German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds on the planet, and it’s no wonder why. They are loyal and intelligent and make excellent family pets. German Shepherd puppies are especially endearing with their bright eyes and playful nature.
However, playing with a puppy can be challenging if you don’t know how to do it right. If you want your new pup to grow into an obedient adult dog, then learning how to play with them is essential.
In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips on how to play safely and effectively with your German Shepherd puppy so that it can develop into the best possible version of itself!
To play with a German Shepherd puppy, be gentle and have fun! Play games like fetch and tug-of-war. Give them treats when they do something good. Don't let them jump too much or pull on your clothes. Spend time each day playing and cuddling with your pup so it can learn to obey you.
During the early growing stages, German Shepherd puppies are still developing, so it's important to play gently with them and avoid activities that can cause injuries.
Avoid activities like running and jumping, which can cause joint problems. Instead, engage in more low-impact games such as fetch and tug-of-war.
Treats are a great way to reward your puppy for good behavior during playtime. This will reinforce positive behavior and strengthen the bond between you both. However, be careful not to overfeed them, as this could lead to unwanted weight gain.
You should always keep the balance when you play with your German Shepherd puppy. For example, playing too much with a German Shepherd puppy is bad, but not playing with your dog is also bad.
To learn how much exercise does German Shepherds need by their age, visit and read our blog post on that topic: How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
That's why you want to keep the balance. In this article, you will discover how to play with your GSD puppy, how much you should play with the German Shepherd puppy, and the most interesting games you and your German Shepherd puppy will love!
How do I entertain my German Shepherd puppy?
It's important to keep the games fun and engaging when entertaining your German Shepherd puppy. Think about activities that will stimulate their mind as well as their body. Games like fetch, puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, and agility courses are all great ways to exercise your pup’s brain and body.
When playing with your pup, always provide praise and rewards when they do something good. This will help them understand what you are asking from them and ensure that the playtime remains positive and fun for everyone involved.
Most importantly, don't forget to give your pup a break if they get tired or overwhelmed. Dogs are like humans; they need time to rest and recharge after playing. If your pup seems to be getting too tired, take a break, let them relax for a bit, and then start again when they're ready.
And as we mentioned before, at this period, the body of a German Shepherd puppy will develop, and it's important to be gentle and don't play brought with your puppy.
Why is play important to German Shepherd puppies?
Before we reveal the best activities to do with your German Shepherd puppy, let's see why playing with your puppy is important for him and you!
Playing with your German Shepherd puppy is important to their growth and development. Through games, puppies learn basic obedience and commands like ‘sit’, ‘fetch,’ or ‘down’. They also learn socialization skills to help them interact with people, other pets, and their environment.
For these reasons, playtime is essential for German Shepherd puppies. Playing also helps strengthen the bond between you and your pup. If you can interact with your puppy by playing, take it! This will help create a strong relationship based on trust and respect that will last long into adulthood.
Lastly, playing is important to relieve stress and give your pup a chance to ‘let off steam’. Regular playtime can help your puppy stay physically fit, mentally alert, and emotionally balanced. It's a great way for them to release some of their energy without getting into trouble or causing damage around the house.
Also, playing with your German Shepherd will help you to understand their behavior better. This way, you can catch any problems early on and take the necessary steps to help your pup stay healthy and happy.
Here is the list of the 10 most important benefits of playing with your German Shepherd puppy:
1. Develops basic obedience and commands
2. Improves socialization skills
3. Strengthens the bond between pup and owner
4. Relieves stress
5. Increases physical fitness, mental alertness, and emotional balance
6. Helps better understand their behavior
7. Prevents destructive behavior due to excessive energy levels
8. Promotes better health and well-being for the pup
9. Reduces the risk of behavioral problems in adulthood
10. Encourages a happier, more balanced pup!
The best activities for German Shepherd puppy
Today you can find ideas for many activities you can play with your German Shepherd puppy thanks to the creative people on the Internet! Below is our ultimate list of the best activities you can do with your puppy. We hope that you'll like them all!
- Fetch
- Scent games
- Hide-and-seek
- Lure chasing
- Tug of war
- Agility courses
- Chase and retrieve games
- Obedience training using treats as rewards
- Swimming and retrieving objects from water
- Chew toys to help with teething
- Interactive food puzzles for mental stimulation
- Kong stuffed with food or treats
- Doggy push-ups
- Playing chase
- Herding
- Leashed walking
- Hiking
- Backyard hunting
- Playdates
- "Find the Treat" game
- Flyball
- Flirt Pole
- Ring stack
- Food dispensing toys
- Frisbee
- Magic cups
Fetch
Playing fetch with your German Shepherd puppy is a great way to bond with your pup and keep them physically active.
