How to Care for German Shepherd Puppies

Adopted German shepherd puppies need special care and attention from their owners. A new puppy became used to sheltered life with its mother and siblings nearby over the months previous to its adoption. Being completely separate from its dog family is a completely new experience. Socializing the animal, providing it adequate food and providing its vaccinations are all part of the care necessary for a German shepherd puppy.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspaper
  • Dog food
  • water bowl
  • leash
  • collar
  • Veterinarian
  • dog house (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a dry dog food designed for puppies. Dog foods with antibiotics, enriched with vitamins/minerals or containing too much protein can harm the dog, according to German shepherd experts.

    • 2

      Feed the dog three times a day. Allow the dog to eat until it is full to ensure it grows properly.

    • 3

      Keep your dog's water bowl full at all times. Adequate water is important for proper growth and health.

    • 4

      Socialize your dog to your home and its new environment. Continuously take the dog for walks and to places with people and other dogs. This acclimates the dog to its new surroundings. Also, allow the dog to become comfortable with children. According to the Official German Shepherd Guide, a puppy should socialize during its first months in your home.

    • 5

      Provide medications and vaccinations to the puppy during its "immunity transition" stage. According to the Official German Shepherd Guide, puppies lose their mother-given immunity to disease and begin to develop their own. Give the dog parvovirus and distemper vaccines to protect it during this six- to 18-week stage. You should also get the dog a rabies shot when it reaches 16 weeks old and again a year later, according to experts.

    • 6

      Toilet train your dog after it reaches five weeks of age. According to experts this gives the dog enough time to identify with its surroundings and absorb the training. Take it outside every morning to defecate and urinate to build strong habits and understanding. But keep newspaper down in the house in places the dog frequents, until the training is complete.

    • 7

      Bathe and brush the dog regularly. This keeps it clean and keeps you aware of any fur or skin abnormalities.

    • 8

      Train the dog firmly and consistently. Do not waver on your message or your commands. If you do, it will confuse the dog and frustrate you when it does not obey. Reward the dog with praise and an occasional treat when it obeys.

    • 9

      Keep the dog active with walks and open field runs. After the dog has sufficient training and obeys you consistently, allow it to explore playing fields, meadows and forests unleashed. This keeps the dog's weight down, and keeps its life invigorated with new experiences.