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What To Look For When Buying A German Shepherd

Getting A Dog From A Breed Rescue

Buying a New German Shepherd Puppy
  • 1Contact breed rescues in your area. You can find breed rescues by searching for them online, or by contacting your local humane society, dog officer, or vet’s office. Many pet-related businesses will be able to provide information about local rescue organizations.
  • Don’t forget about talking to German Shepherd owners or visiting breed shows to meet more owners.
  • 2Make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate rescue group. Any puppy coming from a rescue should be fully checked by a veterinarian for basic health, parasites and vaccinations before they are adopted. Generally, they will be spayed or neutered before they go to their new homes, or you will sign a contract to do so in the near future. Beware of any rescue group who skips these steps.
  • 3Go through the application process. Many rescue groups have an extensive placement process. They will require an application, an interview, and a home visit to ensure a successful adoption. Some may even ask to consult your current veterinarian for information about you and previous pets. If you donât own your home, be prepared to provide a letter from your landlord stating that you are allowed to have a dog. If you already have another dog, that dog will need to be evaluated to make sure that the dogs will get along.
  • While this may seem excessive, the rescue group just wants to place the dog with a family in a home that’s prepared to handle the responsibility.
  • How Much Do German Shepherds Cost

    A German Shepherd is one of the exceptional choices for pets. This dog is known for its bravery, loyalty, and protective instinct. It maximizes its full potential when trained properly. This makes it an excellent option for a working dog such as police dog, guard or search & rescue dog.

    However, just like anything else in the world, one needs to pay a great price to be able to own one of these adorable creatures. German Shepherds are popular in U.S and the world, making them the most sought-after breed. For this reason, they are a bit more expensive than other dogs.

    If you have been wondering how much does a german shepherd cost? you are in the right place. In this article, we will look at the cost of the German Shepherd and the factors that affect its cost.

    German Shepherd Puppy Health Issues You Can Check Yourself

    This is one of the most critical sections of what to look for and know before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Health problems are common, but there are some things you can check, often in the company of the breeder whilst seeing the litter.

    Whilst not all health issues will be obvious, there are some which have visible signs. Heres what you can check for easily:

  • Eye health: Eyes are very easy to check. Things to look for include cataracts which can be hereditary; look for cloudiness. Red eyes;and visible gunk or discharge is also a sign of ill health. Also look at the health of the mothers eyes.
  • Ear and nose health: Similarly, the ears and nose should be free of gunk, be free of nasty odors, and not have any discoloring such as redness or sores.
  • Coat health: German Shepherd puppies should have shiny and clean coats.
  • Recommended Reading: How Big Of A Crate For German Shepherd

    Is A German Shepherd Right For Me

    This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy.

    You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions:

  • Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments.
  • Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life?
  • Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events?
  • Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you?
  • If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel?
  • Do you have children and/or a spouse?; Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy?
  • Is your work schedule flexible enough to be able to take time off or work from home when you first bring your new puppy home?;
  • Are you already active or willing to become more active?
  • Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training?
  • Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you.

    Determine Where Youll Get Your New Puppy

    Places to buy German Shepherd Puppies

    Generally, there are two places where you can get a new pet puppy either as adoption from shelters or rescue groups or as a purchase from breeders.

    If you want to get a purebred German Shepherd, youll have to go through a breeder, which is the route recommended by the German Shepherd dog club. If youre following that route , youll want to make sure that the breeder is reputable since that will be your main source of help if something goes wrong.

    One advantage to going through a reputable breeder for a purebred dog is that they should have all of the necessary information about their dogs, including medical records and family history. Theyll also probably be able to tell you how big the puppy will get, how much grooming its going to need, and what kind of food it should be eating.

    If you dont want a purebred GSD breed but still want a German Shepherd, then youre probably looking at getting your puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group somewhere in your area. These dogs should have been given some basic training before theyre adopted out to new homes, but youll still have to do a little bit of work to make sure that the socialization around other dogs and people is continued.

    Read Also: Why Does My German Shepherd Bark So Much

    Summary Of Ethically Bringing A German Shepherdpuppy Into Your Home

    Overall, the above are guidelines, and not advice you have to follow, or hard and set rules.

