German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are known for their intelligence, agility, loyalty, and beauty.
They also make excellent guard dogs and they make good family dogs for families with kids. If you are considering getting a 6-month-old German shepherd puppy, here is everything you should know.
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How to Train a 6-month German Shepherd
Once you bring home a 6-month-old German shepherd for the first time, the first thing that you should do is to take him for an introductory walk. This helps the pooch familiarize with the surrounding, and to make it easier when you take him for a talk or backyard play.
When training a 6-month-old German shepherd, you should start by teaching him basic training commands like sit, stay, come, and kneel. These are useful GSD commands for different situations, and you can use treats as an incentive during the training exercise.
Reward your dog when he does what you ask – this will encourage them to keep trying because they want that reward again!
How much should a 6-month-old German shepherd eat?
You should serve your German shepherd puppy about two to three cups of premium puppy food per day. The quantity served may vary depending on the size and age of your pup but in general, this is roughly how much to feed him each day.
A good rule of thumb when deciding how much to give your puppy is to determine their weight and size. For instance, if your pup weighs around 20 pounds then you should feed him two cups of food per day. If he weighs 40 pounds then this will translate to three cups.
If your 6-month-old German shepherd has a sensitive stomach then you may want to consider feeding them wet food. Wet puppy food has a high water content, which will help their digestive tract maintain the right balance and prevent inflammation of the colon.
In addition, wet food also contains healthy prebiotics that promotes healthy digestion.
How much water does a 6-month-old German shepherd drink?
A 6-month-old German shepherd needs sufficient water to drink. You should provide a water bowl that is large enough so that your pup can drink sufficient water.
If you are out of the house and cannot give them constant access to fresh water, then it might be best for you to invest in an automatic water fountain. A water fountain ensures there is a continuous flow of clean drinking water throughout the day.
How much exercise does a 6-month-old German shepherd need?
A 6-month-old GSD needs about thirty minutes to an hour of exercise each day and they should be given some form of mental stimulation as well.
One way you can do this is by teaching him or her tricks that will help stimulate her brain. You can teach him to shake a paw, roll over onto their backs and get up again, sit command, jump in the air when you say “Jump!”, and more.
How to Potty train a 6-month-old German Shepherd?
A 6-month-old pup requires a lot of time and attention to potty train.
The easiest and most popular potty training method is using urine and feces training pads. Place one on the floor, put your dog in position, then take him outside to let him do his business while you verbally praise him with “good job!” or other positive reinforcement like treats
How to groom a 6-month-old German shepherd
A 6-month-old German shepherd should be groomed with a slicker brush. Avoid using clippers as the puppy’s fur is not fully grown yet, and it may cause bald spots or patches of missing hair to appear.
If you are not sure how to groom your GSD puppy, hire a professional pet groomer at a fee. A pet groomer is specially trained to groom puppies and adult dogs. The cost of grooming may vary, but typically ranges between $40 and $50 per session.
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What supplies does a 6-month-old GSD puppy need?
You will need dog shampoo, towels, conditioners, or other products that might be needed depending on the type of hair coat your pup has (i.e., curly coats vs. straight) as well as brushes like slicker brush known for removing dead hair from an animal’s undercoat. You will also need a leash and harness for outdoor walks.
The American Kennel Club recommends that you invest in an ID tag to put on your pup’s collar with your name, address, phone number, and any other information about where they should be returned if lost or found.
If you live in a wooded area where dogs are likely to get lost, you can have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian. While 6 months might be considered too soon to be microchipped, it will come in handy later when the dog grows older so consider getting one done now!
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6-month-old German shepherd behavior and temperament: Are they aggressive?
A 6-month-old German shepherd’s temperament can be unpredictable at times. They are smart and often need a lot of mental stimulation which makes them prone to boredom if they don’t have enough to do.
Many puppies will crawl under fences or jump over them with ease so you’ll want to make sure your fence is high enough and well-secured for them not to escape! You can even invest in an invisible wireless fence to keep them contained.
German Shepherds also enjoy the chance to explore their surroundings, but it is important that you always keep an eye on your pup while he/she does this. Getting lost isn’t very fun for anyone, except maybe for your pooch.
6-Month-Old German Shepherd Dog Breeders- Are They Reputable?
When buying a German shepherd puppy, you should first check with a licensed breeder. Make sure that you find a reputable fully-licensed breeder who has the time and space needed to care for GSD puppies.
Ask the breeder if they have any 6-month-old puppies available. Breeders should be able to tell you how many dogs are currently in their care and what types of breeds they typically raise so that it is easy for you to make a decision about where to buy and if there are several puppies to choose from.
A good dog breeder should be able to provide you with information about the dog’s health, temperament, and breeding history. They should also have a contract that spells out your responsibilities as the owner before you sign it so there are no surprises down the road.
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The bottom line
German shepherd pups are little bundles of energy! They will keep you on your toes but what’s not to love about those sweet faces? Take these tips into consideration if you’re thinking of bringing home a new 6-month-old GSD puppy soon.