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At Shiraz German Shepherds, we believe that the first few months of a puppy’s life are absolutely crucial for their growth and health. As breeders of West German Showline German Shepherds, we know that giving our puppies the right nutrition during this early stage sets them up for a happy, healthy life ahead.
Puppies grow fast, especially in those first few months! Proper nutrition is essential to support that rapid growth. It helps them build strong bones, muscles, and joints — and prevents future health issues. We make sure our puppies get a balanced diet that supports their development without overloading them with unnecessary calories. Puppies must not be overfed with too much protein in these formative months. Doing so can throw off the growth process and in the short term cause panosteitis (growing pains) or in the long term health issues due to a irregular and expedited bone growth. Growth should be slow and steady. It’s not just about their bodies — it’s also about their brains! German Shepherds are super smart, and a well-balanced diet with key nutrients like DHA (found in fish oils) helps their cognitive development. This is what helps them learn quickly and stay focused during training, making them even more amazing companions. Good nutrition is also the foundation for a strong immune system, which is so important for puppies who are still developing. We make sure our puppies get the right mix of vitamins and antioxidants to help them stay healthy and fight off common illnesses, especially when they’re making the big transition into their new homes. We feed our puppies high-quality food designed for large-breed pups, which means they get the right balance of protein, fats, and vitamins. This helps them grow at a healthy pace and avoid issues like joint problems down the road. You can also provide fresh fruits and veggies for your growing pups! We give our pups cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, apples, and blueberries--be sure to give them sparingly as too much can cause an upset stomach. At Shiraz German Shepherds, we’re all about giving our puppies the best start in life. By focusing on the right nutrition, we help set them up for a long, happy, and healthy future. Whether you're looking for a working dog, show dog, or family companion, the proper nutrition in those early months makes all the difference! We feed our puppies: *Farmina Ancestral Grain Blueberry and Lamb puppy food medium/maxi *Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy Food
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Socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted and confident German Shepherd puppy. The early weeks of a puppy’s life are incredibly important for their social development, and the period between 8 to 16 weeks is a particularly sensitive time when puppies are most receptive to new experiences, people, and environments. As breeders, we start the socialization process right from birth. We gently expose puppies to different sounds, sights, and positive interactions to help them build a strong foundation. But while this early groundwork is essential, the socialization process doesn't stop there. It’s just as important for new owners to continue this work once the puppy leaves our care at 8 weeks old. If a pup is not exposed to a variety of people, places, sounds, and other animals, they will not be as well rounded as their well socialized counterparts. Once your German Shepherd puppy is home, it’s time to step up the socialization. Introduce them to different people, including kids, adults, and seniors, as well as other well-behaved dogs. The more positive interactions they have with others, the more confident and well-rounded they’ll become. Exposing your puppy to various environments—like busy streets, parks, and quiet spaces—will also help them learn to stay calm and relaxed, no matter where they are. Socializing your puppy also helps them develop a strong bond with you, their new family. German Shepherds are naturally protective and attentive, so when socialized well, they can grow into loyal, balanced, and trustworthy companions. On the flip side, puppies that miss out on socialization may become fearful, aggressive, or overly anxious, which can make training much harder down the road. By providing your puppy with a variety of positive experiences during this critical period, you’ll help them grow into a well-adjusted, confident, and adaptable adult dog.
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