What you need to know before buying a German Shepherd!

Shepherd dog puppies - What you need to know before buying a puppy!

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The decision for a pet has been made. A German Shepherd Dog should be it.

All family members agree to the purchase and there are no known animal hair allergies.

Once everyone agrees, it often can't go fast enough to finally bring the long-awaited animal home. But wait!

Before you run now hastily to the next breeder , you should consider some essential points.

What does it mean to have a sheepdog at home and how much time do I have to plan for the sheepdog daily?

As a puppy:

Sheepdog puppies need a lot of attention and daily consistent training, especially in the first few months.

A German Shepherd wants to be employed from a very young age. Be aware that this breed was and still is bred as a service dog. Accordingly, you are dealing with an exceptionally intelligent breed of dog that loves challenges and needs consistent training to avoid disagreements in the "pack" later on. A puppy play session is an excellent way to socialize the German Shepherd and get him used to other dogs and people. This is especially important if the puppy is to become a pure family dog. This way, he will not make a noise at every strange person or another animal later on.
Especially in the acclimation phase, it is ideal if there is always someone in the house who can take care of the puppy and go out with him. This makes housetraining easier and the dog does not feel alone. Keep in mind that it is a kind of shock for the puppy to be taken out from his familiar environment at the breeder. His new environment is still foreign to him and so are you. If possible schedule some of your annual vacation for acclimation.
A mishap in the apartment can always happen. However, the German Shepherd will become housebroken quickly if you always take him out after feeding, after the puppy has just woken up, and after playing. These are the times when the dog usually needs to disengage. However, you should likewise become alert if the puppy starts pacing back and forth restlessly and sniffing intensely. Regardless, it is excellent if you go out the door briefly about every 2 hours, even at night.
Daily longer walks, learning, and play sessions you should of course also plan for.
So you see that especially the first months are very time intensive and work-intensive.

A German Shepherd puppy is incredibly cute and quickly tempts you to buy one. But beware. A dog needs a lot of time, attention and causes costs!

as an adult dog:

Three walks a day, improve on four.
Play and occupation and cuddling.
Daily training, regular attendance at dog school.
Feeding times and occasional Fur grooming.
The German Shepherd will live to be around 12 years old. So your lifestyle should still suit your dog in a few years. If you have plans that leave you little free time, you plan to travel a lot, or are very busy at work, then the four-legged friend will, unfortunately, fall by the wayside. In this case, you should be honest with yourself and postpone the desire for a dog for the time being.
Like any animal, a dog also makes s certain mess in the house. Toys lying around, hair on the sofa and carpet, paw marks on the freshly mopped floor, etc. So more frequent cleaning is necessary.
What happens to the dog if you ever get sick or go on vacation? Is there someone willing to take care of such a large animal? Can you afford a dog hotel/walking service?
Also be aware that your German Shepherd will need regular veterinarian visits (e.g., for vaccinations) and, of course, may get sick. This involves not insignificant financial costs. Last but not least, the animal will eventually get old and with it will come various aches and pains. So the care expenditure can become more again in the senior age.

How do recognize a serious breeder?

If neither the threat of work, dirt in the house, long walks, or veterinary costs could deter you and you still want a sheepdog, then it is now time to find a good breeder. But how do you find a reputable breeder? Here are a few tips on what you should look out for:

Where does the breeding take place?
Ideally, the puppies should grow up as family dogs in the house, where they are accustomed from the beginning to the sounds, smells, activities, people, and other animals in the household. However, if the supposed breeder keeps his dogs isolated in a kennel, garage, or similar, be skeptical.

How do the puppies and the mother seem?

The shepherd puppy should be close to the mother. Never buy a puppy without seeing the mother.

Are the puppies curious and bright? Is the mother relaxed in the presence of the breeder? Great! However, if the bitch shows aggressive or fearful behavior, the puppies immediately withdraw when visitors approach them, then something is wrong.

