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Choosing toys for your German Shepherd

Most German Shepherds take their play seriously — so it’s up to us to find toys that satisfy this powerful play drive, are safe, and last more than 20 seconds once the dog starts using them!

My German Shepherds love fetch above all games, so toys that feed this frenzy are the ones I gravitate toward. Soft latex or plush toys aren’t suitable for most adult shepherds (although some German Shepherds, females especially, enjoy carrying around a fleecy toy like it’s a puppy). Stuffed animals, particularly those with squeakers, tend to be disemboweled after only minutes of playing fetch, and latex ones are torn apart even faster.

Besides fetch, a game of tug with me or another dog makes my German Shepherds’ list of all-time fun activities, so knotted rope bones, strong rubber tug toys or large plastic bones are in the toy box.

My first criteria when choosing a toy is “Will it last more than five minutes?” If the answer is yes, then the toy likely passes the safety test, as well (no word on dog toys recalled from China). The second is, “Will my dog play with it?” Toy-treat combinations, such as products made from rawhide, might be enjoyed, but unless I use them for hide ‘n’ seek, only the dogs’ jaws will be exercised! Outside of treats shaped like toys, German Shepherds are usually happy to make a toy from anything, but it’s important to start teaching your German Shepherd early in puppy hood which objects are his and which objects belong to you.

Here are four of my favorite German Shepherd toys:


If ever a toy was designed specifically for German Shepherd Dogs, the Kong Company has made it happen. The Extreme Black Kong toy is made for hard chewers and can withstand more abuse than its red counterpart. If you have one of those rare German Shepherds who does not enjoy chasing or chewing the Kong, stuff it full of canned food and freeze — Voila! A doggie Popsicle!


The Jawz disc by Hyperflite is an extremely durable disc that flies just like a regular one. My large male German Shepherd will destroy a regular plastic disc in one 20-minute play session. Although puppies and young dogs should not jump to catch discs until their growth plates have closed, you can begin teaching German Shepherds of any age how to grab short tosses and snatch rollers off the ground.


The Buster Cube is one of my go-tos for occupying busy German Shepherd Dogs on rainy days. Like the Kong, you can fill it with treats (or kibble — I feed my dogs their meals this way), and it stands up to harsh treatment. The hard plastic outside is great for a dog who loves to pound toys with his paws, and stands up well to harsh treatment.


Jute tug toys are a must for big dogs who like to play tug. I particularly like the double-handled version of this toy, which gives the person a better grip. Be sure to follow the rules for tug when playing this game with your GSD!

5 rules for teaching your GSD a great recall

Below are the rules you must follow to have a German Shepherd who joyfully returns when you call:

Rule 1: Don’t use your recall word anytime except when you’re teaching it (and later, when you’re 99 percent certain your dog will come to you). Using your recall phrase over and over while your dog fails to respond only teaches him that the recall word or phrase is to be ignored.

Rule 2: Don’t call your German Shepherd for stuff he doesn’t like. This includes things like baths, nail trims, being put in the crate, the end of play with another dog, or leaving the dog park! If you have to, go and get your pup. You can also run away, clap or make kissing noises. If you use your recall word and your dog comes, but then you respond with something he doesn’t like, he’ll start avoiding you when you call.

Rule 3: Do make a big deal any time your dog comes to you on her own, even if you didn’t call her. We want our dogs always to think of coming to us over a variety of distractions, so be sure to reward your dog somehow (with food, a favorite toy or lots of praise) if he “checks in” with you, on-leash or off.

Rule 4: Carry lots of your dog’s favorite treats when teaching the recall. You will need something that packs a punch, like canned cat food or chicken, when practicing off-leash or in new environments. We want our dogs to learn that there is nothing in the environment more exciting than we are — and this might mean leaving your dog on-lead in the woods for several weeks while you feed her sardines for coming when called. Get a long line (available in pet catalogs, online or pet stores) to practice recalls at a distance, and always use treats your German Shepherd loves.

Rule 5: You can swap treats for play with a favorite toy. If your German shepherd loves to play fetch or tug, you can use those as rewards for coming when called. The trick is to wait until your dog gets to you, then start a surprise game by pulling the hidden ball or tug toy out of your pocket. Toys are often easier to carry on walks, as well.

Teach your GSD with lure-reward training

Want to teach your German Shepherd a new trick? The easiest way to get started teaching a dog a new behavior is to use lure-reward training.

You’ll need your dog and a big handful of tasty treats to get started. Start training in a quiet location, away from people and other animals.

