Questions you need to ask yourself before you get a Pup

Which dog breed is best for you?

It is important that before you make the decision to get a pup that you read up and find out as much as you can about the breed, does the breed suit your life style do you have time to put into training and the care it will require, do you and can you put the proper requirements and needs around him, can you afford in your budget for a large breed dog, vet bill etc,

Dog Breeders: How To Find a Good Dog Breeder?

Picking a breeder can be a hard task when looking for a pup but one should alway remember you pay for quality if you chose to go to a puppy farmer to spare money in the long run you will spare nothing as the majority of these dogs do have mental and physical problems, a reputable breeder should stand over his own breeding, the kennel club is a good start to look for a breeder,
My personal place to look for a breeder is the show ring see what the breed is like first hand see some of what he has bred and what he has first hand, speak to them personally as over the phone a breeder can paint a beautiful pup, never comment to any thing till your 100% happy and have seen a few litters and breeders,

Male Dogs versus Female Dogs?

The characteristics of a male and female are so different even tough they are the same bred, the strength and size should be considered as should the hormones in both animals

Picking a puppy

Most of us do not want a puppy that will mature into an overly aggressive animal. Neither do we want one that is excessively timid or shy. We want a dog that will be reasonably easy to train, cause little damage to our home and will adapt well to our family and household.
Spending a little time with a group of puppies and being observant can usually help to isolate those with good, outgoing personalities. They’ll be in the midst of puppy play, being neither overly dominant nor submissive. If you crouch down, friendly pups will usually run to your feet. When picked up and supported well. Ask yourself some obvious questions. Does the puppy seem to enjoy being with people? Is it overly afraid of sounds or sudden movement? Most of this is common sense and can be done by anybody. Anything is better than saying simply, "I want a cute one in the corner.
A good honest breeder will help you with you choice and should answer your questions honest and fair.

Prepareing you home

Before taking your pup home make sure you have your house and property ready. Make sure all electric cables are tied up and any thing low is secure and any thing small is picked up. the pup will want to play and chew so be very carful of him in the house, get him cage trained if your letting him indoors, make sure his kennel is alway dry and warm and make sure he has no way of getting off your property.

Feeding and Health Care of your Puppy

Your puppy is now between 8 and 9 weeks old, ready to start the rest of its life with you. Thing is are you ready for what’s in store, German shepherds are a large breed and have a lot of requirements especially for the first year and at that it never ends.

Make sure you find out your pup's feeding routine and try if you can find out want the breeder feeds and have some in stock before you take him home, Most breeders will give you a bit to carry you over any way,

Fresh water should always be available making sure the feeding and drinking bowls are always clean. If you are to change the food I recommend using a high protein 27% or over, and preferably a puppy food as adult foods can upset the tummy.
In general left over food are never good, chicken bone, pig meat and salted food should never be offered, veg is ok if your pup likes them.
Most breeders disagree with giving there pups a treats but I think it is good idea for bonding and getting good from your pup.
Always watching his weight over or under weight is never healthy.

Vaccinations are a must as there are a number of diseases out there.
Canine distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Canine Parvovirus.
Which your puppy can be protected by a simple injection, at 6 weeks your breeder will normally have the first set done. and should be done again when he/she is 10 to 12 weeks old.
make sure you ask your breeder this as well how many times he has been wormed and when is next one due,

Exercise is a very big issue in the development of your pup both mentally and physically. The amount or exercise depends on the age, not so much starting off. as he gets older the walks can progress;
It’s essential to keep your dog on a lead in public places at all times. No matter how quite your dog is remembered they are a large breed and people misjudge size as a threat.
I recommend you find a local dog club in your area and get your pup basic training and socializing with other dogs and people.

Finally if you have any problems keep in mind your breeder is not a vet and if it is serious bring your pup straight to a vet,