Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in a setting that has plenty of room to exercise and train. You'll need to find a reliable breeder who provides temperament and health tests for each litter they sell.
Look for puppies that are curious and fearless of people. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression. This could be dangerous to those who visit. Early socialization and training in obedience can help mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds are known to live longer than other breeds. However, they could be prone to certain health problems. Responsible breeders check their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) Bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable vet will recommend regular veterinary examinations, a balanced and healthy diet, mental and physical exercise, and prompt intervention in the case of any health issues.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be over-exerted as it could lead to joint issues like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These can be painful for the dog. Utilizing a weight loss program, reducing their level of activities, taking joint-protection supplements, and giving them anti-inflammatory medicines can ease symptoms such as limping and decreased range of motion.
A common health issue for German Shepherds, pannus is a condition that affects the cornea. If not treated immediately, it can lead to blindness. This condition is more common in dogs living at high altitudes, or in areas of high pollution. Keep your German Shepherd inside during the sunniest parts of the day, and providing a shaded area, or trying a pair of doggie sunglasses can help keep the condition from happening.
German Shepherds may suffer from osteoarthritis later in life similar to other large breeds. This can be painful. This is a condition that can be a problem for any breed, but the risk is higher for larger breeds. If you opt for an adult German Shepherd, make sure to choose a reliable breeder and allow them plenty of exercise within a fenced-in yard. This will help reduce the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a large amount of energy and require plenty of exercise to burn it off. They will thrive in a home that has large open spaces and regular walks.
It's a great idea start with basic obedience training for your puppy. They are intelligent and will be responsive to training. Start with simple commands such as'sit and stay', "down" and "stay". Once they've mastered these basic commands then you can move on to more complicated obedience tasks like 'come when you're called' and leaving it.
Making sure that you get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people will also aid in preventing fearful behavior later on. Introduce them to other animals in a controlled setting, such as an animal-friendly cafe or dog-friendly park. Treats can help your German dog learn to concentrate on you and other people so that they don't get overwhelmed by strangers.
Remember that your German shepherd is still a puppy. They will play and chew on anything. It's also a good idea to teach them early to avoid jumping up on other pets or people, so that they are comfortable with everyone in your family.
The first year of your German Shepherd puppy's life is an important time to make them familiar with different sights, sounds, and smells. They will go through a time period known as the Fear Period, which means that they may have difficulty interpreting certain things that may 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 on in life.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some classes in obedience and socialisation particularly if you have other family members who might be able to help out. It will be easier to monitor the progress you are making if there is someone else to reinforce the good behavior you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also help to give your German Shepard some consistency and help them not get overwhelmed by too many experiences all at time.
Exercise
German Shepherds require daily exercise because they are very active dogs. This exercise is beneficial for both the dog and the owner. It helps the dog to keep a healthy weight and keep its muscles flexible and strong. It also helps avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help keep the dog's brain sharp and lower the chance of having behavioral issues.
Proper daily exercise is especially important for working line German Shepherds that are bred to perform in military and police work. It can help to prevent destructive behavior such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also improve obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and pet owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs since they have boundless energy. It is important to not over-exercise your dog as this can damage their joints and bones. This is especially relevant if your dog is still growing. This can happen up to 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that last for a lifetime. Walking them on a regular basis can aid in improving cardiovascular health, control their weight, and reduce stress levels. By exposing them to different species of animals and people, it can help them develop their social abilities. This can make it easier for them to adapt to new environments and cope with difficult situations in the future.
As a rule of thumb to figure out how much exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can take the dog for a walk for five minutes per month. This can include training and play, but it should always be controlled. If your dog is exhausted it's best to let him rest.
A few activities that offer plenty of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds include playing fetch and tracking, agility exercises as well as obedience training games like hide and seek. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen is a great way for your puppy to develop its hunting instincts and also to stop boredom, which could lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
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German Shepherds are incredibly smart dogs and respond well to early training. They are large dogs who have a lot of power and require plenty of space to burn it off. They can be extremely destructive if they don't get enough exercise. Their natural protectiveness can also be a source of aggression when they aren't properly socialized or trained from the beginning of puppyhood.
If you are looking to purchase a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is transparent about his breeding policies and also provides the necessary AKC papers for each puppy. He should be able to tell you about the personalities of each puppy and how they interact with other puppies in their litter. 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. Contact local veterinarians or animal shelters to find credible breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy that is not well-socialized or unhealthy. He can explain how he designed the breeding program to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He may even be able to give you an alternative puppy in the event that the one you pick doesn't work out.
You should look for a healthy and robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies must be curious, alert and active, but not excessively hyperactive or anxious. A puppy that is sluggish or aggressive should be avoided.
Take note of the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his littermates or other pets. He should be curious and not be afraid to interact with other dogs, and must demand attention from other people with confidence. If he singles out one of the puppies in the litter, it's important to note that this behaviour could persist into adulthood and make him difficult to live with.
Bring the puppy to see your veterinarian to ensure that they're current on all vaccinations and microchipped. It's also recommended to introduce him to the rest of your family members while they're still a puppy, so that you can begin teaching basic obedience and house rules.