The German Shepherd breed is loyal, intelligent, and makes great friends who can make great new family members. However, you will need to take the time to do a little research if you want to choose the right breeder puppy to keep, as this means a long term commitment (ten years or more). Preparing for the addition of a new family member in your home is an important decision. Get as much information about this as possible, to ensure the best health and pleasure for everyone involved.
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Part 1 of 4: Doing Your Own Research
Step 1. Make sure that you can afford to keep a shepherd dog
Herders can live up to 10-12 years of age with good care and health, so you are making a long term commitment to this pet. Make sure that you can provide a dog with everything he needs to live a long and happy life. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) organization in the US estimates that the cost incurred by a dog owner during the first year of keeping a shepherd is USD1,843 (roughly nearly Rp. 25,000,000). After the first year, you will spend USD875 (approximately Rp.11,500,000) annually. This cost includes medical care, food, physical care, equipment (cages, toys, ropes), training, etc. If you don't have the financial means to properly raise a shepherd, it's best to postpone adopting this new family member.
- The cost of adopting/buying a superior quality shepherd puppy from a breeder is around IDR 6,500,000-IDR 16,000,000, or even more. Of course, you will have to spend extra money at this early stage, but this investment will save you veterinary fees and other costs later. Purchasing a high quality breeder puppy ensures that you get the support of a reputable breeder.
- For more detailed information about the price of herder puppies in Indonesia, try contacting Perkin (Perkumpulan Kinologi Indonesia), which is the parent organization of rummy for fans of purebred dogs in Indonesia.
Step 2. Learn all you can about herd breeds
While a shepherd is a physically attractive dog, you need to make sure that this breed is suitable for the conditions in your household. A herder dog is a herding dog, which was bred to herd livestock in a livestock environment. This is a true working dog breed, which requires immense mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and live a balanced life. Without an outlet for energy, a shepherd dog will grow up with an unruly and destructive nature.
- Herder dogs are perfect for those who want a lot of interaction and need a strong bond with their pets.
- If you can't handle this responsibility, you're better off looking for a different breed of dog.
Step 3. Volunteer to devote time to the training process from an early age
Large shepherd dog. Standard breed dogs usually reach a height of 61-66 cm (males) or 56-61 cm (females), at the highest point of their shoulder blades. Dogs of this breed also have a very high energy level, to even exceed ordinary puppies. That's why training a shepherd is so important, especially if you don't want to be physically overwhelmed by keeping the shepherd dog. Thankfully, this dog is intelligent and loves to learn and work. Your dog will respond very well to training.
Step 4. Decide whether you want to keep a male or female dog
During childhood, the difference between male and female dogs is not very noticeable, but this needs to be considered because of later adulthood. The most obvious difference is that female dogs will have two fertile cycles each year if not neutered. Female dogs also have a smaller body size and lighter weight than male dogs in adulthood, and have a softer facial expression.
- Male dogs tend to be more territorial than female dogs. His habit of marking his territory with urination can be controlled with proper training.
- Female dogs tend to be more protective of their group or family members, although this may result in jealousy in other pets.
Step 5. Go to dog fan events to see shepherds
The best way to learn everything about shepherds is to see them in person. Attending dog fan events or even dog competitions will give you the opportunity to meet high-quality breeders and breeders in person. These dogs were bred with the aim that their physical characteristics meet the official dog breed standards from Perkin (or from the AKC, the American Kennel Club, in the US). However, if you are more interested in the employability or pastoral aspects, attend events or competitions that test these aspects. Examples of these qualities worth noting are dexterity, obedience, ability as a guard dog (Schutzhund), and tracking ability, among many other qualities.
- Working dogs are usually selected based on their intelligence qualities, potential for training, athletic qualities, and their natural ability to herd and work.
- You can find very good quality shepherds at varying levels of agility, obedience, guardability, and tracking ability in a wide variety of dog competitions.
- Contact your local shepherd fan club or Perkin for a schedule of events or competitions you can attend to see shepherds.
Step 6. Choose a shepherd puppy adoption place that is right for you
Purebred dogs are rare in animal shelters, but with a little patience you might be able to find a herd or mixed breed dog. If you're having trouble finding it through your local animal shelter, consider contacting your local animal rescue organization. Both of these options will give you the opportunity to rescue a dog that really needs help, but in both cases, you won't be able to confirm the dog's pedigree. If you decide to keep a purebred herder with a clear pedigree, you should buy it from a breeder.
- Never buy a dog from an advertisement in a newspaper or website without first visiting the location and getting to know the owner. Never promise to meet somewhere other than the location of the dog's shelter, because of course you need to see firsthand the facilities owned by the breeder.