How does the breeder affect you?
If the breeder pushes you to buy or does not allow you a second visit, you should listen up. Buying a dog is a matter of the heart, but certainly not a spontaneous decision. A good breeder will give you and the puppy time to get to know each other and usually even welcomes another reunion. He will also be available for all questions, will ask you about your wishes and idea,s and will be happy to help you even after the purchase with advice and assistance.

May you see the mother of the puppies?
Hands off if you are offered to bring the dog to your home. What sounds tempting and convenient is mostly just a scam of dog breeders who want to make a quick money at the expense of the mental and physical health of the puppies. You are deprived of the mother and the premises of the breeding because these are probably both inadequate and better than no one gets to see. Bitches are often abused as birthing machines and breeding is under little to no control. Here it is only about the profit.

Breeding association

A serious breeder belongs to a breeding association and can show a recognized pedigree of the mother. He will also make sure that the puppies have already been exposed to many different environmental stimuli, other dogs, people, vehicles, different surfaces, water, etc. He will also not turn the dogs in before the 8th week.

Beware of several dog breeds are bred and offered at once, or you are told any dog breed can be obtained. You should also pay attention to bargains and cheap dogs.

How are the premises?
The litter box and all other premises where the dogs stay are clean and well maintained.

A good breeder cares about his puppies even after the delivery and he will certainly find out in which circumstances the little one will come. Some also visit the potential new owners before surrendering and checking out the new home.

How should a healthy puppy look or behave?

Healthy and shiny coat
Alert, active and curious
No drippy nose or watery or sticky eyes
The clean rear end, no droppings on hind legs or tail
Not shy, fearful, or even aggressive
Flawless gait, no lameness or the like
Straight back (in contrast to a sloping back, dogs with a straight back are often less prone to HD)
Without anatomical abnormalities
The puppy can be touched, stroked, and held for a while without any problems

You can usually get healthy German Shepherd puppies from a responsible, registered German Shepherd breeder.

You may ask the breeder all your questions and of course, also questions about the health of the parents as well as about breed-typical diseases in sheepdogs.

Is my shepherd puppy already vaccinated?

Since the health of his animals is close to the heart of the breeder, his puppies are dewormed, chipped/tattooed, , and vaccinated several times before delivery according to their age.

The shepherd puppies have already been vaccinated by the breeder at the vet. This will be recorded in the vaccination book.

These medical treatments are recorded in a vaccination book and, if applicable, veterinary certificates, which you will of course receive after purchasing the puppy. Normally your puppy has already received the following vaccinations by the time of delivery:

Parvovirus
distemper
leptospirosis
hepatitis
kennel cough
possibly rabies (depending on the age of the dog)

What does a German Shepherd puppy cost?

Prices can vary greatly, which may initially confuse many prospective buyers. Many then base their search for a puppy solely on the purchase price, but this is by no means the right way to go.

Price differences also mean differences in quality. And this, as is well known, has its price. That is why it is important where you buy the shepherd puppy.

At a recognized breeder the puppy price may seem exaggerated at first, but very quickly it becomes clear what such a breeder invests to get a healthy litter with his breeding animals (see below).

Differently with hobby breeders without club affiliation. Although there are certainly people who breed with heart, responsibility, and mind, however, there are also many "once-my-bitch-puppies-have" amateurs in this field. The puppies have no papers and the parents have probably not been tested for hereditary diseases or other peculiarities. The prices are therefore also lower than at the club breeder.

Sheepdog puppies from animal shelters are also not available for free. Here a protection fee is estimated and a protection contract for the animal is set up. However, the price is affordable and you contribute to animal welfare. However, even with such puppies is not always clear where they come from and who their ancestors were. This would be important to know something about possible hereditary diseases in the bloodline.

Who gives away German shepherd puppies?

Probably no one. Likewise, a good breeder is not going to get involved with installments. After all, they want their charges to be in good hands and that includes future owners actually being able to afford the dog.

