Choosing a Puppy
Actually, the first step in choosing a dog is to first be sure that the breed of dog you are considering is right for you. The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) requires a sufficient amount of attention. They are social animals and they need to spend time with their master and/or family. If you work long hours or travel extensively, the GSD may not be the breed for you at this time in your life.
Before being so specific as to choose a puppy, it would first be a good idea to search for and choose a reputable breeder. Some breeders are better than others. In this case better is in the context of providing proper care for their dogs as well as insuring that the dogs they sell are going to be properly cared for. A good breeder that truly cares for his dogs is selective in placing their dogs in a home. Being a good breeder also means that they are particular in the dogs they breed and sell so that the customer always gets a good quality dog. Some basic things to look for in a breeder are:
- Breed specialty: Look for breeders who specialize in a particular breed. The breeder will more likely have more knowledge of a particular breed if that is the only breed he raises. Specializing in two or even three breeds should not be of much concern especially if all those breeds have similar traits and are often used for a common purpose. For example, a breeder may specialize in the breeding and training of guard dogs and in that capacity he may offer the Doberman Pincher, the German Shepherd Dog, and the Rottweiler. Just avoid the breeders who deal in more than three breeds, especially when the range of those breeds do not fit a common theme.
- Breed Standards: A good breeder will have knowledge of breed standards and be committed in breeding dogs that comply with those standards.
- Pedigree: Any reputable breeder will have documentation on his dogs, showing the blood-line and other pertinent information. This can be very important in predicting the probability of disease as well as other traits.
- Inquisitiveness: A good breeder will probably have nearly as many questions to ask you as you have for him. He wants to be sure his dogs are going to be well cared for. He may want to know why you are interested in a particular breed. He may also want to know what kind of facilities you have and how much time you will be able to spend with the dog. Asking these questions shows that the breeder cares for his dogs and therefore increases the chances that you will receive a well cared for puppy.
- General Appearance: Here appearance applies to both the dogs and the facility. Providing clean and healthy homes for their dogs is a mark of professionalism. The dogs themselves should appear healthy and well groomed.
- Training: If training is available from the breeder for the dogs they sell, it shows even more knowledge that the breeder has of the breed. Whether you would decide to opt for the training program or not, just the fact that training is available, is creditable toward the breeder's reputability.
- Guaranties: Many breeders offer guaranties on the dogs they sell. Such guaranties may be against the dog developing certain diseases within a limited amount of time. Compare guaranties among breeders.
To view the German Shepherd Dog Club of America's Breeder Code of Ethics, click here.
Once a breeder is chosen, then it is simply a matter of choosing the puppy. In choosing a puppy, certain things are looked for or evaluated for a particular breed. When selecting a GSD puppy, avoid puppies that appear too shy or nervous. Puppies at the age that they can be sent home with new owners should be inquisitive and curious. Watch the puppies move about. Do not pick the bully of the litter. Watch the puppy interact with the other puppies in the litter as well as with you and your family members. Look for a friendly puppy who is not afraid and allows you to handle him without a lot of struggle.
If possible meet both of the pup's parents and pay attention to their character. The puppy's parents should be "OFA" certified as "Good" or "Excellent". The OFA is the "Orthopedic Foundation for Animals". When potential breeding stock reaches the age of 2, the breeder should have a set of X-rays taken and submit them to the OFA for certification. OFA will return a certification (Excellent, Good, or Fair) along with a certification number for the dog. Dysplastic dogs will not be given a certification number. Below is an example of an OFA certification.
Also ask to look through the puppy's pedigree. Look for obedience titles, conformation titles, hip certifications, and make sure that common ancestors are at least three generations back.
Shots
Puppies need several sots to prevent certain ailments and diseases. Your breeder has probably already begun vaccinations on the puppies. How many of the required vaccinations a puppy has received will depend upon the age of the puppy and the breeder's vaccination policy. Shots are given over a period of time at certain intervals. Be sure to ask about the shots that have already been given. If you purchase a puppy, be sure you receive a copy of the the puppy's vaccination records. It is very possible that you will take possession of your puppy before he has received all his shots which means you will have the responsibility of taking the puppy to receive the remainder of his vaccinations This will be a recurring task. Periodically taking your dog in for vaccinations is a part of owning a dog. A dog requires booster shots from time. Seek the guidance of a reputable veterinarian regarding vaccinations The breeder should be able to tell you where your puppy is in the vaccination schedule.
