Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in a setting that has plenty of open space for exercise and training. You'll want to search for an established breeder who offers the ability to test for temperament and health each litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies that are curious and fearless of humans. Avoid puppies that display territorial aggression. This could be dangerous to visitors. Obedience training and early socialization can help reduce aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds are thought to live longer than other breeds. However, they could be prone to certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible for their breedings screen their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease), bloat as well as cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable vet will suggest regular veterinary examinations, eating a balanced and healthy diet, mental and physical exercise, and early intervention in the event of any health issues.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be over-worked since it can cause joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, which can be painful for the dog. Losing weight, reducing exercise and taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help ease symptoms like the loss of mobility and limping.
A common health issue in German Shepherds, pannus affects the cornea. If not treated promptly it can cause blindness. This condition occurs more often in dogs that live at higher altitudes, with excessive exposure to UV light or those living in areas with severe air pollution. Preventing this condition can be done by keeping your German Shepherd inside during the hottest hours of the day. You can also provide a shaded space or try a pair doggie sunglasses.
German Shepherds can suffer from osteoarthritis in later life, just like many other large breeds. It can be painful. This condition can affect any breed, but the risk is higher for larger breeds. If you opt for an adult German Shepherd, make sure you choose an accredited breeder and provide them plenty of exercise within an enclosed yard. This will reduce the impact of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a large amount of energy and require lots of activity to burn it off. They thrive in a home that has access to large open spaces, or can be regularly taken for long walks.
They are highly sensitive and will respond well to training and therefore it's a good idea to begin basic obedience training with your puppy. A good place to start is with simple commands such as'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once they've mastered those basics then you can move on to more complicated obedience tasks like 'come when asked' 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. It is important to introduce them to other animals and people in a controlled environment such as an animal-friendly café or in a park. mouse click the next internet page can aid in helping your German shepherd focus on you and others, so they don't get overwhelmed by strangers.
Keep in mind that your German shepherd is still a puppy. They will play and chew on everything. It's a good idea for you to start training them at an early age so they don't get sucked into pet owners or other animals.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and smells, as well as sounds in the first year of their existence. They will go through a time period called the Fear Period, which means that they will have difficulty understanding certain things that seem safe to us (such as children, loud noises, or unfamiliar surfaces). During this time, it is important to expose your German shepherd to a variety of things in order to prevent developing fears later in the course of.
It is also advisable to enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, especially when other family members are able to assist. A person who can reinforce the good behaviours that you're working on with your German Shepherd will allow you to see progress faster and will also give your German dog some stability to ensure that they do not feel overwhelmed by a myriad of new experiences at once.
Exercise
German Shepherds are highly active dogs that require lots of exercise. This exercise is beneficial for the dog as well as its owner. It helps dogs maintain an ideal weight and keeps the muscles flexible and strong. It can also help to combat health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help keep a dog's mind sharp and reduce the chance of developing problems with behavior.
Working line German Shepherds are bred for military and police work, so daily exercise is vital. It can help prevent destructive behaviors like excessive chewing or digging. It can also help to increase obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs due to the fact that they are bursting with energy. It is important to not over-exercise your dog because this could cause damage to their joints and bones. This is especially true if the puppy is still growing, which is possible until 12 months of age.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. Regular walks can boost cardiovascular health, aid in managing their weight and ease stress. Through exposing them to other animals and people and animals, they can develop their socialization skills. This will help them adapt to new situations, and cope with difficult situations in the future.
A good rule of thumb to determine how much exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to do five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a moderate pace) each month. This can include play and training but it must always be supervised. If the dog is tired, it's a good idea for him to rest.
German Shepherds are able to benefit from a variety of activities, such as fetch, tracking, agility training, obedience, and games such as hide and seek. This is a great method for your puppy to exercise its natural hunting instincts, and also to stop boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent 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 when they don't get enough exercise. Their natural protective nature can be a source of aggression in the event that they aren't socialized or taught from the time of puppyhood.
Choose a breeder that is honest about his breeding practices and provides AKC papers to each puppy. He will also be able to tell you about each puppy's personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should allow you to play with the puppies along with their mother and stud dog (if in residence).
Ask the breeder for references from previous customers. Consult local vets or animal shelters to find reliable breeders.
A responsible breeder will not sell a puppy that is not socialized or healthy. He will be able explain how he planned the breeding to emphasize certain qualities in the puppies. He might be able to provide you with a replacement puppy if the one you chose does not work out.
You should look for a sturdy healthy and attractive German Shepherd puppy. Puppies must be curious, alert and active, but not excessively anxious or hyperactive. A sluggish, lethargic or aggressive puppy is a red flag and should be avoided.
Be aware of the way a German Shepherd puppy acts around his littermates and other pets. He should be inquisitive and affluent enough to approach other dogs, and is expected to attract the attention of other people with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the puppies in the litter it is important to keep in mind that this behavior can continue throughout his life and cause him to be difficult to live with.
Visit your veterinarian and ensure that the puppy is up-to current on all vaccinations. They should also be microchipped. It's also a good idea to introduce him to the rest of your family members while he's an infant and you can begin teaching him the basics of behavior and household rules.