    If you are interested in buying your German ShepherdPuppy ethically, as a summary, you may pay attention to the following:

    • Be aware of the responsibility owning a German Shepherd is make a lifelong commitment and not just a Puppy commitment
    • Prioritise shelters and rescues for buying a Puppy or adult dog over breeders
    • Decide if you want a pet/family Puppy, or a high pedigree and working or show line puppy
    • Try not to reward backyard and Puppy mill breeders that care more about money than the dogs themselves
    • Try to reward breeders that value health and well being of the dogs even if you have to pay a bit more
    • Never feel bad for asking for information or as many questions as you like to a breeder about puppies and their parents;

    Responsible Breeder Checklist

    Ive Heard That Puppies Have To Be 8 Weeks Old Before They Can Be Sold Why Is This

    You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old.; More than half of the states in the U.S. have laws or regulations that mandate how old a puppy must be before it is allowed to be sold or adopted.

    And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. .

    The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own.

    In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. Some behaviors like biting or just being aggressive in general dont go over well with the family.

    So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older.

    Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age.;

    So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old .;

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    Does The Breeder Provide References

    You need to thoroughly vet your breeder. If you can watch training days or events this can give you a window into their process. Like any critical buying process, almost nothing competes with the value of word of mouth. Ask around and try to gather an objective and impartial image of your breeder.;

    There are many other considerations to keep in mind when raising this incredible breed, but having a good breeder relationship and knowing the parents is an important start. Depending on their proximity, a German Shepherd breeder may have recommendations for dog obedience classes San Antonio as well.;

    Besides You Will Want To Decide How Youre Going To Take Care Of Your Dog If You Are Going To Use A Professional Then Be Sure You Check Their Credentials Ask To See Their Certification Or Licensing

    where to buy a German shepherd

    Most dog trainers also have licenses. You will also want to ask about their training methods. You will be required to have this done before you can bring your new dog home.

    Also, some shelters are run by local shelters and not national ones. Some of these shelters offer free adoption, but others do not. Some puppy kennels may have pet adoption specials so you may want to look into this as well. In the end, though, you should choose a place that is reputable and has a good reputation for the pets they accept.

    Check out the size of the place and make sure you can fit a pup in there. Also, you should call the shelter to find out what the number is. Many times, this number will lead you to a number to your local shelter. You can bring your dog home right away. You may even want to hold off and see if you like the animal. Keep in mind, though, that once you get one, you will have to continue to provide pet insurance for the dog.

    Remember, finding free German Shepherd puppies for adoption is not impossible. It just takes some time and effort on your part.

    Recommended Reading: Why Are German Shepherds So Smart

    Is A German Shepherd Puppy Right For You

    German Shepherd puppies make very loyal, protective, and loving pets. Many vets, trainers, and owners who share their lives with German Shepherd puppies feel blessed. If you can accept the responsibility for training them and caring for them, you will be rewarded.

    This article is accurate and true to the best of the authorâs knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

    Grooming Tools Needed For German Shepherds

    Because German Shepherds are quite high maintenance on the grooming front and the fact they shed a lot throughout the year it’s important to have the right tools to keep their coats looking good and a dog’s skin in great condition. The grooming tools needed to keep a GSD’s coat in great shape includes the following:

    • A flea comb

    Read Also: How To Take Care Of A German Shepherd Puppy

    The American Kennel Club

    Locating a good breeder is one of the main considerations. The breeder should be very knowledgeable about the breed and the American Kennel Club .

    The American Kennel Club tries to regulate all registered puppy breeders, but because there are so many breeders, it is difficult to watch over all of them. But if you know what you are looking for and ask the breeder a lot of questions, you will soon know whether you have found a good breeder.

