Common German Shepherd Questions
A good breeder should have answers these questions. Here are some common questions you may have. Click on the questions to reveal our answers.
We do all we can to provide a dog/puppy that is free of degenerate, contagious, or hereditary faults by:
- Starting with Import lines that are free of any health issues
- Proper nutrition of the mom during pregnancy
- Quality puppy food during the raising of the puppies
- Rugs so the puppy’s legs can grip to build muscle and prevent stress on the developing hips
- Prevention of any worms-fleas-diseases
We breed to the Standard. Your puppy’s size will be approximately as follows:
Females: 65-75 lbs, 22-24 inches at the shoulder
Males: 85-95 lbs, 26 inches at the shoulder
Your puppy will be very active for years 🙂 This is the breed standard. Teething will be over in a few months, growth for 1 yr, then filling out for another year. The color will change over the life of the dog. Toys, toys and more toys plus training is the key for a well-behaved dog or puppy.
German Shepherds are Naturally protective. It is because they are a loyal dog and they love their family.
My advice is raise him/her as you wish for her to be. Socialize her a lot if you want her to be very friendly, or don’t let strangers meet her if you want her to be an alert guard dog. Study socialization books and videos in this area. There are many classes available to socialize OR for protection guidance. We can help you in this area.
German Shepherds rarely need any type of grooming. If you use a quality food (NO soy, corn, or fillers) just brush out the coat once in a while (including the 2 times a year they shed the undercoat). I do not bathe my dogs. They keep themselves clean. The only time your dog will smell is if they are left damp—getting them dry after a swim is the key.
Your puppy should be getting socialized with people and animals while it is being raised. A good breeder will do this—then you take over with who you want to expose him to. We socialize our puppies with adults, children, and other animals before leaving our home. Your puppy will adjust just fine with any animals that are already in your home. Just watch that they don’t bully your new puppy.
A young puppy should not be left alone too long. But over time as the puppy develops, can hold his potty, and is learning how to behave in the home or is used to his crate, he can be left for longer periods. Eventually, if properly trained, your older puppy can be left for most of the day while you work or the kids are in school.
German Shepherds are active dogs. Puppies play and nap a lot. After 10 months of age, the dog can go jogging with you. They love to swim. We use toys like frisbees, flying squirrels, balls, Kongs, etc. to keep our dogs happy.
After an hour of play he might just be ready for some couch time with you.
German Shepherds are very smart. They learn very quickly to obey or “not” according to your training them. Determine what basic commands you wish to teach your dog/puppy.
We start training your puppy to come and sit. When they leave, they are crate-trained and are used to a collar and lead. Please contact us for FREE printable training information on crate training, feeding schedule, and basic obedience if you have or are purchasing a puppy from me. Also please check out our training supplies information.
There are free CD (podcasts) from Leerburg Kennel on Marker/Obedience/Puppy Training. Check them out for some of the BEST training DVDS!
Other Helpful Articles
Von Haus Merkel has good articles for you before/after you get your puppy
- Common sense tips for bringing your German Shepherd puppy home by John Lee-Thiem
- Stages of Canine Development Reprinted from the October 1989 issue of the Weimaraner Magazine
- Stages of Development in Puppies by Nem Elliot
- Critical Periods in your puppies life
- Cow Hocks in Puppies
Your breeder should be willing to answer all of your questions fully. He or she should also ask questions about you, your lifestyle, and your family. If a breeder doesn’t respond to your inquiries, or doesn’t show any interest in the life the dog will lead after it leaves his or her premises, you may want to look elsewhere. A responsible breeder or dedicated Rescue Group member is committed to making a good match between prospective owners and the dogs in their care; that’s the kind of person you want on your side as you make the journey into dog ownership.
A few items to remember
Core Vaccines ONLY Learn why
Do NOT use Trifexis!! It causes death in dogs and puppies.
Bottom line: Always ask your Breeder first. They should be the most knowledgeable in the breed and the personality of the puppy you are getting from them.