The following is a vacination schedule for general information only. Local laws and recommendations of local breeders and veternarians may differ from the information contained in this table.
Age of Dog |
Vacinations |
6-8 weeks |
Physical Examination, First DHLPPC*, Deworming |
10-12 weeks |
Physical Examination, Second DHLPPC*, Deworming, Kennel Cough Vacccination |
14-16 weejs |
Physical Examination, Third DHLPPC*, Rabies Vactionation |
Annually |
Physical Examination, DHLPPC* Booster, Kennel Cough Booster, Rabies Booster, Deworming |
| *DHLPPC= Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo Virus, & Corona Virus | |
For more information on vacinations, click here.
Neutering and Spaying
Any dog which is not to be used for breeding should be spayed or neutered. Over population of pets is the number one killer of dogs and cats in the United States. There are 7 times as many dogs born each day than there are people. One female dog allowed to breed without limitations can through her descendants generate over 900 puppies in only 6 years. There just is not enough homes for all these animals.
Aside from neutering and spaying simply being the responsible thing for a dog owner to do, there are some other reasons for it which will benefit the dog and his owner. A dog which has been neutered or spayed will be less likely to roam, bite, scratch, fight, mark territory, and develop testicular cancer. Medical findings indicate that a dog which is neutered or spayed will be healthier and live longer.
Facilities
The GSD can adapt to most any living situation, however, he does require a substantial amount of exercise, both mentally and physically. It would stand to reason therefore, that if the owner is not able to provide a very large yard for the dog, then he or she (the owner) would have to provide more exercise by taking him on walks and playing with him more often. A GSD should never be allowed to roam free however. He should be kept in a fenced back yard or kennel run.
Underground fences may also be something to consider. With underground fencing, the dog wears a collar which delivers a correcting shock when the dog attempts to go beyond the boarder of the underground fence. Before the corrective shock however, the dog receives a warning signal by a vibration and/or a distinctive sound. There are several types of these fences with various features. For more on these underground fences, click here.
The dog should also have a shelter from rain and snow. Perhaps the biggest problem with having a GSD in the home or apartment is that they shed a lot. Daily grooming will minimize the problem but most likely if you allow a GSD to be inside your house, you will most likely find some dog hair. A basement or attached workshop or garage with a dog door where he can come and go freely may be a good solution. Where ever the dog is kept a good dog-bed will certainly make him more comfortable.
Diet
A healthy diet is essential for the development of a growing puppy. The diet must be complete and include all the necessary ingredients to supply the nutritional needs specific to any particular breed. If the diet is efficient in specific ingredients over the long term, debilitating disease can be the result. Commercial dog food may or may not contain a proper balance of nutrients best for the GSD. There are some quality commercial dog foods available, but you must choose carefully and shop the ingredients list. Some owners of GSD's prefer to provide their dogs with an alternate diet to commercial dog food. There are many books and web sites which provide information on these diets. For more information on some of these alternate diets for the GSD click on any of the following links.
Ravines German Shepherds, what we feed and why
Proper Nutrition for Your Dog
What to feed your German Shepherd Dog
Exercise
The German Shepherd Dog requires a lot of exercise. It would be good to walk him daily even if he is kept in a large yard. The breed was initially bread for herding, so stamina was one of the traits for which the early breeders were striving. This breed was developed to be able to trot all day.
Grooming
The GSD should be brushed and/or combed twice a week minimum. More frequent brushing or combing may be required depending on coat condition and coat length. Each session should only take ten minutes or less. This breed sheds year round and has a double coat, so potential owners should be ready to accept this task as a regular and routine part of their own lives. For more detailed information on brushing and combing your GSD, click here.
The GSD only needs a bath about once per month. Sometimes two or three times a month may be required during flea season. Do not bathe more often than once every 10 days or you risk striping the coat of natural oils. It is important to use a shampoo specifically for dogs because it has a different ph rating than the shampoo made for humans.
When grooming and bathing your dog, also consider it an inspection. Pay particular attention to his ears, and teeth. Look of ticks and sores. Check the toe nails for splits. Toe nails need to be trimmed periodically unless your dog walks frequently on pavement in which case they may not need trimming.
It is recommended that you acquire a book that contains detailed information and instructions for grooming and bathing your GSD.