When a new German Shepherd puppy is about to enter your life, it makes sense to prepare for the challenge. Although puppies are adorable and endearing, they can also be a significant pain if you fail to train them properly.
You will probably ask what items you need to buy as you prepare.
Let’s go over some essentials to include on your German Shepherd puppy checklist.
Appropriate toys
Having an appropriate chew toy is crucial for a German Shepherd Dog. This might seem like a non-essential thing because toys are unnecessary for survival.
But they are essential for the mental well-being of both yourself and your dog.
Like children, puppies get bored quickly. When they start looking for something to do, things like curtains, shoes, and socks become very appealing, so you have to give them something else to chew on to divert their attention. Large-breed dogs, even puppies, can do some severe damage with their teeth.
We recommend that you stick with tough chew toys that are soft and simple.
Anything with small pieces will present a choking hazard, and a puppy can choke to death more quickly than an adult. Thus, you must be careful when choosing toys. Stick with simple pull ropes, nylon chew rings, and small rawhides.
Some options to consider:
- Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy: This puppy pacifier, designed for up to 25 pounds, uses raised nubs to stimulate gums and teeth to soothe teething pain.
- KONG Puppy Goodie Bone Dog Toy: Fill with puppy snacks for an interactive game to keep your puppy entertained while stimulating his brain. The soft rubber material will help soothe your puppy’s gums.
- Petstages Crunch A Chew Tough Dog Chew Toy: Crunchcore toys appeal to dogs that love crunching on water bottles but get frustrated when the bottle collapses after chewing. The familiar and irresistible crunch sound will keep your puppy engaged.
- Nylabone Teething Rings Puppy Chew Toy: This sturdy toy helps pet parents build bonds with their puppies by playing a gentle game of tug-of-war. It’s also a safe chew toy that soothes teething pain and helps keep puppy breath smelling fresh.
- KONG Puppy Binkie: This natural rubber pacifier-inspired toy helps promote proper chewing behavior and soothe sore gums. Stuff the toy with treats, yogurt, peanut butter, or kibble to stimulate your puppy’s brain and keep him occupied.
Water bowl with non-skid mat
German shepherd puppies often love jumping in their water bowl and swimming. Of course, you can’t blame them for that, but it dirties the water for all the other dogs.
Even if you have just one dog, the puppy will probably slop water everywhere.
This annoying habit tends to go away on its own, right about when your dog becomes too big for the water bowl. Until then, we recommend using a heavy metal water bowl and a non-skid mat.
Putting the mat underneath makes it much harder to move the water bowl.
The right bed
Your dog’s bed is like a little den; you want it to feel safe and comfortable.
A stressed dog is much more likely to become aggressive, so you must get something they like. Unfortunately, this will often require some trial and error.
There are many kinds of dog beds on the market, each slightly different.
Because each dog has individual preferences, you might have to return several of them before you find the right one. Keep your receipt when buying a dog bed to avoid wasting money.
We recommend looking for several things in a good puppy bed.
You want one with thick padding, an enclosed one that provides refuge and safety.
You should also get one with a waterproof liner, as your puppy sometimes wet the bed. All puppies do it to some extent, so you might as well be prepared.
Dog crate
Because all puppies require some degree of potty training, you will be in for some rather disgusting cleanup jobs. It’s vital at this stage to understand that your puppy is limited in their comprehension skills.
They have not yet learned what is expected of them, and you can’t expect them to understand immediately. That’s why housebreaking a dog requires plenty of patience and diligent monitoring.
One of the best ways to housebreak a dog is to use crate training.
The idea is straightforward: You keep your puppy in a crate or cage for most of the day, letting them out every couple of hours to use the bathroom.
Most dog owners don’t like this because it makes them feel like jailers rather than pet owners. However, it is the most effective way of housebreaking dogs who have failed to comprehend other methods.
Crate options include a hard-sided plastic crate, a collapsible, or a soft crate.
Although your German Shepherd puppy doesn’t need a large crate or cage, it will grow into a large dog, so consider buying the right size.
Therefore, you might as well buy a full-size crate now. A smaller one will only be helpful for six months to a year, after which you will have to buy a larger one anyway.
You must also place a waterproof tray at the bottom of the crate because puppies will certainly urinate there.
The best cage has an elevated floor. This allows urine and fecal matter to fall through gaps in the floor, being caught by a tray below.
However, because of the airspace between them, the dog can still use a blanket or cushion without letting it rest in filth.
If you intend to go camping with German Shepherds, a portable crate will be worth its weight in gold. Camping with German Shepherds will require something that can be folded up and carried, so bear that in mind.
Collar and leash
Last but not least, we should also mention the humble collar. In this instance, you have to buy something intended for puppies.
This item must fit the dog’s neck, so those meant for adult dogs will not do. Naturally, a collar won’t be much use without a leash.
There isn’t much to say about this, except that you need to look closely at the thickness of the collar and leash.
This, combined with the materials they are made of, will tell you just how durable a collar or leash might be.
You don’t need to go with heavy-duty items for puppies since they will outgrow them, so save some money by going with the less durable options.
Use a harness to protect your puppy’s neck instead of clipping the leash to the collar.
Give your German Shepherd puppy a perfect start
Your German Shepherd puppy needs patience and consistency.
Set a routine: Start by establishing a routine for bathroom breaks, taking your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bed.
Choose a designated bathroom spot and use a command like “go potty” to help reinforce the behavior. Always reward your puppy with praise or treats immediately after they go in the right place.
Accidents will happen, so clean them up thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that could encourage repeat behavior in the same spot. If you catch your puppy in the act indoors, give a firm “no” and take the puppy outside immediately.
Socialization: Socializing your German Shepherd puppy is crucial for developing a well-adjusted, confident adult dog.
Begin socialization when you bring your puppy home, ideally around 8 weeks. Gradually and positively expose them to different environments, people, and animals.
Consider enrolling in puppy training classes, which often provide controlled environments for socialization. Introduce your puppy to various sounds, sights, smells, and different surfaces and situations to ensure they adapt to new things.
Grooming: German shepherd puppies have a double coat that sheds year-round, with heavier shedding occurring twice a year during seasonal changes.
Regular grooming is essential to keeping a puppy’s coat healthy and reducing shedding. Brush your puppy at least once a week, increasing to several times a week during shedding seasons.
This removes loose fur and helps distribute natural oils in their coat. Bathing should be done as necessary—usually every few months—using a dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Check their ears for wax buildup, clean them gently, and trim their nails regularly to keep them manageable. Early grooming experiences can help your puppy get used to being handled, making future grooming sessions easier.
Nutrition: Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a balanced diet is crucial for their growth and development.
Choose a high-quality puppy formula that lists meat as the first ingredient and meets the specific nutritional requirements for large-breed puppies.
Since German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, avoiding overfeeding is essential to protect their joints.
Feed your puppy small meals (three to four daily) to help with digestion and prevent bloat.
Always ensure your puppy has access to fresh water.
It’s also good to consult your veterinarian about the right food and feeding schedule tailored to your puppy’s needs. Your veterinarian will provide guidance based on your puppy’s health, activity level, and growth rate.
Final thoughts on using a German shepherd puppy checklist
Before you adopt a German shepherd, work with reputable breeders to ensure you get a healthy dog.
There are manyated products on the market, and this article does not have the space to cover all of them.
However, this short German shepherd puppy checklist should help you establish a healthy relationship with this little creature.
Andrew Garf is editor-in-chief at TrainYourGSD.com. You’ll often find him playing with his furry friends, Max and Roxie. He loves to write about all things dog and loves to share his knowledge.