    Questions To Ask Your German Shepherd Breeder

    Information Buying German Shepherd Puppy

    So youve decided to get a German Shepherd puppy. This is a big step and can be so rewarding. Your time raising a GSD will no doubt be a rewarding experience. Finding the right dog for you and your family starts with proactively talking to a responsible German Shepherd breeder. How can you tell if a breeder is everything you need them to be and what signs point to competent breeding practices?;

    There are many factors to consider when raising a new dog, and many pertinent questions to ask your breeder. It is very valuable to understand your breeder, your interested dog breed, and what makes up your puppy. There are many steps coming up on this journey and information can play a very key role. There are many great dog obedience classes San Antonio, and by knowing what questions should be on your mind, you can best navigate these crucial first few months and years.;

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    Guide To Buying A German Shepherd Puppy

    Having decided to purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you should try to find the best representative available to you. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America hopes the following suggestions will result in a relationship that will be fulfilling to both you and the dog you choose.

    Many sources offer purebred German Shepherd puppies, but finding the best source takes time and study. Buying a puppy is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly. Hopefully by choosing the right puppy, you will be taking on a responsibility that will result in a healthy, well adjusted dog that will give you joy and happiness for many years.

    Pet stores occasionally offer purebred German Shepherd puppies. These puppies are mostly from puppy mills or the occasional back yard breeder who`s main objective in producing puppies is to make a profit. Health problems can be

    common as the “for profit” breeder does not select the best possible bloodlines that will be compatible for good health, longevity and good temperament.

    The German Shepherd Dog Club of America recommends you purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who specializes in German Shepherds. By taking advantage of a breeders knowledge and experience, you have a greater chance of your dog being a credit to the breed, and the companion you wish him to be.

    FINDING A REPUTABLE BREEDER

    · Check the classifieds on this site under the Puppies section.

    An alternate source of information is to contact a veterinarian in your community.

    What Should I Know Before Buying A German Shepherd Puppy

    Q: What should I know before buying a German Shepherd puppy?I’m planning to buy a German Shepherd puppy. What to do before buying? What to look for when buying a GSD? How to say that the puppy is healthy? How do I train the pup and the Do’s and Don’ts.Photo Credit: blumenbiene/Flickr

    Find out where you can take obedience classes in your city .Line up a vet.Know that a GS lives 10-15 years, it’s a long term committment.Find out what health problems they’re prone to . Google ‘german shepherd breed rescue’ and contact those people about the ‘good and bad’ of the breed. They’ll tell you everything.Find a puppy who has clear eyes, a nice coat, is alert, active, does NOT have diarrhea, and who you like. The friend/foe thing comes later. Remember YOU are the dog’s guardian, not the other way around.

    Answer by Puppy Training

    Answer by GiovanniGerman shepherd is a great choice for a puppy as long as he is worked daily and trained by a professional it will be a great loyal protector

    Answer by Wolfsbane K9Most importantly, you should spend some time with the German Shepherd Puppies to know about their intelligence, obedience and physical power. By following this point, you will never buy a weaker puppy for your home, which means a complete safety for the next 10-15 years in the choice of dog.

    Recommended Reading: How To Fix Loose Hocks In German Shepherds

    What About Separation Anxiety

    German Shepherd Dogs thrive on human company and are never happy when left on their own even for shorter periods of time. If a GSD is left alone they suffer separation anxiety which would result in excessive barking and being destructive around the house. When dogs are destructive it is their way of relieving the stress they experience at being alone.

    Dont Fall For A German Shepherd Puppy Scam

    How much does a German Shepherd cost?

    There are so many scams going around with popular pedigree dog breeds that Ive lost count on the number of ways people come up with take your money.

    There are scammers out there who know how easy it is to pull a fast one on a person who has fallen in love with a puppy.

    Heres a list of the most common scams you might come across when buying a German Shepherd puppy:

    • Adverts that promise a free puppy, only to sell at a discounted price.
    • Sellers who give sob stories about a family bereavement, moving away, not being able to care for the puppy.
    • Asking for more money to complete paperwork.
    • Promising to transfer a puppy across a long geographical distance.
    • Prices and offers that look too good to be true.

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    Tips When Buying A German Shepherd Puppy

    It is obvious that people from all over the world love the German Shepherd breed for the many good reasons they have. It is important to buy a puppy so that you can train it to whatever services you prefer as it grows. Some people want them for a companion, others for social service, while yet others for security. Good and reputable dog companies offer healthy german shepherd puppies for sale, and one can get them online. As a buyer, consider the following tips when planning to buy one.

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