Enjoying Life with Your New German Shepherd Puppy
Updated: 4 days ago
First of all, don’t panic!
Embrace the Journey with Your Puppy
Try to enjoy your puppy. Puppies need lots of routine and structure, but they also require plenty of downtime. Instead of scrolling through the internet for the right and wrong things to do, just call me! There’s a saying among dog trainers: "the only thing two dog trainers can agree on is that the third dog trainer is wrong." It’s unfortunate, but there are so many places to get lost online. You’ll face pressure to purchase things your dog really doesn’t need. You might even hear people at the dog park telling you about all the things wrong with your dog or the diseases it might get in the future. Again, just call me.
The Top Three Points to Remember
You’ve purchased a carnivore with really sharp teeth and claws! They have no concept of decorum or manners.
You need to be more interesting than another dog's butt to capture your dog's attention!
Don’t be too controlling about the outcomes. Be a good leader, not a smothering mother.
Understanding Your Puppy’s Behavior
You’ve brought home a carnivore, and now it’s chewing on your legs. You might be unsure about what to do. Everything you read suggests positive reinforcement training, but the pain in your calf makes you want to squeeze its nose. Where is the balance? The balance lies in cause and effect. If it hurts, gently swipe it off you. Allow time for that correction to set in. Don’t react; just turn around and walk away. Nothing needs to be said because actions speak louder than words to dogs.
Letting Your Puppy Play
If you’re in a dog-friendly area and your puppy wants to visit other dogs, please don’t feel that he doesn't want to be with you. Your puppy is just enjoying playtime with its own species. Remember, you don’t sniff butts, eat turds, or scratch yourself in public. You are a very different species!
Just wait it out. Let your dog be tired and less distracted. Follow him, but don’t micromanage him. Allow him to experience things as long as the environment is safe and fun! When your puppy is tired, that’s the best time to quietly clip the leash on and ask it to walk away. This is where a treat goes a long way to help.
Never overuse your dog’s name. NEVER use his name for discipline. If you call it once with no response, quietly walk towards it with a treat. Repeating “Fido, come, fido, FIDO, FIDO!!!!! makes the human look ridiculous and the dog blind to his name! Its annoying for you, the dog, and the people around you. Save your commands!
Communicating with Your Puppy
You don’t even need to speak words to your dog for the first three or four weeks. However, we are a verbal species and want to communicate with our voice and hands. Keep in mind that dogs are not verbal creatures. They communicate more through physical understanding of their environments. Make sure your communication is realistic and age-appropriate. Don’t rush your dog to accomplish everything you read online.
Avoiding Helicopter Parenting
Don’t be a helicopter parent with your puppy! Puppies need plenty of play, chewing, sniffing, and downtime. German Shepherds are extremely loyal to their people, but they will push away if you ask too much too soon. They should be a bit aloof and need their own space. Give your dog plenty of opportunities to sniff, explore, and feel independent.
Dogs don’t think linearly and can NOT generalize information. When you’re out with your puppy, try meandering. Between 10 weeks and 8 months, your puppy isn’t built for long distances or straight lines. They’re designed to stick their nose to the ground, sniff while wandering back and forth, and explore their surroundings. Please don’t just walk your dog; meander with your dog. Let that puppy teach you how to find joy in the moment.
Building a Lasting Relationship
As you embark on this journey with your German Shepherd puppy, remember that building a lasting relationship takes time and patience. Focus on creating a bond based on trust and understanding. Celebrate the little victories, and don’t be too hard on yourself or your puppy.
In conclusion, enjoy every moment with your new furry friend. The journey may have its challenges, but the rewards of companionship and love are worth it. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you every step of the way!
