Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive in an environment that offers plenty of space for training and exercise. You'll have to find a reputable dog breeder who offers health and temperament tests for each litter they sell.
Find puppies that are curious and fearless of people. Avoid dogs that exhibit territorial aggression. This could be dangerous to visitors. Early socialization and training in obedience 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 for their breedings screen their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) Bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will suggest regular veterinary examinations and a balanced diet, exercises for the mind and body, and early intervention when any health issues arise.
Despite their athletic nature however, the German Shepherd should not be overworked as it can lead to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These can be painful for the dog. Using a weight loss program, reducing their level of activities, taking joint-protection supplements, and giving them anti-inflammatory medications can ease symptoms like limping and reduced range of motion.
Another common health issue for German Shepherds is pannus, which affects the cornea and could cause blindness if it is not treated promptly. This condition occurs more often in dogs that live at higher elevations, those who have excessive exposure to UV light or those who live in areas with severe air pollution. Keep your German Shepherd indoors during the sunniest times of the day, providing shaded areas or putting on wearing a pair of doggie glasses can help prevent the condition.
German Shepherds can suffer from osteoarthritis later in life similar to other large breeds. It can be painful. While any breed is susceptible to this condition, the risk is greater for larger breeds. If you opt for an adult German Shepherd, make sure to choose a reputable breeder and give them plenty of exercise within the confines of a yard that is fenced. blaue schäferhunde will lessen the effects of this condition.
Training
German Shepherd puppies are energetic and require constant stimulation to keep them active. They thrive in a house with access to large open spaces or can be regularly taken on long walks.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to training and therefore it's a good idea to do some basic obedience training with your new puppy. A good place to start is with basic commands like'sit down','sit' and'stay'. Once your dog is proficient with the basics, you can progress to more challenging obedience exercises such as "come on command" as well as "leave".
It is important to 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 aid in helping your German shepherd learn to focus on you and others, so they don't become overwhelmed by the presence of strangers.
Remember that your German shepherd is still a puppy. They can chew and play with anything. It's a good idea for you to start training them at an early age so they don't get sucked into other pets or people.
It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and sounds in the first year of their existence. The Fear Period is a time when they struggle to understand things we consider safe (such as children or loud noises). During this time it is essential to expose your German shepherd to a variety of things in order to prevent developing fears later in the course of.
It's also an excellent idea to enroll your German Shepherd puppy into some socialisation and obedience training classes, especially if you have other family members who will be able to help them out. It is easier to track improvements if you have someone else to help reinforce the good behavior you are attempting to improve with your German shepherd. This will also help to give your German Shepard some consistency to ensure that they don't become overwhelmed by too many experiences all at all.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require a lot of exercise every day. This exercise is beneficial for both the dog and the owner. It helps the dog maintain a healthy weight and keeps their muscles strong and flexible. It also helps to combat health issues like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help to keep a dog's mind sharp and reduce the risk of behavioral issues.
Working line German Shepherds are bred to perform police and military work, so regular exercise is crucial. It can prevent destructive behaviors like excessive chewing or digging. It can also aid in obedience training and strengthen the bond between dog and pet owner.
Puppy dogs require more exercise than adult dogs because they are bursting with energy. It is essential to not over-exert your dog since this could damage their joints and bones. This is particularly relevant if your puppy is still growing, which can occur up to 12 months of age.
Exercise for puppies can also help them develop healthy habits that will last for the rest of their lives. Regular walks can boost cardiovascular health, help manage their weight and reduce stress. It will also help them develop social skills by exposing them new people and animals. This can help them adjust to new environments, and handle stressful situations in the near future.
A good guideline for determining the amount of exercise a German Shepherd puppy needs is to get five minutes of exercise (walking the dog at a moderate pace) per month of age. The exercise could include playing and training but it must always be controlled. It is also an excellent idea to let your dog rest when it is exhausted.
Some activities that provide a great deal of mental and physical stimulation for German Shepherds are playing fetch and tracking, agility exercises, obedience training, and games like hide and seek. This is a great method to help your puppy exercise its hunting instincts and to prevent boredom that can lead to destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
Care
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs and respond well to early training. They are big dogs that have lots of energy and need space to burn it off. If they are not given enough exercise, they may turn destructive. Additionally, their natural instinct to protect can turn into aggression if not properly socialized and trained from puppyhood.
Choose a breeder who is transparent about his breeding practices and provides AKC papers to every puppy. He should be able 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 living in the same residence).
Be sure to ask the breeder for references from buyers who have purchased before. Check with local vets or animal shelters to get a list of reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder won't sell a puppy who is unsocialized or unhealthy. He can also explain how he has planned his breeding to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He may also be able to provide you with a replacement puppy should the one you choose doesn't work out.
You should look for a healthy and robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppy should be alert, curious and active, but not overly anxious or hyperactive. A sluggish, lethargic, or aggressive puppy is an indication of danger and should be avoided.
Be aware of how the German Shepherd puppy acts around his family members and other pets. He should be curious and unafraid of approaching other dogs. He should also seek attention from people with confidence. If he chooses to pick one of the other puppies in the litter, it's important to note that this behaviour could persist throughout his life and cause him to be difficult to live with.
Visit your vet and make sure that your puppy is up-to date on all vaccinations. They should also be microchipped. It's also a good idea to introduce him to your family members while he's a puppy and you can begin teaching him basic behavior and house rules.