8 Important Tips for Raising a German Shepherd Puppy
Socialize your new puppy inside and outside of your home. Doing so will build your pup's confidence. German Shepherds are naturally protective, but an unsocialized dog can become overly aggressive or too timid. You want your dog to be confident and safe.
Provide your new dog/puppy with plenty of room to run and exercise.
German Shepherds have a lot of energy and they are meant to work. If you don't keep them appropriately exercised, they will find a different "job" to do. The result is usually undesirable.
Do not skip regular vet exams and keep your pup up-to-date with vaccinations.
Keep your dog on appropriate flea/tick and worm medications prescribed by your veterinarian. The vaccination for Lyme disease is not reliable. The best way to keep your dog safe from the chronic condition is to keep fleas and ticks away.
Keep your dog/puppy from excessively running, jumping, and sliding on hard surfaces.
This can cause dysplasia or other joint issues.
Keep your dog/puppy on a proper diet with excellent nutrition in the right proportions to keep him/her healthy and strong.
Extra weight on a dog puts pressure on his/her joints, heart, lungs, etc. In addition, it is extremely important for your German Shepherd pup to receive the proper nutrition in its early stages of life so that its ears may stand up properly.
Do not touch your puppy’s ears or otherwise be unnecessarily rough with them.
This can cause damage and result in the pup’s ears not standing correctly--if at all.
Watch your pup closely and take him/her "out" after it eats, after it sleeps, and after it plays.
Puppies can't hold it in for very long! We've found that these are the times when pups naturally need to go. House-training will be easier if you are faithful and consistent in watching your pup and taking him/her outside during those three times. True, it's not exactly a breeze, but our German Shepherds are smart; they'll catch on quickly!
