My German Shepherd Puppy Handbook

Author: Robin Sweigart Breeder/Owner/Trainer

This handbook is the result of many years of hands-on experience with German Shepherds shaped by countless lessons learned and cherished moments shared. While the tips and guidance found here aren’t the only way to raise a German Shepherd Dog they reflect the methods I’ve personally found to be the most successful and nurturing.
Please note: This handbook is intended exclusively for individuals who have purchased a puppy from me. It is the product of years of care, dedication, and refinement..
I hope this guide helps you prepare for the joyful journey ahead and supports you in raising your puppy into a happy,
healthy, and well-adjusted adult German Shepherd.

Contents
Buying a Puppy Is a Lifetime Commitment
— Not an Impulse Decision............................................................................11
When Does the Breeder’s Job Begin?............................................................11
Nutrition and Weaning ..................................................................................12
The Arrival Date Is Approaching .................................................................12
Starter Supply Checklist................................................................................12
Training and Socialization.............................................................................14
My Goal for You...............................................................................................14
Bringing Your New Puppy Home...................................................................15
Prepare Mentally.............................................................................................15
Get Down to Their Level.................................................................................15
The Big Day: Puppy Comes Home ...............................................................16
The Car Ride ...................................................................................................16
Important safety tips:.................................................................................... 16
FUREVER Home Arrival.................................................................................18
Handling Your Puppy......................................................................................18
How to Pick Up Your Puppy Safely.. .............................................................18
Children and Handling .................................................................................19
Gentle Handling and Touch Training..........................................................19
Touch training can include:..........................................................................19
Understanding Parvo: Protecting Your Puppy from a Deadly Virus.......20
How to Protect Your Puppy...........................................................................20
Cleaning Tips for Infected Areas..................................................................21
Know the Signs of Parvo................................................................................22
Extra Precautions at Home...........................................................................23
What Do I Need for the Puppy? ...................................................................24
Bowls: Yes, It Can Be That Complicated!.....................................................24
Treats Galore (But in Moderation!)..............................................................24
Let’s Talk Bones .............................................................................................26
My Favorite Treats-........................................................................................26
All-Time Favorites — Tried, True & Puppy-Approved............................26
Vital Essentials (Single ingredient, freeze-dried raw treats)...................26
Bake Your Own Treats (Fun & Customizable!)...........................................27
Other Natural Favorites ................................................................................28
Portion Tips.....................................................................................................28
Things to Look for When Purchasing Dog Treats .....................................28
Collars, Harnesses & Leads..........................................................................30
Outfitting Your Puppy Safely and Comfortably..........................................30
Harnesses (Halters)........................................................................................30
Collars & Identification Tags........................................................................31
What should the ID tag include?...................................................................31
1. Your name ....................................................................................................31
2. Home phone number..................................................................................31
3. Cell phone number.....................................................................................31
4. Optional: city or zip code (not your full address)...................................31
Leashes (Leads)...............................................................................................31
Length: .............................................................................................................31
A 6-foot leash is ideal for training and regular walks. It gives you control while still allowing your puppy some freedom to
explore............................................................................................................. 31
Best Material: ..................................................................................................31
Grooming Supplies (a quick preview)..........................................................32
Starter items include: ...................................................................................32
Creating a Safe, Cozy Sleep Space for Your Puppy. ...................................33
Why the Crate Works......................................................................................33
What Makes a Crate Safe and Effective? .....................................................33
Setting Up the Crate.......................................................................................34
Let the Fun Begin: Introducing the Crate ..................................................34
Step-by-Step Introduction ..........................................................................34
Mealtime in the Crate ....................................................................................35
Crate Entry On Command. -e Training Success ......................................36
What NOT to Do: ............................................................................................36
Choosing the Right Bed inside the Crate................................................... 36
Final Thought. ................................................................................................37
Nighttime Transition Tips ............................................................................37
Why Puppies Cry at Night .............................................................................37
Tips to Soothe a Crying Puppy at Night .....................................................38
Let Your Puppy Sleep in the Same Room....................................................38
Use Comfort Objects .....................................................................................39
Create a Calm Sleep Routine .......................................................................39
What Not to Do ...............................................................................................39
How Long Will It Last?...................................................................................40
Final Thought ................................................................................................40
Keeping Your Puppy Happy, Entertained, and Out of Trouble................41
Toys: More Than Just Playthings ..................................................................41
Great Toy Choices for Puppies  ....................................................................41
Rotate Toys Often ..........................................................................................42
Toys to Avoid ..................................................................................................42
Teething Support............................................................................................42
Potty-Training Hints & Tips ........................................................................44
“Where to Potty?” — A Foolproof Guide for New Puppy Parents.............44
The 8 Key Rules of Potty-Training Success................................................45
Scheduling = Success....................................................................................46
Learn the Signs  .............................................................................................46
Umbilical Cording: The Secret Weapon .....................................................46
How to Use It: .................................................................................................46
Final Potty-Training Tips .............................................................................47
A Crate-Trained Puppy is NOT a Fully Housetrained Puppy ..................47
Occasional Accidents: What to Do & Why They Happen..........................48
Why Accidents Happen .................................................................................48
If Crate Accidents Happen Frequently (More Than Once a Week): .......48
What to Do During an Accident ...................................................................49
