Saturday, September 29, 2012

Guidelines For Picking German Shepherd Puppies For Sale Oregon

By Casandra Newton


A lot of people enjoy the companionship of a dog, but many people underestimate just how difficult raising and caring for an animal can be. There is quite a bit of time involved, yes, but there are also many related expenses. Dogs require food, regular grooming, and routine medical care. There may also additional costs, like training classes and emergency vet visits. There are many German Shepherd puppies for sale Oregon, and selecting one of these dogs with the utmost care can help with certain related headaches and expenses.

Avoid any breeders who seem more interested in making money than in finding good homes for their puppies. Good breeders will ask lots of questions about you and your family. They will try to find you a puppy that is a good fit for your home and lifestyle. When in doubt, ask around. Previous buyers, veterinarians, and other reputable breeders are usually more than happy to refer you to a good place.

Many people do not want to spend a lot of money on a dog. You can find reasonably priced purebreds, but be careful. Do a lot of research to see what the average price of a German shepherd puppy is. In most cases, purebred puppies will cost around one thousand dollars from a quality breeder, with show quality pups often costing upwards of two thousand dollars. Be wary of anyone selling dogs for significantly less. This may be an indicator that you are dealing with a puppy mill, and the dogs that come from these places are typically not taken care of very well.

Make at least one visit to the breeder before purchasing a puppy. This will give you the opportunity to make sure the dogs are happy and healthy. Their living space should be clean and in good repair. They should not appear to be cramped or uncomfortable.

On one of your visits be sure to meet the parents of the litter. Make sure they have been tested for common genetic flaws, like eye and hip problems. Parents that test negative for these ailments produce children that are less likely to have them, too. Keep in mind that the mother may not look her best. She did, after all, just have a whole bunch of kids, and she is probably still producing milk for them. The mother should seem healthy, though. She should not appear to be malnourished or unhappy. You may not be able to meet the father because he may belong to someone else. The breeder you are dealing with should be happy to show you a picture or give you contact information for the father's owner.

Reputable breeders will require buyers to sign a contract. This document should outline basic rules regarding the upbringing of the puppy. All of the guidelines are designed to ensure the health and happiness of the dog. For example, it may stipulate that the dog is to be housed indoors, has to visit a licensed veterinarian regularly, and can never be given away to a shelter or rescue group.

Make sure the breeder's contract includes a health guarantee. This is a promise that the puppy you have received has been checked out by a licensed veterinarian and is physically fit. Most breeders also include that the puppy will not develop any genetic flaws within the first couple years of its life.

A vital step in choosing German Shepherd puppies for sale Oregon is to start the new family member off on the right foot. Dogs need a comfortable living space, proper veterinary care, a quality diet, suitable training, and lots of love in order to thrive.




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