Because with the purchase price alone it is not done. Besides the initial equipment, a shepherd dog causes also runs monthly and recurring annual costs (e.g. tax or insurance). Last but not least, it should be considered that veterinary costs can very quickly skyrocket into the three- or even four-digit range. If you have problems paying the purchase price, you should ask yourself how possible veterinary costs can be covered later.

Why is the puppy at the breeder so expensive?

The answer is simple: Because tTheinvests a lot of time, money, love and understandin,g in his animals, to give the puppies the best possible start in life. The health of the animals is clearly in the foreground. That is why a lot of care is already taken in the selection of the parent animals.

Let's take a look at the precautions a good breeder takes and the expenses he has to get healthy and strong puppies:

He belongs to a club, pays membership dues, and must, attend training, such as a breeder's seminar.
He is subject to the provisions of the breeding regulations, his kennel must meet certain requirements and he is inspected by a breed warden.
He pays entry fees for exhibitions, tests and shows.
All breeding animals have proven their quality at a breeding approval test and have been found suitable for breeding.
The club requires mandatory health certificates for its breeding animals.
The kennel incurs running costs, even if there are no puppies at the moment.
A bitch is mated a maximum of m once a year. Many breeders have litters even less frequently.
Bitch and stud dogs are thoroughly examined before mating.
If no own stud dog is available, a male dog must be borrowed. A breeding tax is due.
The pregnancy will be supervised by veterinary medicine. Possibly the birth has to be assistedthrough cesarean section) or a time-consuming bottle rearing is necessary.
All puppies are examined, receive first worm treatments and vaccinations as well as transponder and pet passport. The first vaccination appointment can cost over 100 Euros per puppy.
Bitch and puppies receive high-quality special food.
The breeder takes time for socialization and habituation. So that the puppies already get to know a lot.
Also, the other dogs want to be moved, cared for, and fed.
Costs also arise from homepage design, advertising, telephone calls with interested parties, classified ads, etc.

No breeder can live from dog breeding. It is more a time- and cost-intensive hobby, which is pursued out of love for and joy in the breed. Of course, a breeder also makes profit with his puppies, but it is rather small compared to the previous expenses.

Rummage sale puppies? Multiplier? Backyard breeders? - Finger away!

At the latest now it should be clear to everyone why some German Shepherd puppies can already be had for a few hundred Euros. even those who have never seen pictures of multiplier dogs and their miserable living conditions, should now know that with the "breeding" of such "cheap pups" much is renounced.

The animals have neither health certificates nor vaccinations and it is mated indiscriminately. Hereditary conditions, infectious diseases, and parasites can spread so unhindered. Little importance is attached to hygiene, cages or bowls are rarely cleaned, fur care or veterinary care are foreign words.

If the litter is there, the dog children get no high-quality food. There are no papers or implants, let alone vaccinations or worming. In addition, the puppies are separated from their mothers far too early, which is stressful, sad, and fraught with suffering for both parties. Often the puppies transfer to their owners when they are only 4 or 5 weeks old. Not infrequently they are sick, malnourished, unkempt. Sometimes the puppies have behavioral problems or socialization problems with conspecifics.

Parents are pure litter machines. Every heat is exploited and walks in the open air, contact with other four-legged friends, physical and mental activity, attention, and love do not exist. It is a bleak and sad existence.

Thereby speculate the multipliers on the animal love and the pity of puppy prospective customers. However, the suffering of the animals can only be stopped if the demand for the puppies dries up and the price/stinginess is not the decisive factor in the purchase.

Which key data belong in a purchase contract?

Serious breeders will always hand over their animals with a Sheepdog Puppy Purchase Agreement and further papers. Since pets are still legally considered a tangible objects in Germany, you have the same rights and obligations when you sign the contract of sale as you would with an inanimate object you have purchased.

Of course, your German shepherd is not a thing, but a contract protects you from possible surprises to some extent. For example, it gives you the right to ask for a discount on the purchase price or even to return the animal if it becomes ill shortly after it has come into your possession.

