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How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you're making a huge commitment. You will be responsible for the health, training and mental stability of your dog for a number of years. Pet stores and online sources generally sell puppies from puppy mills that place profit over animal well-being. Select a reputable breeder instead. How to Select a Breeder who is Reputable It's essential to know your breeder before you purchase a German Shepherd puppy. Responsible breeders will be willing to share information about their dogs and their practices with you. Breeders will be delighted to provide information about their dogs and practices with you. The best place to begin is to contact your local German Shepherd club or organization. The majority of breed clubs have a secretary or puppy officer who can direct you to reliable breeders in your area. If you prefer, you can contact your state animal control agency for a list of licensed breeders. Once you've identified a breeder that meets breeding standards, make sure you take the time to meet them in person. Find a clean facility where the mother and pups are safe. Find out about the puppy's parents and siblings; you want to see proof that they have been checked for hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart disease and Degenerative Myelopathy. A responsible breeder should be capable of providing you with copies of your puppy's medical record and an up-to-date shot schedule. They should have a good relationship with a veterinarian who can carry out all the necessary tests and vaccinations. They will be able tell you the name of the vet, his telephone number, and also provide you with records of your consultation. It's also recommended to ask the breeder whether they have any concerns about your lifestyle or living situation that would hinder them from selling you an animal. For example, if they know you have young children, they might be hesitant to sell you a puppy since German Shepherds can be a bit aggressive with children. A reputable breeder will require you to sign a contract prior to purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. The contract should contain the names of the parents and their AKC registration numbers, as along with a return-to-breeder clause. This is an important way for responsible breeders to keep track of their dogs and ensure that they are going to good homes. Health Tests for Health Reputable breeders conduct health checks on the dogs that will be part of their breeding selection. This is to make sure that they don't produce puppies with an inherited disease. These tests include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and GDV (also known as Bloat). In addition to health screenings Breeders who are reputable strive to gain personal knowledge of the health and temperament of each dog they have. They also freely and fully communicate this information to other breeders as well as potential buyers. As part of the Kennel Club's Assured breeder program, members are required to conduct certain tests on their dogs. Breed clubs for German Shepherds also suggest that breeders take additional tests. These tests are designed to detect genetic diseases that affect all German Shepherd Dogs. They also allow breeders to make more informed mating decisions which will decrease the risk of inheritable diseases in the future. Common genetic tests include Hip Dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems in German Shepherds and sufferers from the condition that affects their front legs. These joint conditions that are degenerative cause pain and discomfort but can be controlled through weight control, activity restrictions, supplements, and drugs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals receives the X-rays under sedation to ensure that the results are accurate. reinrassiger schäferhund for hemivertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, block vertebrae and lumbar-sacral vertebrae (LSTV), spondylosis, and spina bifida. This test is not foolproof however, and does not determine whether a dog will develop degenerative myelopathy, or other spinal conditions later in the course of. Socialization GSDs need rigorous physical exercise, training and mental stimulation to stay active. They can easily become bored and their inactivity can result in destructive behaviors like excessive digging or chewing on shoes. These behaviors are often the result of unmet emotional needs. Socialization early is essential for German Shepherd pups. Proper socialization helps the puppy to build confidence with new people and different environments. It also decreases the chance that the puppy will be scared or aggressive when in unfamiliar situations. The mother and her littermates play and interact with one another. This helps them learn to interact with their boisterous and sometimes rough siblings. The puppies are also exposed to a variety of scents, sounds and sights. The puppies learn to behave appropriately in a group, which is crucial to their success as dogs who mature. Introduce the puppy to a variety of household sounds, including vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and doorbells. The puppy should be exposed sounds outside, including traffic, sirens, and construction. This is essential to ensure that the puppy does not develop afraid or anxious of these stimuli. The puppy will be exposed to these stimuli at a comfortable pace and positive reinforcement will be used throughout the process. During this period, it is crucial that the puppy interacts with different pets and people. This can help prevent separation anxiety when the owner is away from home. This can be achieved by taking the dog to puppy classes, dog parks or play dates with other dogs. The puppy should only be allowed to interact in a safe, controlled way with other dogs. At first, the interactions should be confined so that the pup does not feel overwhelmed. The puppy should also be allowed to interact with calmer, older and doggies who are friendly. This will allow the puppy realize that not all older, larger dogs are scary and it helps them develop a good temperament. Training German Shepherds require consistent, firm obedience training. It is essential to get them into a class as soon as possible and especially when they are still young. This will help them develop into confident and well-mannered dogs. It's also a good opportunity to teach them basic commands such as sit down, stay and sit. The earlier a dog learns these basic behaviors, the easier it will be for them to follow your commands as they get older. Territorial aggression can be an issue in many families with German Shepherds. They can be extremely protective of their homes and property, leading to barking or yelling at any animal or person who enters their territory. Training, exercise and socialization can prevent territorial behavior. Obedience training will aid in preventing other behavioral problems in German Shepherds. A dog that doesn't have the right obedience training could be a nuisance, or even a danger to family members and their neighbors. They can easily be distracted by other animals, toys or children and ignore basic commands such as “sit” or “down.” During the puppy years, you should continue to introduce your German Shepherds with new people, places, and sounds. This is especially important prior to when the puppy turns 16 weeks old as their brains are going through an important phase of development. If your German Shepherd is a protected puppy until that point they'll likely encounter new experiences more difficult as an adult and be more susceptible to anxiety and fear-based aggression. Many dog owners don't realize that the German Shepherd requires mental and physical exercise in order to be content and peaceful. German Shepherds are herding breeds by nature, and have a strong desire to please their owners and work. If they don't exercise enough, they may become bored or even destructive. Regular exercise helps tone muscles, decreases “cabin fever,” improves circulation and aids in weight loss. It's also a great opportunity to bond with your German shepherd!