Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in an environment that has plenty of open space for exercise and training. You'll want to search for an established breeder who offers health and temperament testing for each litter of puppies they sell.
Look for puppies who are curious and willing to engage with humans. Avoid those who exhibit territorial aggression, which could be dangerous for visitors. Early socialization and training in obedience can help mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Health
German Shepherds are thought to live longer than other breeds. However, they can be susceptible to certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible screen their puppies for hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia (similar to Lou Gehrig’s Disease) degenerative myelopathy, bloat allergies, cancer, and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will suggest regular veterinary examinations as well as a balanced diet and exercises for the body and mind, and early intervention when any health issues occur.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be overworked as it can cause joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, which are painful for the dog. Using a weight loss program and reducing their activity, taking joint protection supplements, and administering anti-inflammatory medications can ease symptoms like limping and reduced range of motion.
A common health issue in German Shepherds, pannus is a condition that affects the cornea. If not treated immediately it can cause blindness. This condition occurs more often in dogs that live at higher altitudes, with an excessive exposure to UV light or in areas with high levels of air pollution. Preventing this condition can be accomplished by keeping your German Shepherd inside during the hottest parts of the day. You can also provide a shaded area or try a pair doggie sunglasses.
Like many large breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to osteoarthritis later in life, which can be painful for the dog. While any breed can be affected by this condition, the likelihood is higher for larger breeds. If you decide to adopt an adult German Shepherd, make sure to choose a reliable breeder and allow them plenty of exercise in the confines of a yard that is fenced. This will lessen the severity of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and need to be kept busy. They are most comfortable in a house that has access to large open spaces or be regularly taken for long walks.
They are extremely intelligent and are able to respond to training, so it's a good idea to start with some basic obedience training with your puppy. The best place to start is with simple commands such as'sit', 'down' and'stay'. Once your dog has mastered the basics, you can move on to more challenging obedience training like "come on command" as well as "leave".
Making sure that you get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people can help prevent fearfulness in adulthood. It's important to introduce them to other people and animals in a controlled setting, such as at an animal-friendly café or in a park. Treats can aid your German dog learn to concentrate on you and others so they don't become overwhelmed by strangers.
It is important to remember that your German Shepherd is a puppy, and as such, they'll chew and play with everything. It's best to start training them before they are old enough so that they don't slam into people or other pets.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and sounds during the first year of their existence. They will experience a time period called the Fear Period, which means that they will have difficulty understanding certain things that appear safe to us (such as children, loud noises or unfamiliar surfaces). During this time it is crucial to expose your German shepherd to a variety of situations to avoid developing fears later on in life.
It's also a good idea to get your German Shepherd puppy into some classes for socialisation and obedience especially when you have other family members who might be able to help them out. The presence of a person who can help reinforce the good behaviours that you're working on with your German Shepherd will help you to make progress faster and also provide your German Shepherd a sense of regularity so that they don't feel overwhelmed by a myriad of new experiences at the same time.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require a lot of exercise every day. This exercise is beneficial for both the dog and its owner. It helps the dog keep a healthy weight and keeps its muscles strong and supple. It also helps prevent health issues like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help to keep the dog's mind sharp and lower the risk of behavioral issues.
Regular exercise is particularly crucial for working line German Shepherds that are bred to perform in police and military work. It can help to avoid destructive behaviors, such as excessive digging or chewing. It can also help improve obedience training and strengthen the relationship between dog and owner.
Puppies have a lot of energy and will need more exercise. It is essential to limit your dog's exercise since this could damage their joints and bones. This is particularly true if your puppy is still growing. It can happen up until 12 months.
Training for puppies can help them build healthy habits for the duration of their lives. Regular walks can promote cardiovascular health, aid in managing their weight and stress levels. It can also aid in developing social skills by exposing them strangers and animals. This will make it easier for them to adapt to new environments 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 get five minutes of formal exercise (walking the dog at a slow pace) per month of age. This exercise can include play and training, however it must be supervised at all times. When the dog is tired it's best to allow him to rest.
A few activities that offer an abundance of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds are playing fetch and tracking, agility exercises such as obedience training, and games like hide and seek. This is the perfect way to teach your puppy to engage in its natural hunting instincts, and also prevent boredom, which could result in negative behavior such as destructive 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 space to burn it off. They can be very destructive in the absence of adequate exercise. In addition, their natural protection can turn into aggression if not properly socialized and taught from the time they are puppies.
Choose deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich that is transparent about his breeding practices and provides AKC papers to each puppy. He should also be able to explain each of the puppies' personalities and how they interact with their littermates. The breeder should allow you to play with the puppies along with their mother and the stud dog (if living in the same residence).
Be sure to ask the breeder for references from previous buyers. Check with local vets or animal shelters to find reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder will never sell a puppy that is undersocialized or unhealthy. He will be able explain how he planned the breeding program to emphasize certain qualities in the puppies. He may also be able provide you with a new puppy should the one you select doesn't work out.
Find a healthy, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppy should be curious, alert and active, but not overly active or anxious. A sluggish, unfocused or aggressive puppy is a red flag and should be avoided.
Watch 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 he is expected to attract the attention of others with confidence. It is important to keep in mind that if he chooses to focus on a particular puppy in the litter more than the other puppies, this behavior may persist into adulthood.
Visit your vet and make sure that the puppy is up-to current on all vaccinations. They must also be microchipped. Introduce him to your family when you are still a puppy to begin teaching him basic house rules and behavior.