Buy a German Shepherd Puppy
A German Shepherd puppy will thrive best in a setting that has plenty of space for exercise and training. You'll need to find a reputable breeder that offers temperament and health tests for every litter they sell.
Look for puppies that are inquisitive and unafraid of people. Avoid those that exhibit territorial aggression, which can be dangerous for visitors. Early socialization and obedience training can help reduce aggressive behavior.
Health
German Shepherds are believed to live longer than other breeds. However, they could be prone to certain health problems. Breeders who are responsible for their breedings screen their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease) Bloat and cancer, allergies and heart disease. A reputable veterinarian will recommend regular checkups with the vet and a balanced diet, exercises for mind and body, and early intervention when any health issues develop.
Despite their athletic nature, the German Shepherd should not be over-exerted as it could result in joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, which are painful for the dog. Losing weight, reducing exercise as well as taking joint supplements and administering anti-inflammatory medications can ease symptoms like walking slower and less mobility.
A common health issue in German Shepherds, pannus can affect the cornea. If not treated quickly, it can lead to blindness. This condition is more prevalent in dogs living at higher elevations, those who have excessive exposure to UV light, or in areas that have high levels of air pollution. Preventing this condition can be done by keeping your German Shepherd inside during the hottest hours of the day. You can also provide a shaded area or give them a pair of doggie sunglasses.
Like many large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to osteoarthritis in the later years of their lives and can cause pain for the dog. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich is a condition that can be a problem for any breed, but the risk is greater for larger breeds. Selecting an adult German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, and providing them with plenty of exercise in a fenced yard can help reduce the effects of this disease.
Training
German Shepherd puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of activity to burn it. They will thrive in a home that has large open spaces and regular walks.
They are highly sensitive and will respond well to training, so it's a good idea to do some basic obedience training with your puppy. Start with basic commands like "sit', "down" and "stay". Once you've learned the basics then you can move on to more complex obedience work such as 'come when called and leave it'.
Making sure that you get your German Shepherd puppy used to other dogs and people can help to prevent fear in later life. Introduce them to people and other animals in a safe environment such as an animal-friendly cafe or dog-friendly park. Rewarding them with treats can help your German Shepherd to become more aware on their surroundings and ensure that they do not overwhelmed by strangers and eventually become afraid.
It's important to keep in mind that your German Shepherd is a puppy, and as such, they'll play and chew on everything. It's a good idea for you to start training them at an early age so they don't slam into pet owners or other animals.

It is essential to introduce your German Shepherd puppy with new sights and sounds in the first year of their existence. They will go through an experience called 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 variety of situations to avoid developing fears later in the course of.
You should also enroll your German Shepherd puppy in socialisation and obedience classes, particularly in the event that other family members could assist. A person who can reinforce the positive behaviours that you're working on with your German Shepherd will allow you to make progress faster and will also give your German dog some stability to ensure that they do not feel overwhelmed by all the new experiences at the same time.
Exercise
German Shepherds are very active dogs that require plenty of daily exercise. This exercise is beneficial for both the dog and the owner. It helps dogs maintain an ideal weight and keeps its muscles flexible and strong. It also helps avoid health issues such as hip dysplasia. Regular exercise can help to keep a dog's brain alert and decrease the chance of behavioral issues.
A regular exercise routine is particularly essential for German Shepherds working line, which are bred to perform military and police work. It can help to prevent destructive behavior such as excessive chewing or digging. It can also help to increase obedience training and improve the bond between dog and owner.
Puppies have a lot of energy and will need more exercise. It is important to not over-exert your dog because this could cause damage to their joints and bones. This is particularly the case if your puppy is still growing. This can happen until 12 months.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich can help puppies establish healthy habits that will last for a lifetime. Walking them on a regular basis can aid in improving cardiovascular health, control their weight and lower stress levels. It will also help them develop social skills by exposing them to new people and animals. This will make it easier for them to adapt to new environments and cope with stressful events 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 per month. This can include training and play, but it should always be controlled. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich is also a good idea to let the dog rest when it is tired.
German Shepherds can benefit from a wide range of activities, including fetch and tracking, agility and obedience, as well as games like hide and seek. This is a great way to get your puppy to use its natural hunting instincts and avoid boredom, which can result in negative behavior such as destructive chewing or digging.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds are incredibly smart dogs and respond well to early training. They are also large dogs with lots of energy, and they require plenty of space to burn off that energy. If they are not given enough exercise, they may become destructive. Also, their natural protectiveness can be turned into aggression if they're not properly socialized and trained as puppies.
When you are buying a German Shepherd, choose a breeder who is open about his breeding policy and also provides the necessary AKC papers for every puppy. He should be able tell you about the personality 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).
Ask the breeder for references from previous customers. Also check with local veterinarians and animal shelters for recommendations to reputable breeders.
A responsible breeder won't offer a puppy that is not socialized or healthy. He can also explain how he has planned his breeding to emphasize certain traits in the puppies. He may also be able provide you with a new puppy if the one you chose doesn't work out.
Find a healthy, robust German Shepherd puppy. Puppy should be alert, curious, and active but not too hyperactive or anxious. A sluggish, unfocused or aggressive puppy is an indicator of trouble and should be avoided.
Take note of the German Shepherd puppy's behavior around his pet's littermates or other animals. He should be inquisitive and unafraid to approach other dogs, and he is expected to attract the attention of other people with confidence. It is crucial to remember that if he chooses to concentrate on a puppy from the litter over the others, this behaviour could persist into adulthood.
Visit your vet and make sure that your puppy is up-to current on all vaccinations. They must also be microchipped. Introduce your family to him while they are still a young puppy so that you can begin teaching him basic rules of the house and behavior.