A comprehensive guide on what to look out for and what you should think about when bringing home a new family companion
Over time, we have come to understand the complexities and common pitfalls of adding a new family member, like a Puppy. Bringing home a German Shepherd puppy is a wonderful and exciting time, but there are important considerations to keep in mind. The process of buying and taking a new family member home begins long before even looking at puppy options, and in fact starts in the home. Here are what you should consider:
Ensuring your home is prepared for the addition of a puppy
Training and socialization: German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that require regular training and socialization. It's important to establish a consistent training routine and enroll your puppy in socialization classes as soon as possible or set strong socialization regimen. This can include daily obedience, puppy classes, or dedicated character building time.
Exercise: German Shepherds are highly active dogs that require a lot of exercise. Make sure you have a plan in place for providing your puppy with regular walks, playtime, or mentally stimulating activities.
Diet: German Shepherds have a high metabolism and require a high-quality diet to stay healthy. It's important to choose a high-quality dog food and feed your puppy on a consistent schedule. We feed our puppies 3 times a day according to weight and age, and as they get older feeding schedules can be modified to twice per day.
Puppy-proofing: German Shepherds are curious and playful dogs that will explore their new surroundings. It's important to puppy-proof your home by removing any potential hazards and securing loose items. Like a child, they will want to check everything out, so it’s the owner’s responsibility set up safety boundaries and other designated areas for your puppy to be comfortable and secure. Establishing a potty area either outside or on a Puppy-Pad is critical for the early days of a new puppy since you will be setting a behavior for the longterm.
Vet Check-up: After bringing your puppy home, it's important to schedule a vet check-up as soon as possible. This will ensure that your puppy is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. We always Vet-Check our puppies before they are rehomed, but we still recommend going to your local vet as a follow up.
Consistency: German Shepherds thrive on consistency and routine, so it's important to establish a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and training.
Patience: German Shepherds are highly trainable but they need patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency. Your puppy will make mistakes and have accidents, but it's important to be patient and understanding while they learn. Puppies are like children and require love, security and patience to help mold them to your family routine and habits.
So your home and family are prepared for this wonderful addition, what's next?
Nowadays, there are breeders in almost neighborhood. According to the Humane Society, as of 2021, there are approximately 2.6 million puppies sold who originated from puppy mills. When buying a German Shepherd puppy, there are several important factors to consider to ensure your puppy is a healthy, and a life long companion.
Breeder Reputation: It is crucial to obtain a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder. Look for breeders who have experience and knowledge about the breed and can provide health clearances for the puppy's parents. A breeder should be focused on improving the quality of the breed or at least producing a quality representation of the wonderful animal. We focus on strong temperaments, intelligence, beauty, and physically capable German Shepherds who can offer superior puppies to suitable families.
Health: German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloating. Make sure the puppy you choose has been cleared of any genetic health issues and that the breeder provides a health guarantee. We provide all families with crippling Hip and Elbow Dysplasia guarantees backed by genetic and veterinary testing of the parents.
Temperament: German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and intelligence, but it's important to choose a puppy with a good temperament. A good breeder will be able to provide information on the puppy's temperament and socialization. Training and Exercise: German Shepherds are highly active and require regular training and exercise. Make sure you are prepared to provide your puppy with the necessary physical and mental stimulation. We believe a German Shepherd should have a balanced character. Thus, we prioritize protection capabilities, play or food drive, with family time. We focus on basic obedience, Shutzhund protection training, show training, and mental stimulations.
Cost: German Shepherds can be expensive, and the cost of the puppy is just the beginning. Be prepared for the cost of feeding, training, grooming, and veterinary care. We try to offer superior quality of bloodlines, character, and build at a reasonable value to quality families.
Research the breed: Before obtaining a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to research the breed to make sure it is the right fit for you and your lifestyle. German Shepherds are highly active and require a lot of attention, so make sure you are prepared to provide that.
Regular training, socialization, exercise, and a consistent schedule are key to raising a happy and healthy German Shepherd.
In conclusion, bringing home a German Shepherd puppy is a big commitment and an exciting time, but it's important to be prepared for the responsibilities that come with owning one. We always tell our families that bringing home a puppy is like a bringing home a newborn child - it takes time. Do your research and find a reputable breeder with healthy, well-tempered puppies. Be prepared to provide your puppy with proper training, exercise, care, and don't forget the cost that come with owning a German shepherd. Get ready to invest time, patience and fall in love with the process of raising a German shepherd.