FYI: Health, Training & Litter Updates

A practical guide to how temperament changes as German Shepherds mature—what’s normal, what to expect, and how to support each stage.

How working and show lines differ in drive, structure, and daily needs—so you can pick the right fit for your home and goals.

A timeline of what to expect by age—key socialization windows, fear periods, training priorities, and how to build a stable adult dog.

What “stable temperament” really means—confidence, nerve strength, recovery, sociability, and balanced drives—plus what to look for when choosing a puppy.

House rules and structure that help prevent conflict and build calm routines when you have multiple dogs.

What to watch for, why deworming matters, and simple guidance for keeping puppies healthy.

A practical feeding plan by age: meal frequency, portion guidelines, and tips to keep puppies lean and growing correctly.

Simple rules that help prevent bites and build trust—how to approach, when to give space, and what to avoid.

The essentials (and optional extras) to set your German Shepherd puppy up for a smooth first week at home.

A safe, science-based approach to early experiences, handling, and environmental exposure—without dangerous dog-to-dog contact.

How genetics, environment, and the breeder all shape your puppy’s character—from the parents, to the litter, to your home.

Puppy prey drive is shown when dogs stalk and then pounce on imaginary prey such as twigs and rocks.

German Shepherd temperament traits to evaluate in a GSD puppy.

The phrase pick of the litter usually means “first choice” among the puppies.

Understanding German Shepherd pack hierarchy (alpha, beta, omega).

Key questions to ask and factors to consider before bringing a German Shepherd puppy into your home.

Is a German Shepherd puppy right for my family and lifestyle?

What to expect the first night and how to set your puppy up for success.

A week-by-week plan for the first month—sleep, crate routine, potty schedule, socialization, training basics, and common mistakes to avoid.

Puppies’ bodies are delicate—safe handling basics for adults and children.

Housebreaking your German Shepherd puppy with structure and consistency.

What stacking is in the German Shepherd dog and how it shows structure.

German Shepherd puppy ears—what is normal and when to expect standing ears.

A simple guide to keeping your German Shepherd puppy healthy with the CDC-recommended vaccination schedule.

Rabies vaccinations protect against the rabies virus, which is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals.

Stock, plush & long coat explained for German Shepherds.

Signs of a healthy German Shepherd puppy and what we watch for at Gunbil.

A simple whelping chart to help you track contractions, stages of labor, and puppy arrivals.

Why timing matters, the 8–10 week window, and why Gunbil puppies go home at 10 weeks of age, no exceptions.

Room-by-room tips to keep your German Shepherd puppy safe inside the house and in the yard.

How to choose the right size and type of crate for a German Shepherd puppy—and why bigger is better.