- Never buy a dog from a pet store. These shops usually get their puppies from puppy “farms” that breed puppies carelessly without regard to the health or quality of the dogs. Dogs are often forced to live in poor and very unhealthy conditions. Don't support these practices with your money.
- You may see puppies for sale by the roadside. If the seller is not affiliated with a dog adoption agency, never buy a puppy from a street vendor. These kinds of sellers are usually irresponsible breeders, so buying puppies from them is simply supporting these irresponsible practices further and more.
Part 2 of 4: Finding Trusted Breeders
Step 1. Find information about and contact purebred dog communities
Start with an online search by visiting a shepherd dog fan club website, such as belicoff.com, or a purebred dog fan club website, such as dogskita.com. Both websites provide detailed information on what to look out for when we are looking for a responsible breeder, and can direct you to local, actionable sources. Do further research on the closest shepherd club to your location. Whether you get information from a website or contact them directly, these local breed dog clubs are an excellent way to find a reputable and responsible breeder name in your location.
Step 2. Consult your local veterinarian
Veterinarians have relationships with so many animal owners and caregivers that they get to know a great many breeders, shelter managers, and dog owners. Since veterinarians are well versed in the business of animals in their practice, talking to a local veterinarian is also an excellent way to obtain trusted breeder recommendations.
- Also consider talking to the owner, physical nurse, or other shepherd trainer.
- If you're visiting a breed show or competition, have a chat with the owners and trainers, and ask about positive or negative experiences they've had.
Step 3. Find a breeder that specializes
A good breeder will not breed and provide too many breeds of dogs. Look for a breeder that specializes in only shepherds. The best option is a breeder who has many years of experience with breed dogs. Such breeders will be able to answer your questions about the growth and development, temperament, and training of a shepherd dog, easily and quickly.
Step 4. Ask about how often and how long the dogs usually interact with humans
One of the key characteristics of a good breeder is the effort to socialize the dog from an early age. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to coexist peacefully with humans. If the breeder puts the puppies away from the human house/dwelling, the puppies will not be used to seeing or hearing the everyday situations of human homes, so they are not used to interacting with humans either. This can become a problem as the dog grows older and is about to be adopted.
Make sure that the puppy has been living in the breeder's house, together with the humans, at least temporarily. The longer the puppy has had the opportunity to interact with humans, the more you can trust the breeder
Step 5. Ensure that even female dogs are bred responsibly
Responsible breeders will not attempt to breed female dogs that have not yet reached sexual maturity, i.e. at about 2 years of age. The mother dog should also be given sufficient time to recover after pregnancy and childbirth, then separate from the puppies when the puppies are adopted. This female dog must be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who bred a female dog that was too young or unhealthy, or who didn't give her enough time to recover but immediately forced her to get pregnant and give birth again.
Puppies should not be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. At the age below that, puppies have not been able to live apart from their mother
Step 6. Ask the puppy's health condition
Breeders must begin the process of vaccination and deworming in puppies, before opening up opportunities for adoption. Make sure that these important things have been done, and ask for any other health problems the vet has found during previous checkups.
Step 7. Determine the pedigree of the puppy
Ask the breeder if this puppy has been tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) gene. This will determine whether the diseases that are often passed down in the breed of dogs also appear in the puppies and individuals in the puppies. Dogs that have the DM gene will suffer from progressive paralysis, especially in the hind limbs. [5] Also ask the breeder if the pup's father and mother are OFA or Perkin certified. You can also ask to see the pup's parents' certificates, but a trusted breeder will usually show it right away without being asked. However, note that certification from Perkin does not necessarily mean that you have a completely healthy puppy. This certification means the breeder has registered the dog with Perkin.
- In addition, The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), or Animal Orthopedic Foundation, provides certification based on the dog's genetic and orthopedic health condition.
- Shepherd dogs often suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. Experts do recommend that animals with genetic problems not be bred, but the OFA certification should be able to show the dog's health condition.
- However, know that there is really no definite guarantee about the health conditions in animals. There is always the possibility that two dogs that are free from genetic problems will produce puppies with genetic problems.
Step 8. Study the decision-making process of the breeder
The breeder should investigate yourself as a potential owner, just as you should investigate him/herself as a breeder. There is no good breeder who immediately gives up the puppy without trying to find out if the prospective owner is able to provide the means for a good and healthy life for the dog. Ask the breeder about the conditions he thinks are important to a potential dog owner, and whether the breeder has ever turned down a potential owner who didn't qualify. Breeders must be able to answer these questions without thinking.
