|
|
What should I ask for when buying a dog/puppy?
1. AKC registration and OFA Certification. Responsible breeders put
money back into their breeding program.
2. Are they current on medical? Wormings, shots, microchipping,
toenail trimmings, etc. should all be on a written record.
3. Why did they choose to breed this pair? Conscientious Breeders
think ahead, considering pedigrees, the dogs themselves and many other
factors before the breeding.
4. What have they or their buyers accomplished with previous puppies?
Are they consistently producing what you want within your home?
5. Price. You have to get what you want within your budget even if it
means payments. There are lots of puppies available, it may just take
awhile. The greater cost is equipment, vet, food and training.
|
|
|
What should I see when I go look at puppies?
1. See all paperwork you need to see before they show puppies!!! If
they cannot produce verifiable documents go no further.
2. See parents if possible. Even if it means a trip to the stud's
home. You may be able to see what else he has produced or bred to as
well. You want to see what you like.
3. See the group if possible.
Seeing how they interact can tell you how they may place themselves
within you home.
4. Go into their home. If the kennel/home isn't clean enough for you
to enter, go no further. If they are not healthy, leave.
5. See the one you want away from it's nest. You want to see how it
would accept you one on one and moving into your home.
|
|
|
What should I do if I want to buy a puppy?
1. See a written contract. It should completely identify puppy,
including tattoo or microchip information, with all AKC requirements as
well as guarantee and stipulations of sale.
2. See copies of all documentation represented. Require a set to take
home with you at time of purchase! Including AKC registration, pedigree,
titles, health records.
3. Go straight to the vet. Be sure that things are all A ok. (If not
go straight back to the breeder!)
|
|
|
What should I do when I get the puppy?
1. Plan to purchase equipment as soon as possible. Breeders point out
things that will make the adjustment smoother.
2. Get the pup on schedule. Use the timer on your stove for potty and
play times.
3. Couple loads of love with absolute firmness.
4. Do not delay using your breeder for help. Do not get rid of the dog
get rid of the problem!
|
|
|
When should I start training?
1. When you first take your puppy home.
2. More when he/she gets into trouble.
3. Even more when he/she gets a little older.
4. Continue your training. (Always stay a step ahead of the dog)
Training is a great way to exercise your dog! Did you know there are
certificates for ...
running (biking with your dog)
catching (Frisbee with your dog)
stockworking (sheep, cattle, ducks this is fun!)
biting (personal protection, Schutzhund)
smelling (many options here)
jumping (agility is popular)
listening (a must anyway)
The list goes on... and your pet can also become a great hobby!
|
|
|
When should I say goodbye?
This is a very personal decision and can be very difficult to make. We
have been there too, if you need to talk.
1. When the dog develops an inability to fit into your lifestyle. You
cannot train or contain the problem.
2. When the dog's quality of life is poor. You should love your family
member enough to let go when the time comes.
3. When you have allowed time to come to terms with your decision and
possibly allowed another to settle in.
|
|
|
Back
to the German Shepherd breeders page.