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German Shepherd puppies are sweet and energetic, making them ideal companions. But raising a German Shepherd puppy is not easy. These dogs have distinct needs from other breeds that require constant attention and training. Because adult German Shepherds usually stand between 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh somewhere between 70 and 90 pounds, you can’t expect your puppy to remain small for long. Raising a German Shepherd puppy is challenging but rewarding. Provided you set the right foundation from day one, your pup will soon grow into a healthy adult dog with a solid temperament. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about raising a German Shepherd puppy – from feeding and grooming to training tips.
A Guide to Raising a German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd puppies are almost always black or black and tan in color. White Shepherds are rare and often have health issues. These dogs are bred for herding, guarding, hunting and police work. They make excellent pets for people who want a loyal and protective companion. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They are also very large dogs that need a lot of space to grow and play. Additionally, they are prone to many health conditions that require special attention. Because you’re raising a puppy, it’s important to set the right foundation right from the start. Start with the basics: proper feeding, regular brushing and training. But don’t forget to celebrate the little victories, too. German Shepherd puppies are adorable, and growing up with a puppy is a unique experience, full of fun and memorable moments.
Feeding Guide for German Shepherd Puppies
From the moment your puppy arrives, it’s vital to provide a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. To ensure your puppy stays healthy, feed it a high-quality puppy food designed for German Shepherds. For the first 8 weeks of your puppy’s life, you should feed it three or four times per day. After 8 weeks, you can feed your puppy twice a day, morning and evening, with a portion size roughly the size of your puppy’s head. Before you feed your puppy, make sure to take away any toys your puppy might try to eat and clean up any mess it might make. German Shepherds are notorious for eating anything and everything they find. Keep your puppy’s food in a safe place where your puppy can’t reach it.
Grooming Requirements for German Shepherds
German Shepherd puppies are naturally messy but, as they grow and their hair length increases, they tend to get very dirty and matted. That’s why grooming is an essential part of raising a German Shepherd puppy. A German Shepherd’s short-to-medium length double coat consists of two parts: the undercoat and the topcoat. The undercoat acts as insulation, keeping the dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The topcoat is designed to repel water and protect the dog from rough surfaces. As your puppy grows, it will shed a lot and you’ll need to brush it two to three times a week. This will help reduce shedding and encourage new hair growth.
Training Tips for German Shepherd Puppies
As soon as your puppy arrives, get into the habit of training it. Training your puppy early will help it develop good habits that will last a lifetime. While you should start training your puppy as soon as possible, don’t expect it to learn everything right away. Puppies are very curious creatures, but they are also extremely clumsy. This can lead to accidents and problems such as jumping up on people, chewing on furniture and digging in the yard. If your puppy does something you don’t want it to do, don’t scold it. Instead, gently take it away from the offending object and replace it with something else. For example, if your puppy jumps on the couch, take it off the couch and replace it with a toy.
Conclusion
Raising a German Shepherd puppy is a lot of work, but it is also incredibly rewarding. These dogs are incredibly loyal and make excellent companions for active households. German Shepherd puppies are sweet and energetic, and they need a lot of attention and training. As long as you set the right foundation from day one, your pup will grow into a healthy adult dog with a solid temperament. If you’re thinking about getting a German Shepherd puppy, make sure you’re ready for the responsibility. These dogs require a lot of attention and space to grow and play.
