This is also a good time for crate training, which Adams recommends as well.
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For instance, GSDs need regular grooming to control shedding and maintain coat and skin health, particularly during those seasonal times (usually twice a year) when these dogs “blow their coats.” So you should introduce your puppy to basic grooming tools, like combs, brushes, and nail clippers, early on-going slowly at first and making it a fun experience. A confident puppy is a happy puppy.”ĭuring this period, be sure to expose your GSD to the many different elements of daily life and routines you will want them to take in stride as adults. For this I recommend short, fun, three-minute games that engage the puppy with the owner as well as in noises, weird and uneven surfaces, family members, etc., throughout the day. Good socialization translates to confidence.”Ĭertified dog trainer and CGC evaluator Jacqui Foster, CPDT-KA, echoes this sentiment: “I tend to lean more towards developing self-confidence in the puppy. Safely exposing the puppy to new sights, sounds, and smells is absolutely critical for development. It is critical that the GSD puppy is well socialized from an early age onward. Proper socialization cannot be overemphasized for this breed as Adams notes, “The foundation for most training is confidence. And even during times of social and physical distancing, you can still socialize your puppy safely. During this critical period, having exposure to many different kinds of people in non-threatening situations will help your puppy be confident among friendly strangers rather than fearful or aggressive. GSDs are very observant, and your puppy will pick up on your cues and reactions around new people and new situations. In fact, for GSDs, who by nature are protective guardians, socialization is extra important so that your puppy learns which strangers are friendly and not a threat. Puppies of all breeds have a critical socialization window that closes at 12 to 16 weeks of life, and your GSD puppy is no exception.
Making sure you bring out the best of this remarkable breed starts with puppy training, when your GSD is most impressionable. A well-trained German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is a joy to live with, one of many reasons why this is America’s second-most popular dog breed.