To get started, ensure you have the right supplies, such as a ball or toy appropriate for your pup's size and age. If your pup is still teething, opt for something softer that won't hurt their gums.
Once you have the supplies, it's time to play! Start by tossing the toy or ball a short distance from you and calling your pup's name so they know what you want them to do. When your pup runs after the toy and brings it back, give them lots of praise and encouragement!
One of the best toys to start with in this game is a ball where you can hide treats! Treats hidden inside the ball will motivate your German Shepherd dog to chase the ball. Once he catches the ball and eats his treats, call him to come to you, and when he comes, reward him.
Scent games
Playing scent games with your German Shepherd puppy is a great way to keep their mind active while providing mental and physical stimulation. This game helps them strengthen their problem-solving and sniffing skills while also making them use all their senses.
You can hide treats and toys around the house or yard to start playing scent games with your pup. Once your pup finds them, reward them with a treat or their favorite toy to reinforce good behavior.
You can also play scent games outside by giving your pup objects (like a sock) that have been scented with essential oils. Have them search for other items that smell like the object, like their favorite toy or other objects around the house. This game will keep your pup entertained for hours!
In the beginning, it would be much easier to hide the treats near your German Shepherd puppy so that he can better understand the game and find them easily. Once he understands the "rules" of this game, you can hide the treats a little further.
Hide and seek
Playing hide and seek with your German Shepherd puppy is an excellent way to stimulate them mentally and physically. This game can help them improve their problem-solving skills, strengthen their bond with you, and increase their confidence.
Before starting the game, ensure your pup has a good recall command to return to you when called. Start by hiding in a safe and secure area from your pup's view, then call them over to you. Once they find you, reward them with a treat or their favorite toy.
If your pup gets frustrated in finding you, give small hints such as clapping or making noises so that they can find you easier. Once they do, give them lots of praise and cuddles to reinforce good behavior!
You can also play this game outdoors with your pup by hiding in the bushes or tall grass. Ensure you are always within your puppy's sight so they don't get lost or scared.
Lure chasing
Lure chasing is a great game to play with your German Shepherd puppy that will help them burn off energy while having fun. This game involves your pup running after an object or toy, such as a rope or a ball, while you move it around.
Before playing this game, ensure you have the right supplies and space for your pup to run and chase after the object. You can start by dragging the object a short distance for your pup to follow, then gradually increase the distance as they get better.
When playing lure chasing with your pup, stay positive and praise them when they catch the toy or object. Rewarding them with treats and toys will encourage them to keep playing and having fun!
Tug of war
Playing tug of war with your German Shepherd puppy is an excellent way to exercise them and have fun at the same time. This game helps increase their physical and mental strength, as well as helping them develop social behavior.
You will need a rope toy designed for tugging made of sturdy material that won't hurt your teeth or gums. Start by gently tugging the rope toy while encouraging them to do the same, then gradually increase the game's intensity.
Remember to remain patient when playing tug of war with your pup and use positive reinforcement when they win. You can reward them with treats and cuddles to reinforce good behavior!
Will this game make my German Shepherd aggressive? No, and here is why: Playing tug of war with your German Shepherd pup can actually help them understand the importance of not being too aggressive. When playing this game, you can establish clear rules about how hard and long to pull on the rope toy. This helps teach your pup that being playful but not overly rough or aggressive is okay.
Agility courses
Agility courses are a great way to get your German Shepherd puppy mentally and physically stimulated. This game involves setting up an obstacle course with jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. The game aims for your pup to complete the course as quickly and accurately as possible.
Before starting agility courses with your German Shepherd puppy, ensure the obstacles you set up are safe and secure. You can introduce each obstacle individually and reward your pup when they complete it correctly.
Agility courses require not only physical strength but mental alertness as well. This game will help strengthen the bond between you and your pup while improving their problem-solving skills and boosting confidence.
Chase and retrieve games
Chase and retrieve games are a great way to keep your German Shepherd puppy active while having fun. This game involves getting your pup to chase after an object, such as a toy or treat, and then return it to you.
