06/20/2025
*Borrowed from a fellow breeder, very helpful tips here. A must read for all new owners or those who hvent had a puppy in years.*
Helpful tips or things to keep in mind for all my GSD owners with puppies and those who will have future pups.
- they nip, are mouthy, rough play, bite to much, and have attitude as puppies. During this YOU need to be FIRM, STRONG, and CONFIDENT during this do not give in.
- do not allow either dog or puppy to have rude behavior towards the other(s)
- the whole “ redirect with a toy” is the stupidest advice anyone has ever thought of. Your puppy bites you and reward him for biting by giving a toy? This is how the puppy understands it….He/she does a bad behavior and is rewarded with something positive like a toy.. this is dumb, don’t do it.
- puppies usually eat there own p**p, keep leashed as much as you can when outside. This is something they learn from watching mom, and eventually grow out of it.
- do not leave puppies and older animals alone together when no one is home (many accidents have happened)
- when they teethe, biting is the only thing on there minds. During teething period have frozen treats, snacks, veggies, have frozen clean wash clothes, freeze rubber toys, rubber/hard rubber toys, chuck it balls, kong toys, etc. Remember just like human babies, puppies can have diarrhea and run a little fever when teething ( I’m sure all the moms will think, “ yup I remember “lol)
- maintain the prey drive
- I know I say it often that a puppy is a puppy. With that said, you cannot train drive out of a dog, ( some trainers will disagree, they are stupid.. get a new trainer ) you can however train to control, maintain and manage the drive.
- socialization is key
- INTRODUCE them to EVERYTHING (nail clippers, water, loud and or unusual sounds/vibrations, bikes, skateboards, brushes, hair dryers, babies, toddlers, strollers, motorcycles,
Louder cars, gun shots, etc) use phone for the sounds to desensitize.
- YOU are the PACK LEADER
- balanced training method is best for this breed
- crating is not bad, it’s useful for many reasons and situations. Around here… Hurricanes.. . We have had to evacuate before, luckily all of mine are relaxed in a crate because it’s a safe space. It made the evacuation fast, and stress free.
- there is no specific puppy food. Unless your dog has stomach issues, skin issues, and or allergic to beef, chicken, other ingredients, puppies can eat any puppy food brand as long as it’s balanced and of high quality. Raw is also a great diet.. just make sure it’s balanced raw. Me personally I feed Victor.
- always remember to not over work those growing joints. Rest is just as important as the exercise.