All you need to know about German Shepherd puppies

Thank you for stopping by our blog today, where we simply write about German Shepherds. In this article, I’ll show you all you need to know about German Shepherd puppies, from their characteristics and temperament to how to properly take care of these little pets.

The German shepherd puppy is a curious, intelligent dog with a keen protection instinct, making it a good option for adoption. However, having this dog at home requires some care. Keep reading as I show you all about this very special dog.

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German Shepherd Puppy Characteristics

German shepherd dogs are considered a large pet, with strong and robust musculature. They have medium-sized, straight, pointed ears, in addition to a thick and hairy tail that can grow to the animal’s paw when fully grown.

Another characteristic of the German shepherd puppy is its short, dense, and rough coat, with its color varying between orange-brown and reddish, although it can also be found in brown, black, white, or panda colors in rare cases.

German Shepherd Puppy Temperament

Generally, German Shepherd puppies are very disciplined and obedient to their owners. This puppy can easily be trained to pay close attention to the environment and to protect its owner and family. This makes the breed an ideal option to have as a guard dog. Also, they are extremely affectionate pets and love the company of their tutors.

Moving further into all you need to know about German Shepherd puppies, One point to pay close attention to in relation to the German Shepherd’s temperament is that it can become aggressive, depending on the training it receives right from puppyhood. If the German shepherd puppy receives the correct training, he will become a docile companion and will become attached to tutors, whether adults or children.

How to take care of your German Shepherd puppy

Are you determined to adopt a German Shepherd puppy to keep the whole family company and brighten up your life? Before you do so, check out how to take care of your German Shepherd puppy. You need to check all aspects of the animal’s life that deserve special attention from the tutor.

1: Feeding a German Shepherd puppy

German shepherds are a large breed, so they need a complete diet from an early age. The animal’s diet must contain a combination rich in nutrients and vitamins, such as omega 3 and 6.

For the first few years of the animal’s life, it is recommended to feed it rations developed specifically for the German Shepherd breed. It is important that the formula, size, shape, and texture of the kibbles be adapted to the German Shepherd.

Attention: Natural treats are just a fun way to reward the animal with positive reinforcement. It should never be used as the basis of a nutritional or pet diet or as a substitute for feed.

Choosing the ideal food for your German shepherd is a care that every owner should take. According to Letícia Tortola, a specialist in cat and dog nutrition and Royal Canin veterinarian, “a specific food for the German Shepherd breed, in addition to being of high quality and having high nutrient absorption, must also be formulated for the characteristics of the race.” 

German Shepherds have a digestive system, sensitive joints and skin, a dense undercoat, and strong teeth and jaws. “Therefore, the feeds have a combination of ingredients that help to maintain digestive health and a microbiota, contributing to the good quality of the feces; help to support the skin’s natural barrier, and maintain the health of the skin and coat,” says Letícia.

Here are some of the best natural foods for German Shepherd puppies

 

2: A comfortable space to grow

The second point on how to take care of your German Shepherd puppy is to have a comfortable space for them to grow.

If there's one thing puppies need when they arrive in a new environment, it's a comfortable, quiet place to rest and recharge. For this, a careful owner must choose a comfortable bed according to the size of the dog.

A good tip to make life easier for tutors is to choose a bed a few sizes larger than the animal's age. This way, you ensure that your puppy has a comfortable place to sleep while he develops, thus avoiding the constant changing of the dog bed.

Also, don't forget to reserve some blankets and clothes for the puppy to warm up in the coldest seasons of the year. And best of all, there are a wide variety of suggestions on the market that will make your pet very beautiful and stylish.

3: Dog hygiene care

Dealing with pet hygiene is one of the most important requirements to promote the well-being, health, and correct development of the German Shepherd puppy. Because of this, a good choice is the toilet mat, which allows the animal to relieve itself in some corner of the house, such as in the bathroom or in the service area.

Bath time should not be forgotten either. The best way to prevent skin diseases and parasite infestations is to clean the animal with shampoo and conditioner according to its stage of life.

Attention: Both the German Shepherd puppy and the other dog breeds should only be bathed after the third month. If in doubt, consult a trusted veterinarian for the correct guidance.

4: Take safe walks with the puppy

The German shepherd is a very active dog that loves to play and walk with its owner as a puppy. But to carry out safe walks with the animal, you will need a series of transport accessories, like a chest collar and identification plate, and hygienic bags to clean the feces.

5: Give toys to your German shepherd puppy

The last point on how to take care of your German Shepherd puppy is to buy toys for it. Encouraging creativity and the practice of physical exercises is ideal for providing the best development for your German Shepherd puppy. And nothing is better to distract the pet than toys like plush, balls, ropes, and bones. He will love it.

Toys are one of the biggest distractions for the puppy and end up serving as a company in the bed. As puppies are used to living with their mother and siblings, toys can be a good option to separate the puppy from the mom in the early days.

How do you avoid diseases in a German shepherd puppy?

Before adopting a German shepherd puppy, it is important to ensure you provide some fundamental care for his well-being and quality of life. How to avoid diseases in your German Shepherd puppy is by vaccination and flea and tick prevention. Check out the details below!

1: Vaccinate your German Shepherd Dog

The necessary vaccines for your pet are:

• the V8 and V10 vaccines (applied between  30 and 45 days of life );
• anti-rabies vaccine (applied after 2 months of age);

2: Application of vermifuge

Like vaccines, vermifuges are responsible for preventing diseases that are caused by worms or parasites. In puppies, experts recommend administering the first dose between 14 and 21 days of age, with the second dose taking place in the following two weeks.

Do not forget! The vermifuge should be given to the dog every 6 months. Dosage varies according to the animal's weight and health, so it is very important to always maintain medical follow-up.

3: Flea prevention

Fleas are small parasites that live between the animal's hair and its habitat and can cause an infestation. This generates malaise and transmits diseases through its bite, such as dermatitis and worms.

Using a good anti-flea is essential for these parasites to stay away from the dog. The tutor has medications in the form of shampoos, sprays, pills, and even collars. Just choose the suggestion that best suits the dog and make it easy to apply.

In the case of the German Shepherd puppy, the ideal is to look for an anti-flea for puppies; this way, it is possible to guarantee the health of the pet and keep these parasites away. Stay tuned for reapplication dates.

You may also want to check out German Shepherd Ear Problems: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment.

4: Main diseases in German shepherds

The German shepherd tends to be a very healthy and active dog breed; however, there are some diseases that can be common to this breed:

Coxofemoral Dysplasia is a disease caused by a wrong fit in the animal's hip joint;

Degenerative myelopathy, a serious disease that causes disorders in the spinal cord;

Dermatitis and furunculous foliculitis.
Important : Although these conditions are genetic, it is important to ensure from an early age that the animal does not suffer too much, so it is recommended to make periodic visits to a trusted veterinarian.

The main facts about the German Shepherd

Finally in all you need to know about German Shepherd puppies are getting to know some facts about German Shepherds. Check out!

• The German shepherd is a dog of German origin, and its ancestors were herding dogs;
• To standardize the breed, an officer known as Von Stephanitz decided to crossbreed the dogs, which until then had presented differences;
• It is believed that dogs appeared in the bronze age, about a thousand years before Christ;
• He has already been a movie star, starring in the films Rin-Tin-Tin and K9: Boy Meets Dog.

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