Training - Socialize the puppy as much as you can

If you get your German Shepherd at a young age, socialize the puppy as much as you can. Bring them everywhere and expose the puppy to as many places as possible.

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Dog care - A lot of German shepherds have hip problems and weak bones

A lot of German shepherds have hip problems and weak bones. When it is a puppy, be sure to not let him play extensively on hard pavements to avoid damaging his young bones. It is also important to choose food that is especially made for large dog puppies because those are formulated for the bones. If you still have concerns about his bones, you can supplement his food with calcium.

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DOG FAQ - Do German Shepherds like to swim?

German Shepherd's make great swimmers, but you need to get them used to the water when they're puppies.

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DOG FAQ - How do I stop my puppy from going to the toilet in the house?

Your German Shepherd puppy will toilet in the house if it is not given the opportunity to toilet outside. He/she will want to toilet straight after waking from a sleep and after having a meal. These times are a good time to start training your puppy that outside is a good place to toilet, just by simply taking them outside to where you want them to toilet and praising them when they have done the job will enforce the idea that the toilet is outside.

Your German Shepherd puppy will then start whining at the door when they need to go and any mistakes are normally because we have ignored their plea for a toilet break. Remember, plenty of praise when the puppy does toilet outside in the chosen place and the puppy will be happy to return to that spot. After all the German Shepherd puppy would rather please you than be chastised by you.

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DOG FAQ - Are German Shepherd smart and easy to train?

Yes and no to both. Most German Shepherds are eager and willing to learn and enjoy training sessions (don't overdo training with a young puppy - they just don't have the attention span). If you start young and teach your puppy its order in your "pack", problems with training will be minimized. However, German Shepherds tend to have more dominant personalities than some breeds and can be stubborn, so some care in training is recommended.

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DOG FAQ - How often should I feed my puppy and how much?

Your breeder should provide you with a feeding chart of what your German Shepherd puppy has been fed and the frequency, foods recommended and not recommended for your puppy, how often you should feed your puppy and at what age to change the feeding times.

Remember that it is only a recommendation and can be varied according to how your puppy is growing. If your puppy looks like it is getting a little fat reduce the amount, if your puppy is looking a little lean increase the amount. Remember an overweight puppy can eventually have skeletal problems as the weight puts a great strain on growing bones.

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DOG FAQ - When should I switch my German Shepherd puppy to adult food?

Individual puppies will vary. You probably are best off discussing your puppy's growth and needs with both your vet and your breeder (your breeder should provide you with an appropriate feeding and diet sheet for your puppy). Many breeders and dog food manufacturers advise switching to a high quality adult food at four to six months of age.

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DOG FAQ - Do German Shepherd’s make good pets?

Absolutely, German Shepherds can make excellent family pets if they are accepted as part of the family, but any dog just left in a backyard to fend for itself will become a socially unacceptable nuisance. They are naturally protective of their "pack". Young children should never be left unattended with a puppy or an adult dog, however, if the children learn to respect the puppy as a living being, the puppy will be a wonderful companion for the children as they all grow up together. Your dog's ranking in the "pack" should always be established as the bottom (Omega) member below all family members and all other humans.

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DOG FAQ - What is "socializing" and why is it so important?

Socializing refers to exposing your German Shepherd puppy to a variety of experiences, including meeting lots of people of various ages, races, sizes and both sexes as well as teaching them how to acceptably interact with other dogs. Puppy kindergarten classes provide an excellent opportunity for socialization in a controlled environment. Socializing is important because it helps strengthen your dog's confidence and reduces the chance that your German Shepherd will become shy or fearful. Fearful dogs can become fear aggressive or fear biters. If your puppy is scared by something do not force your puppy to accept it, gently show the puppy that it is not dangerous.

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DOG FAQ - What can I do to get my German Shepherd puppy off to a good start?

One very important thing to produce a well rounded sound adult German Shepherd. That is socialization, this should not be taken lightly. As your German Shepherd puppy grows all efforts must be made to take your new puppy to different places where your puppy can meet people of all ages and be exposed to other dogs, small and large. He/She needs to learn different noises, this is something that needs to be done everyday. This is part of raising a puppy, any puppy. Committing to this exposure and socialization will dramatically impact his/her future life as an adult dog.

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DOG FAQ - What do I need to do to prepare for bringing my new puppy home?

Prepare a place for German Shepherd puppy own, bedding that the puppy can call their own. Each puppy will be sent home with a blanket they have been sleeping with to help him/her adjust to their new home. Purchase safe toys for your German Shepherd puppy to keep them busy, and keep their mind stimulated. A premium dog food has been fed to your puppy we recommend the same be continued throughout his/her life time. Eukanuba , Iams, ProPlan. There are more expensive natural based dogs foods that are available these are also a consideration.

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DOG FAQ - When can my new German Shepherd puppy come home with me?

Usually German Shepherd puppies leave breeder between 7 and 8 weeks old, after they’ve been wormed, and have received all necessary vaccinations according to their age.

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PUPPY SELECTION

Puppy Selection : Remember a good litter is a result of a right combination of genes. If the breeder has good bloodlines, it doesn’t mean he will produce a goods litter, because the best beach can produce the worst puppies, if not mated to the right kind of male. If you are not good at determining blood lines, you need to bank on an experienced person.


General Criterion like other health issues are to be considered before picking up the puppy. Make sure, the puppies do not have skin rashes, ears free from matter, and they are energetic. The eyes should be clear. Avoid the puppy that has a running eyes or ears.

See the movement, while choosing German Shepherd puppy. Movement of a healthy German Shepherd puppy should be effortless and the puppies should be playful. Avoid picking the one who stays away from other litter mates.

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