As a German Shepherd puppy owner, our family has embarked on a journey filled with both joys and challenges. Axel, at 5 ( as os 03-2023) months old, is still in his formative stage, where he is learning and adapting to his surroundings. In this article, we will explore some of the things we have encountered with Axel so far.
first of all, it’s important to acknowledge that German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs, but they require consistent training and socialization from an early age. we have noticed that Axel is curious and eager to explore his surroundings, and while this is a positive trait, it also means that he needs to be supervised to ensure he doesn’t get into any trouble. we have found ourselves constantly watching him, ensuring he isn’t chewing on furniture or getting into areas he shouldn’t. We did not realize how much we needed to make our home dog proof for him
Additionally, Axel had some challenges with housebreaking, as this is a common issue for puppies of any breed. Accidents are to be expected, but it’s important to have a consistent routine and take him outside frequently to help him learn where he should go. It’s also important to reward him when he does go outside to reinforce positive behavior. It also doesn’t help being afraid to take him outside do to lack of vaccines and that is a whole other issue.
As Axel continues to grow and develop, we have noticed some behavior issues that require attention. For example, he started to exhibit some chewing behavior, which can be destructive if left unaddressed. We found watching training videos and being consistent helped curve the biting issues. We also provided him with plenty of toys to chew on to make sure he is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation. We posted some of his favorites.
In addition to chewing behavior, we have also noticed that Axel has a strong prey drive. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding and guarding, so it’s not uncommon for them to have a high prey drive. This can manifest in behavior such as chasing after birds or squirrels. While it’s important to allow Axel to exercise his natural instincts, it’s also important to train him to understand when it’s appropriate to exhibit such behavior and when it’s not.
Another aspect of owning a German Shepherd puppy is the importance of socialization. Axel has been exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments to help him learn how to interact appropriately. This will help prevent issues such as fear or aggression towards strangers or other dogs. We have already started taking Axel to puppy classes and socializing him with other dogs, which is a great way to help him develop good social skills. Before we started socializing we made sure he had all his vaccines.
Axel’s growth and development are important to us so have constantly are researching what types of foods are best and how much he should eat. we also take advice from his veterinarian to ensure he is receiving the proper nutrition and exercise to help prevent any issues.
Finally, it’s important to remember that owning a German Shepherd puppy requires a lot of time and commitment. They are active dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. We are constantly playing with Axel or taking him for walks, which is important for his physical and mental well-being.
In conclusion, owning a German Shepherd puppy like Axel is both rewarding and challenging. While your German shepherd may exhibit some behavior issues and health concerns, with consistent training and proper care, he or she can grow into a loyal and well-behaved companion. Remember to be patient, provide plenty of love and attention, and work with your veterinarian and trainers to address any issues that arise.