Some important data that must be included in the purchase contracts

Name and address of the breeder/seller
Address of the breeding association/club to which he belongs
Your name and address
Name of the puppy
Litter date
sex of the puppy
Studbook number
Appearance (stick coat / long stick coat, coat color, special markings)
possible previous illnesses or special health problems with the breeder or previous owner
health certificate of a veterinarian (if possible shortly before the delivery)
already administered medication/vaccination since. vaccination book)
chip number and if necessary tattoo number (also entered in the vaccination book)
purchase price

Special note: Some breeders include a clause in the contract where the buyer agrees to have the shepherd dog x-rayed at around one year of age to assess the risk of hip dysplasia (HD). This is important for the breeder because he will refrain from aopossibleurther breeding with the mother dog or the stud dog in case of abnormalities of the offspring.

What should already be in place when the German Shepherd puppy moves in?

Shopping for the puppy is exciting, fun, and builds anticipation.

However, don't fall into an expensive buying frenzy. The puppy needs at the beginning only a few basics in the new home to feel comfortable.

To your basic equipment should belong in any case a good book about (shepherd) dogs. So you will be made aware of possible mistakes and peculiarities in dog keeping and learn in advance a lot about training methods, species-appropriate attitude, and care of the puppy.

1.for walks:

Leash: A sturdy leash that is appropriate for the size and weight of the puppy. Retractable leashes are less recommended because a puppy has yet to learn to walk on a leash. You will also have better control over the dog with a normal leash or one that is readily adjustable.
Collar / Harness: Should be soft and fit snugly so the puppy can't slip out.
Address tag If the little one does get away and is possibly not yet chipped, an address tag will do a good job of locating you.
Poop Bag / Shovel: Clean up after your pup and collect his droppings.
Treats: They help immensely with education and training and of course, maybe fed at home.

2. in the house:

The shepherd dog needs its own place to sleep. This can be, for example, a large dog bed.

Sleeping place: Here the puppy should have his rest. If you already want to buy a basket or similar, it should be adapted to the final size of the dog. For the beginning, it does but also a soft padded box, a blanket, or an old pillow.
Food and drink bowl: The material and design you choose are up to your taste. Some breeders recommend a height-adjustable feeder for large breeds to avoid a forced posture while eating. Make sure the bowls have a firm footing and cannot be pushed around the home or even tend to fall over.
Food: The breeder will be happy to give you information about previous food, feeding times, and other feeding habits. Often you will even be given a small amount of food for the transition when you pick up the puppy. If you prefer a different feeding method than the breeder, be gentle and go slowly with the food change. Also, buy enough chews. These will also help during the teething process.
Toys: Playing and learning often go hand in hand, so appropriate toys are important for your German Shepherd puppy. Pay attention to robust materials, which can not disintegrate into individual parts and thus be swallowed if necessary. Adjust the size depending on the growth stage of the puppy.
Grooming utensils: A brush is usually sufficient for grooming the uncomplicated sheepdog's coat. Soft rags for cleaning the eyes and ears should also be available. Also, buy tick tongs and flea combs so you can check the coat regularly.
Kitchen Rolls: Quickly it happens: The small or large business is done in the apartment. Good, who has there sufficiently household roles on the stock. Also, the newspaper performs good services.
Dog box for the journey in the car or in the airplane.

Recognize and eliminate possible dangers in the house and on the road.

On the road:

Other dogs/animals.
When walking, it is not uncommon to meet other dog owners and their four-legged friends. Be careful with such encounters, however, as it is often impossible to estimate how they will go. Bite injuries could be the result, as well as the transmission of dangerous diseases and possibly parasites.

You should also be careful with other animals such as cats or birds. The shepherd puppy might try to chase them. If he pulls there jerkily and unexpectedly at the leash, he could escape and cause damage, or get into danger himself.

