8 Weeks to 8 Months
It’s a misconception that you exercise your young German Shepherd until he drops.
As the German Shepherd is a fast growing breed the opposite is actually necessary to help stop irreversible damage to ligaments & joints, also the carrying of too much weight on the overall framework can and will do harm to a young puppy, leading to problems in adult life,
Consider a young Shepherd in comparison to a 3 – 4 year old child, you wouldn’t expect them to run a marathon would you? (Even though the spirit might be willing!!). With growth and Maturity, that time could come.
Prolonged exercise can begin once bones have finished growing at approximately 12 to 18 months of age but do it gradually. Now having said that your young dog still does need exercise and stimulating, which playing and gentle walks in the garden, park, shops or at the beach can achieve.
Just remember to let him/her rest when he/she becomes tired. (Something you’ll have to judge as your young dog will continue performing because they wish to please and keep up with you). Remember puppies need plenty of rest and sleep just like a young toddler.
Moderation & common sense are the guidelines. Allow your puppy to grow steadily & slowly, enjoy their first 12 months getting to know them & teaching them about life in the outside world. Then you can savour a lifetime with a fit and healthy adult.
8 Months to 24 Months
Socialising is one of the most important things you can do for yourself & your puppy. The first 2 years of a young dogs life is equivalent to approximately 16 years of a child’s. They can go through very similar changes. A lot is said about the first few month of socialising being the most important & although they are very important my feelings are that 6 months to 18 months are just as important if not more so, from around 6 months of age they can start going through their form of puberty were their natural instincts start to come out they can start become protective, boisterous, insecure, noisy & all sorts of other things they may have not done before. Very much like a teenager that doesn’t understand the feeling they are feeling. Of course, like children they are all different some sail through it, while others find it hard. This is why the more you do with your puppy/juvenile dog the better….Take them to different places {In to town, to the beach, up a busy noisy road, schools when children are coming out or going in. etc} Take them onto different surfaces{ Sand, water, metal/wood stairs, bridges etc} meet all sorts of different people { little, large, men with beards, with walking sticks the list is endless} Training schools can play a big part, you & your dog can learn basic obedience & socialise with other dogs & people. Just remember to never put a puppy in a situation where they will be overly scared or hurt…..If your puppy is frightened don’t fuss them just take them away from the situation that is scaring them and take their mind of it by doing something else….e.g. busy road first off sit puppy on the path, let them see the traffic go by, then walk them up the path, most pups are scared by this as they think the car is coming at them…by all means talk to them gently but don’t fuss them as this enforces the fearful behaviour, allow them to deal with it. If pup is very scared just start by carrying them.
Also remember a pup will forget things fairly quickly so repetition is very important different things lots of times.
Take puppy out daily or every other day in the car {start with short journeys} nip them to the vets weekly/monthly get them weighed let the staff give them a fuss. Very early on get them used to walking past livestock and if possible, getting them use to children is also a very good idea. Remember the more you put into your young dog the more enjoyable & rewarding you will find dog ownership. If you do nothing or just do it half-heartedly you may end up with a dog that has behaviour problems & it will be your doing.
Never expect your puppy or dog to be perfect they are like us & they have their faults, it is up to you once you notice any unacceptable behaviour that you deal with it or if you’re unable to then seek advice from someone who does.
A well behaved, obedient dog doesn’t just happen.
If you haven’t got the time or commitment to give to a puppy please do not get one. There are so many dogs in rescue kennels because people don’t think about the time they need & deserve, a dog is not a throw away item. Getting a puppy should be thought about as carefully as you would think about starting a family.
Spaying Or Neutering Your Dog
Spaying or neutering your dog is an individual’s choice, but it’s better to know the facts before you decide.
I must stress though, through experience i would strongly advise to wait until your puppy has finished growing around 12 to 18 months old as it can change their growth pattern causing them Skeletal & muscular problems.