Before starting the game, make sure you have the right supplies to play with. You will need a toy or treat that your pup enjoys chasing.
To make the game more challenging, you can place the object at various distances and angles to get them to run around and explore their surroundings. When they return the object to you, reward them with treats and cuddles to reinforce good behavior!
Obedience training using treats as rewards
Obedience training is an important part of raising a German Shepherd puppy. Training your pup to follow commands and learn good behavior will strengthen the bond between you and help ensure that your pup is well-behaved and safe.
When starting obedience training with your German Shepherd puppy, it's important to use positive reinforcement. You can reward your pup with treats and cuddles when they follow commands correctly to reinforce good behavior. This will help them understand that following commands is a good thing!
Training should always be done in a calm, relaxed environment, without distractions or surprises. Start by introducing basic commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and “come”. As your pup progresses, you can introduce more difficult commands like “heel”, “stand”, and “down”.
In addition to obedience training using treats as rewards, it's important to incorporate playtime into your pup’s day. This will help them stay physically and mentally stimulated while having fun!
Swimming and retrieving objects from water
Swimming and retrieving objects from water is an enjoyable activity that can help keep your German Shepherd puppy physically fit and mentally stimulated. Before starting this game, ensuring your pup is comfortable in the water is important.
Start by introducing your pup to shallow bodies of water, such as a kiddie pool or a small lake. Then, you can introduce objects for your pup to retrieve from the water. This could be a floating toy or treat.
When playing this game, reward your pup with treats and cuddles when they successfully retrieve an object from the water. This will reinforce good behavior and encourage them to continue swimming and retrieving objects.
Chew toys to help with teething
Playing with chew toys is important in helping a German Shepherd puppy with teething. Chew toys provide much-needed relief and comfort when puppies are going through the teething process.
When introducing chew toys to your German Shepherd puppy, it’s important to choose toys made of non-toxic materials designed for puppies. You can also choose toys with different textures to help your pup explore their senses and responsibilities.
Also, supervise your pup while they play with their chew toy. This will prevent them from accidentally swallowing any pieces that could harm their health.
Interactive food puzzles for mental stimulation
Interactive food puzzles are an excellent way to stimulate your German Shepherd puppy mentally. They challenge them to use their problem-solving skills, which can help boost their confidence and reinforce good behavior.
Before playing with interactive food puzzles, ensure the puzzle is appropriate for your pup's size and skill level. Puzzles that are too difficult will be discouraging, while too-easy puzzles will not challenge them.
When introducing an interactive food puzzle to your pup, show them how it works and reward them with treats when they complete it correctly. This will help encourage and motivate them to continue playing the game!
Kong stuffed with food or treats
Playing with a Kong stuffed with food or treats is an excellent way to keep your German Shepherd puppy entertained and engaged. It's best to start slowly and introduce the Kong stuffed with small pieces of kibble or treats, encouraging your pup to work for their reward.
If they successfully retrieve the treats from the Kong, reward them with additional treats and cuddles. This will help reinforce good behavior and motivate them to continue playing the game!
It's also important to ensure your pup is safe while playing with their Kong. Ensure they do not bite or chew on the toy, which could be dangerous.
Doggy push-ups
Doggy push-ups are a great way to mentally and physically challenge your German Shepherd while having fun! Start by teaching your pup the “sit” command. Once they can reliably sit on command, you can introduce the next step: doggy push-ups.
Have your pup sit, then slowly lower their front end to the ground. As they do this, say “down” and give them a treat when they reach the down position. Once your pup has mastered this command, you can incorporate doggy push-ups into their routine as a fun way to keep them mentally and physically fit!
Playing chase
Playing chase with your German Shepherd puppy is important for their physical and mental development. It helps keep your pup physically fit, mentally stimulated and encourages their instinct to hunt. It's also a great way to bond with your pup and teach them to follow commands.
To start playing, choose a safe area with plenty of open space for your pup to run and hide. Then, get them excited with verbal cues like “Let’s play!” or “Chase me!” Once they start running after you, reward them with treats and cuddles when they catch up.
Playing chase is a great way to build trust and connection between you and your pup. It's also an excellent way to reward good behavior and encourage them to continue displaying it!
Herding
Herding is an important activity for German Shepherd puppies because it helps to develop their instincts and abilities. It can also help to teach them the commands used in herding, such as 'come', 'stop', 'look', and 'walk'.
