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How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy You're taking a huge risk when you purchase a German Shepherd pup. You'll be accountable for a long time for the health and education of your dog. Pet stores and online sources sell puppies that are usually from puppy mills, which prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Choose a reputable breeder instead. Choosing a Reputable Breeder It's important to know your breeder before you purchase a German Shepherd puppy. Breeders who are responsible will be happy to give you details about their dogs and breeding practices. They will be happy to discuss health and genetic testing early socialization, as well as the environment that their puppies are being raised. The best place to begin is to contact your local German Shepherd club or organization. Breed clubs usually have a secretary, or puppy officer, who can direct you to breeders who are reputable. Alternatively, you can contact your state animal control agency for the list of breeders who are licensed. Take the time to meet a breeder's representative in person once you've located one who is in line with your breeding standards. You should search for an upscale, clean facility in which the puppies and their mother are kept in a secure. It is important to inquire about the parents and siblings of the puppy. You should know if they have been screened for any hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye issues. A responsible breeder should be able to provide you with a copy of your puppy's medical record and the most current vaccination schedule. They should have a strong relationship with a vet who can perform all necessary tests and vaccinations. They should be able provide you with the name of the doctor and telephone number and give you consultation notes. It's also a good idea to ask the breeder if they have any concerns regarding your lifestyle or living conditions that could hinder them from offering you a puppy. For instance when they know that you have young children, they might be hesitant to offer you a puppy due to the fact that German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children. You should also expect an established breeder to ask you to sign an agreement to purchase your German Shepherd puppy. This contract should include details about the parents as well as their AKC registration number, and the clause that allows them to return the puppy to the breeder. This is an excellent way for responsible breeders to track their dogs and ensure they have a good home. Health Tests Breeders who are reputable conduct health tests on the dogs that will be part of their breeding selection. This is to make sure that they don't create puppies that have an inherited condition. These tests include hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy GDV and bloat. In addition to health screenings Breeders who are reputable strive to get a better understanding of the temperaments and health of every pet they own. They also share this information in full and openly with other breeders and prospective buyers. The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme requires members to conduct certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders conduct additional tests. These tests are designed to identify genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also allow breeders to make better informed decisions about mating that will lower the chance of developing hereditary diseases in the future. Typical genetic tests include Hip Dysplasia The elbow dysplasia and the hip are common problems in German Shepherds with the latter suffering from the condition that affects their front limbs. These degenerative joint disorders cause discomfort and pain, but can be managed through exercise restrictions, weight control, supplements and drugs. X-rays are taken under conscious sedation to obtain exact results. Then, they are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The OFA test focuses on the presence of hemivertebras, butterfly vertebras, block vertebra, lumbar-sacral transformational vertebrae (LSTV) as well as spondylosis, hemivertebra and spina bifida. This test isn't 100% reliable however, and it does not determine whether a dog will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal disorders later in the course of. Socialization GSDs require a lot of physical activity along with training and mental stimulation to keep them busy. They are easily bored and their inactivity can result in destructive behaviors like excessive digging or chewing up shoes. These behaviors are often due to unmet emotional requirements. This is why early socialization is crucial for German Shepherd puppies. Proper socialization allows the pup to build confidence with new people and surroundings. It also reduces the risk that the puppy will grow anxious or aggressive in new situations. The mother and her littermates play and interact with one another. This teaches puppies appropriate social signals and how to deal with their boisterous, and sometimes rough, siblings. It also exposes the pups to a wide range of sights, smells and sounds. The puppies learn how to behave appropriately in a group, which is essential to their success as adult dogs. The puppy should be exposed to a variety of household noises such as doorbells, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The puppy should also be exposed various outdoor sounds like traffic, sirens and construction. This is essential so that the puppy will not become anxious or fearful of these sounds as an adult. The puppy should be exposed to all of this at a comfortable pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process. It is also very important for a puppy to get to know many different people over this time, as well as other pets. This can reduce separation anxiety while the owner is away. One good example is when a dog is taken to puppy classes and dog parks or play dates with other dogs. The puppy should be allowed to interact in a controlled, safe manner with other dogs. At first, the interaction should be confined to ensure that the puppy does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should be able to interact with older, more sociable, calmer dogs. This will help the puppy to realize that not all larger, older dogs are fearsome and helps them develop a positive temperament. Training German Shepherds require regular, strict obedience training. It is essential to enroll them in a class as soon as possible, especially while they are still young. This will help them develop into confident, well-mannered dogs. It's also a good time to familiarize them with basic commands such as sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog can learn these basic commands, the easier it is for them to follow your directions as they age. Territorial aggression can be an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They may be extremely cautious of their home and property which could lead to their barking at strangers or animals who enter their area. Learn Additional Here can be prevented by proper training, exercise, and socialization. Obedience training will also help prevent other problems with behavior in German Shepherds. If a dog doesn't have proper obedience training can become a nuisance and even a danger to family members and neighbours. They can be easily distracted by other pets, toys or children. They may ignore basic commands such as “sit” and “down.” During their puppy years it is essential to keep your German Shepherds in contact with new people locations, sights, and sounds. This is particularly important when the puppy is 16 weeks old, when their brains are in a critical phase of development. If your German Shepherd is a quiet puppy they'll likely encounter new experiences more difficult as they grow older and become more susceptible to anxiety-based aggression and fear. One thing that a lot of dog owners don't realize is that a German Shepherd needs lots of physical as well as mental exercise to stay calm and content. German Shepherds are herders by nature, and they are driven to please their owners and work. If they don't get enough exercise they could become bored or destructive. Regular exercise also tones muscles, reduces “cabin fever,” improves circulation and helps with weight loss. It's also a great opportunity to bond with your German shepherd!