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How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy You're taking a huge risk when you purchase the German Shepherd pup. You'll be responsible, for many years, for the health and education of your dog. Pet stores and online retailers generally sell puppies from puppy mills that prioritize profits over the welfare of the animal. Select a reputable breeder instead. How to Choose a Breeder who is Reputable It is important to know your breeder before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be happy to discuss their dogs and the ways they treat you. Breeders will be happy to give you details about their dogs and practices with you. The best place to start is with your local German Shepherd club or group. Breed clubs usually have a secretary, or puppy officer, who can guide you to breeders who are reputable. You can also contact your state's animal control agency to find a list of licensed breeding companies. It is a good idea to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've located one who meets your breeding standards. You should seek out an upscale, clean facility where the puppies and their mother are kept. Find out about the puppy's parents and siblings. You need proof that they were checked for hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy. A responsible breeder should be able to supply you with a copy of your puppy's medical history and an up-to-date vaccination schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a vet who is able to perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able to tell you the name of the doctor, his telephone number, and provide you with consultation records. Ask the breeder about any concerns they may have regarding your lifestyle and living circumstances. This could stop the breeder from selling the puppy to you. If they are aware that you have young kids, they may not want to sell you a German Shepherd puppy because they can be aggressive towards children. A reputable breeder will require that you sign a contract when you purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include the names of the parents and their AKC registration numbers, as well as a return-to-breeder clause. This is an excellent way breeders who are responsible to monitor their dogs and make sure they have a good home. Health Tests for Health Reputable breeders conduct health checks on the dogs that will form part of their breeding stock. This is to ensure that they don't create pups with inherited disease. These tests include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy, GDV and bloat. In addition to health screening, reputable breeders strive to acquire a personal understanding of the health and temperament of each dog they own. They also freely and fully give this information to other breeders as well as potential buyers. As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder scheme, members are required to conduct certain tests with their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders take additional tests. These health tests look for genetic diseases that affect the German Shepherd Dog as a whole. They also help breeders make better informed decisions about mating which will decrease the chance of developing hereditary diseases in the future. Common genetic tests include Hip Dysplasia The elbow dysplasia and the hip are a common problem in German Shepherds, with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front legs. These degenerative joint disorders cause pain and discomfort, but can be managed through the control of weight, exercise limitations and medications. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays under sedation to ensure the accuracy of the results. The OFA test is designed to detect the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transformational vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis and spina bifida. This test is not completely foolproof however, and it does not determine whether dogs will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal conditions later in life. Socialization GSDs require intense physical exercise in addition to training and mental stimulation to keep them busy. They can get bored easily and a lack of exercise may lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive digging or eating shoes. These behaviors are often due to unmet emotional needs. This is why early socialization is important for German Shepherd puppies. A good socialization program helps the puppy build confidence with new people and situations. It also reduces the likelihood that the puppy will be fearful or aggressive in new situations. Puppy socialization begins with mother and her littermates as they play and interact. This teaches them to interact with their rough and boisterous siblings. The pups are also exposed to a variety of scents, sounds and sights. The puppies learn how to behave appropriately in a group environment, which is key to their success as adult dogs. Introduce the puppy to various household sounds, such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed to different sounds outside, such as sirens, traffic, and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not be scared or anxious of these situations when they become adults. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace and positive reinforcement will be utilized throughout the process. It is also important that the puppy gets to meet many different people during this time, as well as other pets. This can help prevent anxiety about separation when the owner is away from home. This can be accomplished by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other doggies. The puppy should only be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled manner with other dogs. At beginning, interactions should be confined so that the dog does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to interact with calmer, older and more friendly dogs. This will help the puppy understand that not all older, larger dogs are scary and it helps them develop a good temperament. Training visit the next site need firm, consistent obedience training. It is essential to enroll them in an obedience class early enough, especially while they are still young. This will help them develop into confident and well-mannered dogs. This is also a good time to get them familiar with the basic commands like sit, down, stay and come. The earlier a dog is taught these basic behaviors and commands, the more simple it is for them to follow your commands as they grow older. Territorial aggression is a frequent problem for many German Shepherd owners. They may be extremely cautious of their property and homes which could lead to them barking at other people or animals that enter their territory. Territorial behavior is averted through proper training, exercise, and socialization. Other behavioral issues can be avoided through obedience training in German Shepherds. Dogs that are not properly trained could cause annoyance to their family and neighbors. They are easily distracted by other animals or toys, or even children and disregard basic commands such as “sit” or “down.” In the early years of their puppyhood it is essential to introduce your German Shepherds with new people locations, sights, and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy reaches 16 weeks, when their brains are in a critical phase of development. If your German shepherd is a protected puppy until then it is likely to be a lot more difficult for them to grasp new things when they become adults. They may also be more susceptible to anxiety-based aggression or fear. One thing that many dog owners aren't aware of is that a German Shepherd needs lots of mental as well as physical exercise to remain calm and happy. They are herders by nature and have a strong desire to do their best and satisfy their owners If they don't have enough things to do, they may become bored or destructive. Regular exercise tones muscles and decreases “cabin-fever.” It also improves circulation, helps in weight loss, and decreases “cabin-fever.” It's also a great method to build a bond with your German shepherd!