Starting with herding can be done in various ways, depending on what you have available. You can purchase a herding kit, which includes sheep and fencing materials, or you can use toys as mock 'sheep' for your pup to herd.
When teaching your pup how to herd, being patient and consistent with them is important. Reward them when they do well and gently correct them when they make mistakes. With patience, your pup will be herding like a pro in no time!
German Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent and have an instinctive herding drive, making them excellent dogs. They have a strong sense of loyalty and obedience, which helps them be attentive and easily trainable. Further, they possess strong protective instincts, making them great guard dogs.
Above all, Max von Stephanitz has developed a German Shepherd dog breed for this job, which means that GSDs are born to work as herding dogs. If you ever have an opportunity to teach your German Shepherd herding, you should definitely try it!
Leashed walking
Leashed walking is an important part of responsible dog ownership, especially for German Shepherd puppies. It is an important form of physical exercise and provides mental stimulation, socialization, and a way to bond with your pup.
Before beginning leash walking with your German Shepherd puppy, teaching them the “heel” command (it is not required, but it would be easier for you if they knew this command) is important. This teaches them to walk beside you instead of pulling and running ahead.
To do this, place your pup in a sit or down position and attach their leash. Then, give them the “heel” command and walk slowly forward. Reward them with treats as soon as they move in the right direction.
Leashed walking is essential to your German Shepherd’s pup education and will help them become well-behaved adult dogs. Ensure you don't initially walk your puppy too much because puppies are still developing their joints. Start with shorter walks, and as they age, increase the walk's length.
Hiking
Hiking with your German Shepherd puppy is a great way to bond, get some exercise, and explore the outdoors together. Before starting the hike, it’s important to make sure you are properly prepared. Start by purchasing a good quality hiking backpack for your pup to carry their supplies, such as food, water, treats, and first-aid supplies.
When starting the hike, keeping your pup on a leash is important to ensure their safety and respect wildlife. Make frequent stops for water breaks and allow them time to rest if tired. Watch for hazards such as snakes, thorns, or wild animals during the trip.
Hiking is an excellent activity for your German Shepherd puppy to experience the joys of nature and bond with you. Ensure that your puppy doesn't walk long distances.
If your puppy is too tired of walking, you should take a break or continue your adventure by carrying it in your hands.
Backyard hunting
Backyard hunting is an important activity for all puppies, especially German Shepherd puppies, as it can help them to develop the skills they need to become responsible and obedient adult dogs. Backyard hunting can help your pup learn to use its instincts to find, flush out, and capture prey.
To start playing backyard hunting with your pup, begin by setting up a course in your backyard. Use objects such as branches and leaves to create hiding places for toys or treats. Then, let your pup sniff the yard to find the hidden items.
When they find something, reward them with lots of praise and treats! This activity will help your German Shepherd puppy learn to use their instincts and allow them to “hunt” in a safe and controlled environment.
Playdates
Playdates are a great way to socialize your German Shepherd puppy and help them learn important skills. This activity helps puppies become familiar with other dogs and people, which is essential for their development and well-being.
Before beginning playdates, it's important to ensure that your pup has been vaccinated, dewormed, and trained in basic commands such as “sit” and “come.” Once your pup is prepared, you can arrange a playdate with another puppy or dog around the same age, size, and energy level.
Monitor their behavior closely during the playdate to ensure that everyone plays nicely. If the playtime gets too rough, intervene immediately and separate the puppies or dogs.
"Find the Treat" game
The "find the treat" game is a great way to help your German Shepherd puppy develop important skills and have fun at the same time. You must set up a course in your backyard or indoors to start playing. Hide treats throughout the course, using objects such as branches and leaves to create hiding places for them. Then, let your pup sniff the yard to find the hidden items.
When they find something, reward them with lots of praise and treats! This activity will help your German Shepherd puppy learn to use their senses and allow them to “hunt” in a safe and controlled environment.
You can increase the game's difficulty by hiding treats in harder-to-find places as they become more advanced. This will keep your pup engaged and help them learn important problem-solving skills.
Flyball
Flyball is an excellent activity for any German Shepherd puppy. It is an exciting team sport where teams of four dogs jump hurdles and retrieve a ball, all while competing against other teams. It is a great way to have fun with your pup and helps them develop important skills such as focus and obedience.
You must find a local flyball club to start playing flyball with your pup. From there, the club can provide training and courses for you and your pup to learn the game's rules. Once you have completed the course and your pup is ready to compete, they can join teams and start competing!
