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Caring for a puppy can be a fantastic experience, but many people dive right into owning a puppy without first understanding the implications of such an action. After all, these aren’t objects or toys; these are living animals that can learn to love and adore their families when given enough time and attention.
Things also differ wildly depending on the type of dog you get. For example, you can expect a different experience when you go for a Labrador compared to a German Shepherd—and it’s the latter we’ll be focusing on. German Shepherd puppies can be beautiful bundles of joy, but they also need a lot of work, love, and care if they grow up the right way. So here are some tips to help get you started.
Getting ready to puppy-proof your home
German Shepherds need time to adjust to their new environment, and the puppies often can’t go very long without social interaction. Such is the reason why it’s a good idea to place their bed in an area where people hang out the most. That way, they get to socialize with everyone and have fun. Puppy-proofing a home is generally the same, but there are some extra tidbits to consider. For example, you would want to place the puppy’s bed in a corner to ensure there aren’t too many people walking around a sleeping German Shepherd puppy.
Also, if you want to learn how to potty train German Shepherd puppy, here’s a little guide that can help you out. Otherwise, make sure that their bed is placed away from heaters or any potential cold drafts. It’s also a good idea to place their food and water bowls in places where members of the family won’t have trouble avoiding the puppy while they eat and drink.
Playing cooperative games can help your puppy grow
German Shepherds are very intelligent, but they can also be quite the handful for those who don’t have the necessary experience training these rambunctious puppies. One way to help them grow is to play with toys of different types with them, and not to be too aggressive during play. Otherwise, it might encourage them to be even more of a handful when they grow up. It’s also a good idea to play games such as fetch and even various dog puzzles. These cooperative games can ensure your puppy grows well.
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Ask a Vet Live NowEnsure your pupper gets enough rest
German Shepherd puppies, much like any other puppy breed, need plenty of sleep to keep stress levels low. When they don’t get enough rest, these puppies can become cranky and could potentially growl and snap at others. Ensure that when the puppy is sleeping, they aren’t disturbed by anyone in the family. It will also help them feel more comfortable around everyone, as the puppy understands they can rest without being disturbed.
German Shepherds are wonderfully smart and loyal dogs, but they can be problematic if you don’t raise them correctly. The above tips will help you get started raising a German Shepherd puppy with as little stress as possible.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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