How to Care for Chow and German Shepherd Puppies

Prepare Your Home for Your New Puppy

• 1

  Gain as much knowledge about the breed of the puppy as you possibly can. The German Shepherd (GSD), for example, is a wonderful, high-drive working breed, that also adapts very well to family life. He is very tuned in to the people in his life and naturally protective. The Chow Chow is also a loving family dog. He is a bit more lazy and laid back than the GSD, but still needs his exercise and interaction with people.

• 2

  Puppy proof your home. It is easiest to think of this just like child proofing a home. Remove any objects which he can reach that can fit in his mouth. Pups are mouthy, and will pick up and chew on anything. Also watch for fragile items that may sit on a low coffee table, because he could bump into it and knock it over.

• 3

  Make crate training a priority. You can find different sized crates at local pet supply stores, or sometimes your local Humane Society or animal shelter has some used ones. Just be sure the crate is big enough for your pup to stand up and turn around in. Do not see this as punishment. This is your puppy's "safe haven," a comfortable place to sleep and eat that is all his own. It is good to put a puppy bed or a pillow in the crate so the hard surface is not too tough on his joints.

• 4

  Prepare for a lot of brushing with both of these breeds. They have a pretty thick undercoat, and shed quite a bit. Purchase either a shedding blade or a rake comb, and give them a good brushing at least once a day. This is good for their skin and coat, and will reduce the hair in your home. Teach them to enjoy this as a puppy so they learn it is simply a part of their routine.

Become the Alpha

• 5

  Always know you are the leader of the pack in the household. Dogs are descendants of wolves and are inclined to running in a pack. You and your entire family have to establish yourself as the leaders. And its best to do it before your pup gets too big. That means you dictate when your puppy eats, where he eats, when he plays and where he plays. This is not cruel behavior on your part. This is simply establishing structure. Both the Chow and the GSD can be dominant dogs. If you allow them to take over the household, they will.

• 6

  Exercise your puppy. A tired pup is a well-behaved pup. But be very aware that their bones and muscles are not completely developed at a young age. Be careful of doing anything too strenuous until they are old enough. Some ball and toy play is always good because it will help you figure out what "drives" them for training. In other words, they need to learn to work for a reward from you. This is the building block for good obedience, and another step in creating you as Pack Leader in the household.

• 7

  Plan for some obedience training when your puppy is about 14 weeks old. Puppy classes are okay, but individual training is better. Research and interview dog trainers in your area, and choose the person you are most comfortable with. Shepherds pick things up very quickly, while Chows tend to be a little slower. That is not to say they aren't smart -- just not as high-drive as the GSD. Remember, with obedience, repetition is key. Your trainer can recommend the proper training collar and leash, depending on the age and size of your puppy.

• 8

  Try to think about a "job" for your puppy. By this, I mean agility training, search and rescue, Frisbee or fly ball. The GSD is a breed that especially needs this because of their drive, but it is good for the Chow as well. Again, keep their little bones and joints in mind. Don't start when they are too young. Consult your obedience trainer about ideas and timing for this. It will give you a happier and calmer puppy. And it is a great way to bond with your dog.