Flyball is an excellent activity to help your pup become a well-trained, social, obedient dog, and also, it's a lot of fun!
Flirt Pole
A flirt pole is an excellent activity for German Shepherd puppies since it provides great physical and mental stimulation. The flirt pole exercise involves a long, flexible rod with a rope or toy attached to one end.
You hold the pole and let your pup chase after the rope or toy as you move the pole around. This activity helps build your pup's muscles, increases their coordination and agility, and helps them burn some of that puppy energy.
When playing with the flirt pole, reward your pup whenever they catch the rope or toy. This will encourage them to continue playing and make it fun for you and your pup!
Ring stack
Ring stack is an excellent activity for any German Shepherd puppy, providing physical and mental stimulation. The ring stack exercise involves stacking several rings of different sizes onto a pole while teaching your pup to focus and follow commands.
To start playing with this activity with your pup, you can begin by teaching them to sit at a distance from the pole.
Once they are sitting, hold the pole in one hand and ask them to "touch" or "go get" the rings with the other. As your pup learns how to stack the rings, you can add more complexity by increasing the number of rings or adding a timer. This activity will help your pup learn important focus, obedience, and problem-solving skills. It is also a lot of fun for both you and your pup!
Food dispensing toys
Food dispensing toys are an excellent way to provide your German Shepherd puppy with physical and mental stimulation. This activity helps build their muscles, increases their coordination and agility, and helps them burn energy while providing mental stimulation.
Choose an appropriate toy for your pup's size and age to start playing with food dispensing toys. Place a few treats inside the toy, then give it to your pup. As they play with the toy, more treats will be released as a reward for their hard work.
This activity is excellent for any German Shepherd puppy because it provides mental and physical stimulation while helping them learn how to problem-solve.
Frisbee
Frisbee is a great activity to help your German Shepherd puppy get the physical and mental exercise they need. Choose the right size for your pup to start playing with a frisbee. Too big a frisbee can be difficult for them to handle, and too small may not provide enough challenge.
Once you have the frisbee, hold it in one hand and ask your pup to "get" or "touch" it with the other. Once they get used to the game, start throwing the frisbee for them to catch.
Frisbee is an excellent activity for any German Shepherd puppy because it provides physical and mental stimulation while teaching them important skills like focus, coordination, and agility. Plus, it's a great way for your pup to have fun!
Magic cups
Magic cups are another great activity for German Shepherd puppies, as it provides physical and mental stimulation. To start playing with the magic cups game, you will need two sets of five cups, each a different color.
Place a treat or toy underneath one of the cups and mix them up before giving them to your pup. Your pup must then figure out which cup the reward is hidden under.
This activity will help your pup learn important focus and problem-solving skills and provide great physical and mental stimulation. It can also be a lot of fun for you and your pup!
How much should I play with my German Shepherd puppy?
Playing too much with your German Shepherd puppy can be dangerous, so keeping the balance between playing and resting is important.
It's important to consider your German Shepherd puppy's age, energy level, and size when deciding how much to play with them. Generally, puppies from eight weeks to six months of age should have around thirty minutes of physical activity daily, and those older than six months should exercise 30-60 minutes daily.
Forcing your German Shepherd puppy on physical activity during the early stage of his body development can cause negative side effects such as over-fatigue and joint problems. Therefore, moderation is key when planning your puppy's physical activity.
There is an "unspoken rule" that for each month, a German Shepherd puppy should exercise 5 minutes per day. For example, if your German Shepherd is 4 months old, he should exercise no more than 20 minutes daily.
Below is a table with exercise time for German Shepherd dogs, from the puppy stage to the adult stage.
How much should I play with my German Shepherd?
| Age 📅 | How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ |
| 2 months | Daily | 10-15 minutes |
| 3 months | Daily | 15 minutes |
| 4 months | Daily | 20 minutes |
| 5 months | Daily | 25 minutes |
| 6 months | Daily | 30 minutes |
| 7 months | Daily | 35 minutes |
| 8 months | Daily | 40 minutes |
| 9 months | Daily | 45 minutes |
| 10 months | Daily | 50 minutes |
| 11 months | Daily | 55 minutes |
| 1 year | Daily | 60 minutes |
| 2 year | Daily | 60-90 minutes |
| 3 year | Daily | 2 hours |
| 4 year | Daily | 2 hours |
| 5 year | Daily | 2 hours |
| 6 year | Daily | 2 hours |
| 7 year | Daily | 2 hours |
| 8 year | Daily | 60-90 minutes |
| 9 year | Daily | 60 minutes |
| 10 year | Daily | 60 minutes |
| 11 year | Daily | 30-45 minutes |
| 12 year | Daily | 30-45 minutes |
Do German Shepherd puppies learn quickly?
