Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in an environment that has plenty of open space to exercise and train. You'll need to find a reputable breeder that offers health and temperament testing for every litter of puppies they sell.
Find puppies who are curious and unafraid to be around humans. Avoid dogs that exhibit territorial aggression. This could pose a risk for visitors. Early socialization and obedience training can reduce aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are believed to live longer than other breeds. However, they can be prone to certain health problems. Breeders who are responsible screen 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 advise regular veterinary check-ups, eating a balanced and healthy diet, physical and mental exercise, and prompt intervention in the event of any health issues.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be over-worked since it can result in joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, which are painful for the dog. A weight loss program and reducing their activity, taking joint protection supplements, and administering anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms like limping and reduced range of motion.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus, which can affect the cornea and cause blindness if not treated quickly. This condition is more frequent in dogs living at higher altitudes, with excessive exposure to UV light, or those who live in areas with severe air pollution. It is important to keep your German Shepherd inside during the sunniest parts of the day, providing shaded areas or even wearing a pair of doggie glasses can help to stop the condition.
German Shepherds can suffer from osteoarthritis later in their lives 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 greater for larger breeds. If you opt for an adult German Shepherd, make sure you choose a reputable breeder and give plenty of exercise in a fenced-in yard. This will lessen the effects of this condition.
Training
resource for this article are energetic and need to be kept active. They thrive in a house with access to large open spaces or be regularly taken for long walks.
They are highly intelligent and are able to respond to training and therefore it's a good idea to start with some basic obedience training with your puppy. Start with simple commands such as'sit down', "down" and "stay". Once your dog has learned the basics, you can move on to more advanced obedience exercises like "come on command" and "leave".
Getting your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people can help to prevent fear in later life. It's important to introduce them to other people and animals in a controlled environment such as an animal-friendly café or in a park. Rewarding them with treats can help your German Shepherd to become more aware on their surroundings to ensure they're not overwhelmed by strangers and become scared.
It is important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, and as such, they'll play with and chew on everything. It's a good idea for you to start training them at an early age so they don't jump on other pets or people.
It is important to familiarize your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and sounds throughout the first year of their existence. They will experience a period of time known as 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 period it is crucial to expose your German shepherd to a range of situations to avoid developing fears later on in life.
It's also recommended to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some classes for socialisation and obedience, especially when you have other family members who will be able to assist them out. Having someone else who can help 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 regularity so that they don't feel overwhelmed by all the new experiences at the same time.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require a lot of daily exercise. This exercise is beneficial to both the dog and the owner. It helps dogs maintain a healthy weight and keeps its muscles flexible and strong. It can also help to avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can keep a dog's mind sharp and decrease the chance of having issues with their behavior.
Working line German Shepherds are specially bred for military and police jobs, therefore daily exercise is crucial. It can help to prevent destructive behaviors like excessive chewing or digging. It can also help to improve obedience training and strengthen the relationship between dog and owner.
Puppies will need more exercise than adult dogs since they have boundless energy. However, it's important not to over-exercise them because it can cause injury to the dog's joints and bones. This is especially relevant if your dog is still growing. It can happen up until 12 months.
Exercise can help puppies develop healthy habits that last for a lifetime. Regular walks can boost cardiovascular health, assist in reducing their weight and ease stress. It will also help them develop socialization abilities by exposing them to new animals and people. This can help them adjust to new environments, and handle difficult situations in the future.
As a rule of thumb to determine the amount of exercise your German Shepherd puppy requires, you can walk your dog for five minutes a month. This exercise can include play and training, but it should be monitored at all times. If your dog is exhausted, it's a good idea to let him take a break and rest.
German Shepherds are able to benefit from a variety of activities, including fetch and tracking, agility training and obedience, as well as games such as hide and seek. This is a great method to help your puppy exercise its natural hunting instincts, and also to avoid boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
Care
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs who respond well to early guidance. However, they are large dogs with lots of energy, and they require plenty of space to burn off their energy. If they aren't given enough exercise, they may become destructive. In addition, their natural protection can be turned into aggression if they're not properly socialized and trained from the time they are puppies.
When buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is honest about his breeding policies and also provides the necessary AKC papers for every puppy. He should also be able to tell you about each puppy's personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should allow you play with the puppies, their mother and stud (if they live in the same house).
Be sure to inquire with the breeder for references from buyers who have purchased before. Also check with local veterinarians and animal shelters for referrals to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder won't sell a puppy that is unsocialized or unhealthy. He will be able explain how he planned his breeding to emphasize certain traits in the pups. He might be able to offer you a replacement puppy should the one you select doesn't work out.
You should look for a healthy and robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppies should be alert, active, and curious, but not too hyperactive or anxious. A slow, sluggish or aggressive puppy is an indication of danger and should be avoided.
Observe the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his littermates or other pets. He should be curious and unafraid to approach other dogs, and is expected to attract the attention of other people with confidence. If he singles out one of the puppies in the litter It is important to remember that this behaviour could persist into adulthood and make him difficult to live with.
Make sure that your puppy goes to see your veterinarian to ensure that they're up-to-date with all vaccinations and are microchipped. It is also a good idea to introduce him to your family members while they're still in the puppy stage and you can begin teaching basic behaviour and house rules.