adult German Shepherd, make sure to choose a reliable breeder and allow them plenty of exercise in an enclosed yard. This will help reduce the effects of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and need to be kept active. They thrive in a house that has access to large open spaces or can be regularly taken on long walks.
It's a great idea begin with basic obedience training for your new puppy. They are smart and will respond well to training. Start with simple commands like'sit down', "down" and "stay". Once your dog has learned the basics, you can move to more advanced obedience training like "come on command" and 'leave'.
Getting your German Shepherd puppy used to other animals and people will help to prevent fear in later life. It is important to introduce them to other people and animals in a safe environment, such as at an animal-friendly café or in a park. Using treats as rewards can assist your German Shepherd to become more aware in their presence to ensure they're not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become afraid.
It is important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, so they'll play and chew on everything. It's also a good idea to teach them early to not jump up on other pets or people to ensure they're comfortable with all members of your family.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and sounds throughout the first year of their existence. They will go through a period of time known as the Fear Period, which means that they may have difficulty understanding certain things that seem safe to us (such as children, loud noises, or unfamiliar surfaces). During this time it's important to expose your German Shepherd to a variety of different things so that they don't develop fears later in life.
You should also enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, particularly if other family members can help. The presence of a person who can help reinforce the good behavior you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you see your progress more quickly, and it will give your German dog some stability to ensure that they don't get overwhelmed by all the new experiences at once.
Exercise
German Shepherds are extremely active dogs that require plenty of daily exercise. This activity is beneficial for both the dog and its owner. It helps dogs maintain a healthy weight and keeps the muscles strong and flexible. It can also help to avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise is also a great way to keep a dog's brain sharp and reduce the risk of developing behavioral issues.
Regular exercise is particularly crucial for German Shepherds working line that are bred to perform police and military work. It can help prevent destructive behaviors like excessive chewing or digging. It can also assist in increase obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Puppy dogs require more exercise than adult dogs since they have boundless energy. However, it's important not to over-exercise them because this could cause injury to joints and bones. This is particularly applicable if the puppy is still growing, which can happen until 12 months of age.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that last for a lifetime. Regular walks can improve cardiovascular health, aid in managing their weight and reduce stress. By exposing them species of animals and people and animals, they can develop their socialization abilities. This can make it easier for them to adapt to new situations and deal with stressful events in the future.
For a good 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 can be played and training, but it should be supervised at all times. If your dog is exhausted, it's a good idea to let him take a break and rest.
German Shepherds benefit from a variety of activities, including fetch, tracking, agility training, obedience, and games like hide and seek. This is a great opportunity for your puppy to exercise its hunting instincts and also to avoid boredom that could lead to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
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German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs and respond well to early training. However, they are large dogs with lots of energy that need space to get rid of that energy. They can be very destructive when they don't get enough exercise. Additionally, their natural instinct to protect can be turned into aggression if they're not properly socialized and trained from puppyhood.
When buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is open about his breeding policy and has the required AKC papers for each puppy. He should also be able to explain each puppy's personalities and how they interact with their littermates. Our Web Site should permit you to play with the puppies and their mother and stud dog (if living in the same 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 won't sell a puppy that is not well-socialized or unhealthy. He will also be able explain the way he has planned the breeding to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He might even be able to give you a replacement puppy in the event that the one you pick not work out.
Look for a healthy-looking, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be curious, alert and active, but not active or anxious. A dog that is slow or aggressive should be avoided.
Be aware of how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his companions and other pets. He should be curious and unafraid to approach other dogs, and should demand attention from other people with confidence. It's important to remember that if he decides to focus on a particular puppy in the litter more than the other puppies, this behavior may persist into adulthood.
Bring the puppy to see your vet to make sure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations and microchipped. It is also an excellent idea to introduce him to the rest of your family while he's still an infant, so that you can begin teaching him basic behavior and household rules.