You decide to start teaching your German Shepherd puppy the rules of a new game, but you're not sure how fast can GSD puppy learn a new command or all rules. So, do German Shepherd puppies can learn quickly new commands and rules of the game?
German Shepherd puppies can learn quickly when it comes to commands and rules. They are highly intelligent dogs known for their trainability and obedience. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques, German Shepherds can quickly pick up basic commands such as 'sit', 'stay', and 'come' in the first two weeks of training.
German Shepherds thrive on learning and are eager to please, so they can learn quickly in the right environment.
It's important to remember that every dog learns differently, and some may take longer than others to master a new command or rule. However, with a consistent schedule of training and positive reinforcement techniques, your German Shepherd puppy should be able to learn quickly and effectively.
Consistency is the key. Sometimes you can't wait to start training your puppy; sometimes, you'll want to skip training. In those hard days, when you want to skip training, start, and in the first 60 seconds of the training, you'll forget everything that prevented you from training your dog.
Remember, it's much better to show up and train your German Shepherd puppy daily for 5 minutes than train him 1 time a week for 1 hour.
Activities to avoid when you play with your German Shepherd puppy
When it comes to playing with your German Shepherd puppy, there are some activities that you should avoid. These activities can harm your pup and cause long-term physical or psychological harm.
- Treadmilling
- Running
- Jumping
- Roughhousing
- Chasing other animals
- Automatic ball launcher
- Playing with laser
Treadmilling
Treadmilling is dangerous for German Shepherd puppies because it puts too much strain on their developing joints. As puppies are still growing, engaging in high-impact activities like running and jumping can cause serious damage to their bones and joints over time.
The repetitive motion of the treadmill can also lead to joint pain, especially if they are using it for long periods. Further, the hard surface of a treadmill can also be uncomfortable for puppies and cause physical injury if they slip or stumble on it.
Bottom line: Treadmilling is unsuitable for German Shepherd puppies and should be avoided at all costs. Once your German Shepherd becomes an adult dog, allowing your GSD to run on the treadmill would be okay.
Running
Running is dangerous for German Shepherd puppies as their bones and joints develop. Engaging in high-impact activities, like running, can cause serious damage to their bones and joints over time, leading to future joint problems such as arthritis.
As a puppy's body grows quickly, the soft cartilage around the joints is not yet fully developed. This makes it easier to overwork the joints and can lead to long-term damage if done too often.
Bottom line: Running is unsuitable for German Shepherd puppies and should be avoided until adulthood. Running may be suitable in moderation once your German Shepherd has reached adulthood.
Jumping
Jumping is a natural behavior for dogs, especially puppies, and can be fun. However, it can also be dangerous for your German Shepherd puppy if not done correctly or with appropriate supervision. Jumping strains the joints and bones, leading to injuries in younger, growing puppies with immature skeletal systems.
To prevent injury, make sure you practice proper jumping techniques. Start with a low height and gradually increase the hurdle when teaching your German Shepherd puppy to jump. Ensure the puppy jumps over the object, not on or through it.
Landing safely is important, too; teach your pup to turn back after landing to absorb impact and avoid straining its joints. Ensure the surface is even and not slippery, so the puppy can start slowing down gradually. Also, use soft materials such as sand or rubber mats to cushion your pup’s landing.
Lastly, don't encourage jumping until your German Shepherd doesn't become an adult dog.
Roughhousing
Roughhousing with a German Shepherd puppy may be dangerous due to its size and strength. While it can be tempting to play rough games that involve wrestling, tug-of-war, and chasing, these activities should not be encouraged as they can potentially cause physical injuries.
Besides, these types of activities can result in behavioral issues. It is important to set boundaries and show your German Shepherd puppy it can't use its size or strength to dominate or intimidate you.
It's also important to provide plenty of mental stimulation and positive reinforcement training to help keep them engaged and give them an outlet for fun activities that do not involve physical contact.