You can also ask for references from the breeder, so you can contact other owners who have adopted puppies from that breeder
Step 9. Answer all questions from the breeder honestly
Trusted breeders should ask a variety of questions about the potential owner's background and experience, as well as the potential owner's lifestyle and family situation, to guide reaching the best decision. Although it may be very difficult, good breeders will be willing to turn you down if they think you are not a suitable owner for the puppy. For example, if the puppy has parents who tend to be inactive, the puppy may not be a good fit for a potential owner with a very active lifestyle. If your adoption application is rejected, ask if the breeder has other alternatives for you, so you can broaden your search. Also ask if there are puppies coming soon, which might be a better fit for you.
- Be patient and don't be disappointed. With enough patience and hard work, you will succeed in finding the right puppy.
- Don't lie to the breeder just to get a puppy. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You certainly don't want to have a dog that doesn't suit your needs either, do you?
Step 10. Learn the characteristics of an irresponsible breeder
Avoid breeders who offer “discounts”, who have a dog grooming area that is dirty or smells bad, or behaves suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. Breeders who only care about money are breeders who have the wrong motivation, and tend not to care about the well-being of the dog.
- Make sure that the breed's dogs are not kept together in overcrowded cages. Dogs should have plenty of room to move around and explore their surroundings. For a while, puppies even have to be kept indoors to get used to the atmosphere of a human home and family.
- There should be sufficient food and drinking water for each animal in the breeder's rearing area.
- Dog breeding areas should be cleaned daily. It's possible that a dog was littering right before your arrival, but you should be suspicious if the area looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a long time.
Step 11. Know the breeder's dog return policies and conditions
All trusted breeders should be willing to take their dog back if it does not match the family situation of the new adopter/owner. If the breeder doesn't have a dog return policy and terms, it means the breeder doesn't care what happens to the dog after it's adopted, and this is a red flag to watch out for!
Also know what documents you will get when you adopt a puppy. Will you also receive Perkin's certificate of registration and his race certificate files?
Step 12. Read and negotiate about the puppy's health insurance
Negotiate what you want, if it's not already included in the contract agreement. Be very careful if the breeder is not willing to discuss the possibility of returning the dog.
- Does this agreement contract require you as a new owner to take your puppy to the vet on a certain schedule?
- Are there any inherited/hereditary problems listed in it, both lifelong and temporary?
- What documents do you need to prepare to prove your eligibility as an adopter/owner?
- What do breeders agree to provide? 100% refund? Exchange with other puppies if available?
- Are there any restrictions on certain activities that you should not do with/with your dog, which are against the contract agreement or guarantee provided?
- Are you buying a potential competition/show winning dog, or a family pet dog?
- Does the breeder have a strong opinion of (or even prohibit) vaccinations, supplements or certain foods for the puppy? Is this opinion based on valid science?
Part 3 of 4: Adopting a Dog from the Dog Rescue Community
Step 1. Contact your local breed dog rescue community
You can find these types of communities by searching online, or by contacting a local humanitarian organization, dog shelter, or veterinarian. Many pet-related businesses can provide information about the local animal rescue community as well.
Don't forget to talk to shepherd owners or visit shepherd fan events to get to know more of the owners
Step 2. Ensure that you are in contact with a legitimate rescue community
Puppies available in rescue communities should be thoroughly checked by a veterinarian for general health, presence of parasites (e.g., worms), and getting vaccinated, before they can be adopted. In general, dogs will be neutered prior to adoption, or you will need to sign a contract to do this yourself later. Beware of the rescue community for ignoring this step.
Step 3. Follow the entire applied application process
Many rescue communities have a complex and lengthy dog placement application process. You will be required to go through the application process, interview and receive home visits to ensure a successful adoption. Some communities even ask for permission to consult with your veterinarian, to obtain information about yourself as a pet owner and about your past pets. If you live in a rented / rented house, prepare a letter of permission from the owner of the house for you to keep a dog in the house. If you have had a dog before, it should also be checked to see if it is compatible with the dog you are planning to adopt.
All of this may sound like an exaggeration, but actually the animal rescue community just wants to put the dog in a family and home that is ready to take responsibility for taking good care of it
Part 4 of 4: Choosing Puppies to Pet
Step 1. Investigate the history of the disease in the puppy's pedigree
Just like other dog breeds, herders have a tendency to inherited/hereditary diseases that can't be detected just by looking at their physical appearance. Common genetic diseases in this breed include degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. If you adopt a puppy from a breeder, the breeder should know the history of the disease in the puppy's pedigree. Discuss the possibility of developing these diseases in the puppy you are about to adopt.
