German Shepherds make excellent pets because they are athletic, energetic and bond well with their owners. Many know the German Shepherd breed because of their high trainability as a search and rescue dog or a police dog. When selecting between German Shepherd puppies for sale you should consider some health and breed standards. Before you purchase any puppy you will want to have an initial meeting with the puppy you are thinking buying. Observe how the puppy reacts to both your voice and touch. The puppy should be affectionate and eager to make friends.
Later in life some German Shepherds can have a tendency towards aggression. If you don t train your puppy early then you should at the very least choose one with a good temperament to start. You also want to inquire about any socialization training the dog has had. For German Shepherd s early socializing is extremely important and any methods the former owners use is crucial. It is important for the puppy to interact with other dogs and humans every day and early.
Next you should request to see both parents of the puppy if you are buying from a breeder. Carefully observe how the parents react to you as a stranger, make sure there are no signs of unwarranted aggression. The litter will inherit the temperament of the parents. For health reasons you should also make sure the parents move easily and unencumbered. Make sure you view the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA certification for the puppys parents.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysphasia and it is a predisposition that can be passed on to litters. So when considering German Shepherd puppies for sale you want to find out the rating the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals maintains on all registered canines based off the X rays of the dog s bone structure. Any dog prone to hip dysphasia shouldn t be bred and you shouldn t purchase a dog from anyone who doesn t have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification for their dogs.
Next carefully look over the puppy you are considering. The eyes should be clear and alert and the gums should be pink and healthy. There should be no foreign matter in the ears. Without being overly energetic the puppy should be playful. When considering German Shepherd puppies for sale you should carefully consider the puppy s lineage. An American Kennel Club puppy from a breeder will have family charts that show not only the puppy s parents but also the ancestors of the puppy for several generations on both sides of the family. A good breeder will be happy to show you this detailed family tree and even provide you a copy for your records.
After you have chosen and purchased you German Shepherd puppy you should have it evaluated by a veterinarian right away, they will need to be de wormed and get all their shots. To socialize your puppy with other dogs and human beings you should take them on walks, set up play dates with dogs or friends and take them with you into pet stores when you shop if it is allowed.
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