Tips for Preventing Accidents Indoors ......................................................49
Key Reminders ...............................................................................................50
House-Training is a Process, Not a Race....................................................50
Why Too-Frequent Outings Can Backfire..................................................50
Expect a Long-Term Commitment . ..........................................................50
Common Reasons for Temporary Regression...........................................50
Final Thoughts ................................................................................................51
Your Most Important Puppy Tool: A Consistent Daily Rhythm................51
First Rule: Don’t Overstimulate. ..................................................................52
Routine = Confidence & Calm. ....................................................................52
Routine From the Breeder's Home (To Continue at Yours): ....................52
Why Sticking to the Schedule Matters. .......................................................53
Involve the Whole Family. .............................................................................53
Coming Up: Sample Puppy Schedules (See Appendix A)...........................53
Healthy Eating Habits Start Early.................................................................53
Two Common Feeding Methods: Which Is Best? ......................................53
How Often Should I Feed My Puppy? ..........................................................54
How Much Should I Feed? ............................................................................54
Feeding & Housetraining Go Hand-in-Hand ............................................55
A Final Note on Feeding Discipline .............................................................55
Feeding Guidelines & Nutritional Recommendations .............................56
How Much Should You Feed?........................................................................56
What Should Be in Your Puppy’s Food? ......................................................57
Protein – For Growth & Muscle ...................................................................57
Carbohydrates – For Energy...............................................................................................................57
Fat – For Skin, Coat & Energy
Why I Recommend Kibble.............................................................................58
Bottom Line: ...................................................................................................59
Water: The Most Essential Nutrient ........................................................... 59
Why Water Matters:........................................................................................59
Guidelines for W..............................................................................................59
Feeding Tips for Puppies.............................................................................................................59
Understanding Puppy Nutrition: .................................................................59
Why Scheduled Feeding Is Best....................................................................59
Every Puppy Is Different..........................................................................................................60
Dental Care.....................................................................................................63
Grooming.........................................................................................................68
Ear Care..................................................................................................................69
Eye Care...........................................................................................................70
Paws & Nails..................................................................................................................70
Bathing Your Puppy................................................................................................................72
Responsible Puppy Ownership........................................................................................................73
Clean Up After Your Puppy................................................................................................................73
Keep Your Puppy on a Leash ........................................................................73
Be a Good Neighbor .......................................................................................73
Training, Communication & Structure ......................................................74
Consistency is Everything.............................................................................74
How to Communicate Clearly.......................................................................74
The Three Phases of Training.......................................................................74
Practice Makes Progress................................................................................75
Common Puppy Challenges & How to Handle Them...............................77
Excited or Submissive Peeing.......................................................................77
Nipping and Biting .........................................................................................77
Teething...........................................................................................................78
Fear of Loud Noises (Fireworks, Thunder, etc.).........................................78
Jumping on People .........................................................................................79
Chewing on Furniture or Household Items ...............................................79
Final Thoughts on Challenges......................................................................79
Traveling with Your Puppy ..........................................................................80
What to Pack for Your Puppy .......................................................................80
Safe Travel Starts with Containment..........................................................80
Preventing Motion Sickness..........................................................................81
Potty Breaks on the Road...............................................................................81
Puppy Identification is a Must......................................................................81
Tie-Outs for Safe Rest Stops........................................................................82
Remember the Laws......................................................................................82
Travel Tip: Basic Training First....................................................................82
Sample Daily Routine: Structure for a Happy Puppy................................84
Sample First Day at Home.............................................................................84
Sample Daily Schedule (Adjust as Needed).................................................85
Routine Reminders .......................................................................................86
Final Words of Wisdom .................................................................................86
Top 15 Puppy Pointers for Success...............................................................88
Household & Yard Dangers: Keeping Your Puppy Safe ...........................89
Harmful Foods................................................................................................89
Household Hazards........................................................................................91
Hazards to Watch For:....................................................................................91
Room-by-Room Puppy Proofing .................................................................91
Kitchen.............................................................................................................91
Bathroom.........................................................................................................91
Living & Family Rooms ................................................................................92
Bedrooms.........................................................................................................93
Garage .............................................................................................................93
Outdoor Safety & Yard Hazards...................................................................93
Indoor Plants................................................................................................................95
Balconies, Porches, and Fencing..................................................................95
Final Thought: Supervision Is Your Best Tool.............................................95
Training and Challenges...............................................................................96
Consistency.....................................................................................................96
Communication..............................................................................................96
Keep Training Focused .................................................................................96
Body Language ...............................................................................................97
Using Gates......................................................................................................97
Final words of wisdom..................................................................................99
Appendix A. ................................................................................................. 100
Sample Daily Schedule: Puppy will adjust to your times they are just here as a guide. ......................................................... 101