Step 2. Visit the puppy more than once
You will need to see the puppy on several different occasions, in order to better determine his temperament and health condition. Just like human babies, puppies can be in a happy or bad mood, so you need to make decisions based on complete understanding, not just one encounter.
Step 3. Check the pup's health condition
Take some time and pay close attention to each puppy you want to adopt. Puppies should be of the right weight, not too fat but not too skinny, and free from unpleasant odors. The eyes must be clear (not watery or red), and the ears must be clean. The coat should be full (not bald here and there) and look shiny, and free of dirt or fleas. Watch for signs of excessive scratching, which may be a sign of a skin or coat problem. This puppy should have a good appetite and not have vomiting or diarrhea.
Also recognize the quality of social skills in puppies. Puppies should be curious and sociable, playful and friendly
Step 4. Test the puppy's temperament
Temperament testing on your dog or puppy helps you choose the right pet dog for your family and lifestyle. For example, a puppy with a high energy level may be suitable for an active family who enjoys being in nature, but not for a family who likes to relax at home. To do a temperament test, separate the puppy from his siblings and make sure that the puppy is focusing its attention on you.
- Walk around and see if the puppy is following you. Puppies that follow humans are used to socializing with humans and enjoying the company of humans.
- Get on your knees and call the puppy. The puppy should show interest in you and come closer when called.
- Lift the puppy in the air, and observe how it reacts when picked up.
- Hold the puppy gently in a supine position (stomach up). The puppy may struggle a little, which is fine, but don't let the puppy struggle and fight you with all his might when you hold him. Choose a puppy that is not timid, and know this by observing if its tail is tucked between its hind legs.
- In all interactions, watch for signs of fear or disbelief. A puppy showing these signs may not be suitable for you to adopt.
Step 5. Find out if there is a tendency for bad behavior
If you see a puppy guarding his food or toys, think twice before adopting him. While this kind of behavior can be corrected through training, you will face unnecessary extra difficulties compared to choosing a better-tempered dog. Observe the pup's growling or biting behavior when humans or other dogs approach their food or toys. Dogs that run away also show a tendency to have problems interacting with the sense of security and comfort in the home.
- If you decide to adopt a puppy with behavioral problems, make sure that you are ready to work with a behavior therapist or trainer you can trust.
- Be aware that having a dog that tends to be reactive will add to the potential loss or liability to you as the owner.
Step 6. Invite the puppy to play
You'll want a puppy who likes to play and isn't scared, because many dogs bite out of fear. Adult shepherds are large and strong, so you shouldn't adopt a puppy who is naturally timid. Puppies that are born timid are more difficult to train, and can show fear by attacking as they mature.
Step 7. Think carefully about adopting a puppy from a shelter very far from your location
You might visit a shelter or breeder's house in a location and fall in love with one of the puppies, even though this location is hundreds or thousands of kilometers away from your location. If you are unable to bring the puppy home immediately (for example, because it is too young to be separated from the mother), you will need to arrange transportation at a later date. For the sake of the puppy's health, you must pick him up yourself. Sending a puppy through a delivery service is tiring and stressful for a puppy, and often results in the puppy getting sick when picked up at the airport/station.
If you want a puppy from a remote shelter, volunteer yourself to go pick it up yourself
Tips
To help with the transition in the new home, the breeder should provide the puppy with food guidelines, perhaps even a few samples of its food, in order to minimize the chance of stomach upset and encourage a regular appetite even in the new home environment. If you wish to change his diet at a later date, do this in consultation with your veterinarian and gradually over a week or two
Warning
- Choosing the right shepherd puppy takes time, effort and effort. However, if done right, these right puppies will bring you great joy for years to come.
- Consider the right time to bring this new puppy into your home. Will you have enough time to keep them indoors or train them to socialize properly? Were you on vacation the first time you brought the puppy home and then had to go back to work and leave the puppy alone all day? Prepare yourself and learn, so that the puppy's early days in your home can go well.
- Don't buy puppies from other people. Adopting a dog is a very personal and costly decision and should not be taken lightly. Choosing a puppy is part of the relationship building process between the potential owner and the puppy.
- Prepare your budget. Adopting a puppy doesn't just happen. This is a long term commitment that involves large sums of money. Consider the costs of the vet, including basics such as vaccinations, flea and deworming preventive care, as well as advanced items such as neutering. The cost of food, physical care, and training also requires a budget. Are you ready to incur any emergency medical treatment costs that may arise? There are many companies that provide pet insurance plans at affordable premiums, but they need to be paid monthly. Do you intend to register your dog for a dog show or competition? This kind of activity also costs money.
