German Shepherd month by month: complete development, feeding and training guide
Each month is crucial in the development of a German Shepherd. Knowing their specific needs at each stage will help you raise them in a healthy and happy way. In this complete guide we will explore the month by month growth of a German Shepherd, including:
- Physical and emotional development
- Recommended nutrition
- Necessary training
- Essential products
Let’s get to it!
1 month old German Shepherd
Physical and emotional development
At 30 days, your German Shepherd will open its eyes, crawl and start barking. It will weigh around 4 pounds and stand about 6 inches tall. Emotionally it will be very attached to its mother and litter mates.
Recommended nutrition
Only mother’s milk, or high quality milk replacer. Needs feeding every 2-3 hours.
Basic training
Little training at this stage. Just start getting it used to human contact. Let it explore safe environments.
Relevant products
Puppy crates:
2 month old German Shepherd
Developmental milestones
At 2 months, your German Shepherd will start to see, hear and smell. Its baby teeth will start coming in. It will weigh 4 to 6 pounds and stand about 10 inches tall.
Changes in nutrition
It will be gradually weaned from liquid food to semi-solid food. 3-4 times a day.
Initial obedience training
You can start basic training, with its name, sit and stay. Always with positive reinforcement.
Essential products
Puppy leashes
Puppy collars
3 month old German Shepherd
Social and behavioral development
At 3 months, your German Shepherd will start to show its unique personality. It will interact more and want to play. It will weigh about 18 pounds and stand 12 inches tall.
Nutrition and feeding schedule
It can now eat on its own from a bowl. 4 meals a day of puppy food. Provide fresh water available at all times.
Socialization training
Introduce it to other people, dogs and new situations in a positive and safe way.
Puppy trainers
4 month old German Shepherd
Dental development and chewing needs
At 4 months all its baby teeth will have grown in. It will need chew toys. It will weigh about 26 pounds and stand 14 inches tall.
Transition to puppy food
Gradually replace the soft food with high quality puppy kibble. 3-4 times a day.
Focus on obedience training
Reinforce basic commands like sit, stay and come. 10-15 minutes daily.
Dental toys, beds and quality puppy food
Dental toys:
Beds:
Quality food:
5 month old German Shepherd
Muscle and physical development
At 5 months its build will become more athletic. It will have more energy and agility. It will weigh about 44 pounds and stand 16 inches tall.
Nutrition for growth
Continue with high quality, nutrient rich puppy food. Portions grow along with it.
Advancement in training
Introduce new commands like down, wait and up. Keep sessions short and fun.
Coat care products
Shampoo:
Brushes:
6 month old German Shepherd
Changes in exercise routine
At 6 months it can do moderate exercise like running and swimming. Avoid high impact until bones mature. It will weigh about 55 pounds.
Age appropriate nutrition
Consult your vet about transitioning to large breed puppy or young adult dog food.
Advanced training
You can introduce more complex commands and start manners training at home.
Exercise accessories and nutritional supplements
Exercise accessories:
Nutritional supplements:
Adult German Shepherd
Full development and maintenance
Between 18-24 months your German Shepherd will reach its full adult size of 24-35 inches tall and 66-88 pounds. Maintain exercise and feeding routines to keep it healthy.
Ongoing nutrition and care
High quality dry food for large breeds. 2 meals a day plus occasional snacks.
High quality dry food for large breeds:
Snacks:
Long term training
Practice advanced obedience, detection, protection or other special skills.
Adult dog care products and training accessories
Training:
Conclusion – German Shepherd month by month
Caring for a German Shepherd from puppyhood is a big responsibility but very rewarding. Knowing their development month by month, providing proper nutrition and early training, we are setting the path for a happy and healthy life together.
We hope this guide serves you in your wonderful journey of raising a German Shepherd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food for a German Shepherd puppy?
High quality puppy kibble made for large breeds, with quality proteins and essential nutrients for rapid development, is recommended.
How to train a German Shepherd puppy?
With short and fun 5-15 minute sessions focused on positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Work on basic obedience and positive interaction.
When to spay or neuter a German Shepherd?
It’s recommended to wait until at least the first heat cycle in females and 18-24 months in males, to allow full physical and behavioral development.
What coat care does a German Shepherd need?
Weekly brushing is recommended, occasional baths when needed, and regular checking of ears, eyes and nails.
How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need?
About 15 minutes of active play 2-3 times per day is enough. Avoid overexerting their joints until fully developed.
Are German Shepherds aggressive with children?
No, they make excellent play companions if socialized with children from puppy hood and trained appropriately. Always supervise interactions.