Once your German Shepherd dog can understand the boundaries, his body properly develops, and he can understand the word "enough" or "stop", you can play roughhousing with your puppy.
Chasing other animals
Teaching your puppy to chase other animals (and encourage this behavior) is bad because it can be dangerous. Chasing animals can cause physical injuries and could lead to behavior problems. If your puppy gets too rough, it might not know when to stop or how to keep itself safe.
It's better to teach your puppy different activities that don't involve chasing other animals. However, if your puppy is bothered by another animal, you can teach him to stay calm and walk away.
Automatic ball launcher
Automatic ball launchers can be dangerous and bad for puppies for various reasons. The primary concern is that the mechanical parts and spinning launcher may injure a puppy if they get too close or try to bite or chew on it.
Even if a puppy successfully retrieves the ball without issue, the constant rapid-fire launching of balls can cause joint pain or soreness due to repetitive motion injuries. Balls that are too large for a puppy's mouth can also be dangerous, as it could potentially choke them.
If you're interested in buying a toy for your German Shepherd, such as an automatic ball launcher, we highly recommend you wait until your puppy becomes an adult dog.
Playing with laser
Playing with a laser can be a bad idea for German Shepherd puppies, as the laser's bright light can cause eye strain, temporarily blinding them and causing potential vision problems in the future.
Further, since the puppies are always trying to chase the light, they can become overly active, and their attention span can be reduced significantly. This could lead to further complications such as hyperactivity, destructiveness, and other problem behaviors.
To ensure their safety and well-being, avoiding playing with lasers with your German Shepherd puppies and adult dogs is best.
Instead, use toys that involve physical activity, such as balls or frisbees, for a more beneficial playtime.
What is normal German Shepherd puppy behavior?
Normal German Shepherd puppy behavior includes being curious, exploring their environment, investigating new items and people, playing with other puppies or dogs, and sleeping a lot.
They are also known to be vocal and tend to bark more than other breeds of puppies due to their need for attention and protection. Other behaviors, such as chewing on objects and stealing items, are common.
It is important to provide your puppy with the necessary training, socialization, and exercise to ensure they grow up into well-rounded adult dogs that know how to behave properly in any situation.
Final words
German Shepherd puppies are an intelligent and loyal dog breed that requires dedicated owners to help them reach their full potential. Your GSD puppy should grow into a well-mannered adult dog with proper care, diet, and exercise.
It's also important to provide training and socialization to ensure they understand acceptable behaviors and know how to interact with people and other animals.
Always give your best to explain the rules of the game to your German Shepherd puppy so that he can understand them clearly. Find a balance between playing, training, and relaxing, and you'll have the world's happiest German Shepherd dog!
Frequently asked questions
Do you still have questions? Check our FAQ section, and you can find your answer here!
❓How long can a German Shepherd puppy be left alone?
German Shepherd puppies should never be left alone for more than four hours. They are highly social creatures and need companionship, mental stimulation, and physical exercise to stay healthy and happy, especially in their first few weeks and months.
If you must leave your puppy alone for extended periods, consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to provide your puppy's care and attention.
❓Is it OK to walk a German Shepherd puppy?
Yes, it's okay to walk your German Shepherd puppy. However, due to their size and energy level, you should wait until their body doesn't develop properly before taking them out on long hikes. The recommended walking time for GSD puppies is 10-30 minutes, depending on their age.
❓Should I let my German Shepherd puppy run?
Letting your GSD puppy run freely is not recommended, as it can get them into trouble. If you want to allow your pup to explore and exercise in an open environment, consider using a fenced-in area or a leash. This way, your puppy can still experience nature while being supervised.
Also, it's recommended by German Shepherd breeders first to let your GSD become a fully adult dog before you start encouraging running. By this time, your dog's body will fully develop, and he'll be ready for new challenges.
❓How to discipline a German Shepherd puppy?
Disciplining a German Shepherd puppy should be done positively, consistently, and humanely. Positive reinforcement techniques such as rewarding desirable behaviors and ignoring undesirable behaviors are the most effective way to train a GSD pup.
Suggestion: How to discipline a German Shepherd puppy?
❓When can I start bite work with my German Shepherd puppy?
Bite work should not be started until your German Shepherd puppy is 12-18 months old. As puppies, they don't have the physical and mental maturity needed to participate in advanced training activities.
Puppies need time to learn basic obedience and socialization skills, which will give them the foundation for more complex commands in the future.
