German Shepherds are smart, loyal, and active, so it is no surprise they are a popular breed. If you are considering adopting a German Shepherd puppy here are some tips for caring for it as it grows.
Feeding
Your puppy will be growing rapidly and will need proper nutrition to fuel its growth. You should look for puppy-specific food when choosing a dog kibble. As red German shepherd puppies Miami get older, you can gradually change their food to an adult formula. Be careful to avoid giving your puppy table scraps, as many human foods can make them sick.
Exercise
German Shepherds are a very active dog breed. Your puppy will need regular exercise from the beginning. Walks are the easiest way to get moving with your pup, but games like fetch or specialty training are also great forms of exercise. Getting plenty of exercise is not only important to your dog’s physical health but also helps them stay out of trouble. Many behavioral issues like chewing arise out of boredom, so exercise can prevent them before they start.
Training
A key part of owning a dog is training them properly. At a minimum, your puppy should learn basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and a recall like “come.” These will help your pup stay safe and give you peace of mind. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs, so you could also train your puppy to perform agility, rescue, or defense tasks.
Grooming
German Shepherds have a double coat, which means they will benefit from regular brushing. Your puppy will only need a bath on occasion, usually when they have gotten into something very dirty or stinky. You will also want to keep your puppy’s nails trimmed or filed so they will not cause pain when walking.
Any new puppy is a lot of work, but with the right care, your German Shepherd will grow to be a great companion.