Street traffic
Many everyday situations are still unfamiliar to the puppy and he may react jumpily and try to escape. A leash gives the puppy security anyourou full control. It is better to leash the dog only in a safe environment, such as a fenced dog run, etc.

Poison bait
Unfortunately, a sad topic again and again: Dog haters put out baits that are filled with rat poison or even spiked with razor blades. Train your dog early on not to pick up and eat anything on walks. On the leash, you can intervene more quickly in case of danger than when the dog is running free.

Your own car
Despite all attempts at education, dogs are still left in the car in warm temperatures out of ignorance or negligence. Just a quick trip to the dry cleaner or drugstore? No! Even a few minutes at an outside temperature of only about 20 degrees can be fatal! It does not help at all to leave the window open a little or to park the car in the shade. If in doubt, leave your four-legged friend at home.

In the house:

Medicines, chemicals and cleaners: All of these should be kept out of reach. Also, be careful with fertilizers and pesticides.

Power cords pose a tremendous danger, and not just to puppies!

Electricity: outlets can be deadly. This also applies to higher sockets, because the German Shepherd puppy grows fast! Therefore, get enough child-proof fuses from the hardware store. Telephone cables, electrical appliances, etc. should also be out of reach of the curious and nibble-happy puppy.
Too much exercise: Excessive romping and playing in puppyhood are associated with the dreaded hip dysplasia and therefore should only be allowed in a controlled manner. Do not take the puppy jogging and avoid frequent stair climbing. In your own stairwell, barrier gates may help. Many owners even have a ramp to make it easier for the German Shepherd to get into the car or lift the puppy in as long as possible.
House and garden plants: What is pretty to us can be dangerous to the dog. It is best to dispose of plants that are harmful to the German Shepherd altogether or keep them out of reach. Also, please keep in mind that some vegetables in the garden may also be poisonous.
Windows, balcony doors, house doors: Never leave them open without supervision, the dog could escape or fall badly in a high-spirited jump.
Trash Can: Weigh down the lid of the garbage can in the kitchen with something heavy so the puppy can't dig in it and possibly eat dangerous things. Choose a trash can that is very sturdy or difficult for the dog to access.
Protect your belongings: Puppies have a natural need to nibble, which can be especially pronounced during teething. Therefore, keep valuable items safe, shoes in the shoe closet, books, and magazines stored high up, laundry in the laundry bag, protect furniture with puppy spray (smell and/or taste will prevent chewing), etc.

The development of the puppy

On average, a female German Shepherd gives birth to about 7-8 puppies. Of course, there are always exceptions. A pregnancy with only one puppy is possible, as well as litters in which the mother gives birth to more than 10 puppies.

If the litter consists of more than 8 puppies, a nurse rearing is often recommended by the club to ensure the care of all small German Shepherds.

The birth weight for a German Shepherd is between 450 and 700 grams. If there are only a few puppies in the litter, they will often be heavier. For many puppies, on the other hand, the birth weight is at the lower limit. Within 10 days, most puppies have doubled their weight.

In larger breeds such as the German Shepherd, it is also unfortunately not uncommon for some puppies to die. They are either stillborn or pass away within the first 6 weeks of life.

The puppies may normally be viewed for the first time from the 4th week of life. Often a candidate is already selected and reserved here. Afterward, it is called waiting. As is well known, anticipation is the greatest joy and so some breeders sweeten this time for the buyers with newsletters and pictures of the new family member.

In 4 weeks all senses are developed. Eyes and ears are open and the puppies make their first attempts to bark and take their first steps. Of course, there is among the littermates a friendly showdown and plenty of playtimes. They also learn the dog language and rules within the pack.

Between the 8th and 12th week, the puppies then move to their new home. 10 weeks are considered the optimal handover time for German Shepherds. The puppy then continues its imprinting, habituation, and socialization in the new home.

At about 6 months, the sheepdog finally reaches puberty. This phase lasts about 4-6 weeks and requires a lot of patience, understanding, and consistency in education and training.