Step 1: Use food near your dog’s nose to guide your dog into position (like sit or down, or spin) and feed. Your dog may need to lick or nibble the food while you guide. You can also start luring your dog just part of the way (as in spin or down), and feeding. Then gradually begin to ask the dog to do more before you feed the treat.

Step 2: Once your is following the food into position consistently, put the treat in your other hand. Use your empty hand to guide the dog into position, then reward from your other hand.  This way your German Shepherd will discover she doesn’t have to see a treat to do the behavior.

Step 3: Now that your dog happily follows your empty hand into position, add a word (like “Sit” or “Down”). Say the word as you lure your dog with your empty hand, and feed as soon as your dog complies. Repeat this process over a few days, in different locations.

Step 4: Now you’re ready to say the word and pause slightly before you use your hand signal. See if your dog does the behavior. If she doesn’t, help her by doing your empty hand motion. Feed as soon as she performs the behavior. Be sure to say the word only once!

Step 5: With enough repetitions, your dog will do the behavior when you say the word, but before you use your hand signal. Be sure to heavily praise your German Shepherd and feed extra treats at this stage. Eventually, you can fade the motion as you say the word by making your movements smaller and smaller. Practice the behavior again starting at Step 1, in as many new places as possible.

How much does a German Shepherd puppy cost?

As of this writing, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 US dollars for a quality-bred German Shepherd puppy.

Why are German Shepherd puppies so expensive?

The main reason German Shepherd puppies cost so much is that the cost of breeding German Shepherds and raising the puppies is not cheap.




Below is a chart breaking down the approximate costs associated with breeding.

Expense
Approximate cost1
Training and showing $3,500/year
Health screening $500
Stud fee $1,000+
Whelping supplies $100
Vet bills $750+
Food $100 per litter
Registration $25 + $2/puppy
Utilities $300
Emergencies $700+
Total (approx.)
$6,985+

1. Based on estimates from “Cost to Breed and Raise a Litter” and “Litter Costs.”

When you add this to the cost of feeding and maintaining the dam for one year, a single litter is often setting breeders back by $8,000 or so. (Not to mention the cost of buying a quality bitch and/or sire and raising them to adulthood!) Add to this the intangible expense of the breeder’s time and expertise in whelping, raising and training the litter.

I found GSD puppies advertised locally for $400. Why do I need a dog from a fancy breeder?

Once you start asking your $400-per-puppy breeder a few questions, the answer as to why anyone would want to pay more for a German Shepherd puppy will become obvious.

Here are the questions to ask any breeder from whom you are considering buying a puppy:

  • What health testing have you done on the parents (sire and dam)?
  • Do the sire and dam both have a ratings, OFA grades or PennHip scores declaring them free of hip and elbow dysplasia?
  • Do either the sire or dam have allergies – chronic ear infections, drippy eyes, skin problems, poor coats?
  • What kinds of health problems might be typical in the lines that you breed?
  • How old do the dogs in your lines tend to live?
  • Have your dogs ever growled at or bitten a person?
  • How are your German Shepherds with young children?
  • How do your German Shepherds behave around cats?
  • Can I meet your dogs before I decide to buy a puppy?
  • What titles do your dogs have?
  • Do you sell your puppies on a contract?
  • Does your puppy contract include a guarantee to take back the puppy at any point in its life, if I can no longer keep him?
  • Does your puppy contract include a hip guarantee?
  • Are your puppies crate trained?
  • How do you socialize your puppies before they leave?
  • What vaccinations will my puppy have before I take him home?
  • Can I talk to some of your previous puppy buyers?

In addition, the breeder you are considering should ask you questions about your lifestyle and reasons for wanting a GSD. He or she should also ask you what your plans are for training and exercising your new puppy.

Saving enough money to buy a German Shepherd puppy

If you can’t afford a quality German Shepherd right now, don’t worry. You can always start saving today! You’ll have time to build your savings, as most breeders of good pups only breed a few litters each year. Finding a breeder may take several weeks of research, as well. Expect to pay a non-refundable deposit to get on a waiting list.

In addition to the cost of your puppy, don’t forget to factor in the initial costs of a crate, toys, veterinary appointments, training classes, pet insurance, a basic pet first-aid kit, good-quality food, and a starter supply of flea and heartworm treatment.

Here are a few savings tips I’ve used for a puppy savings fund in the past:

  • Set a savings goal. I love SmartyPig, because it lets you break your savings account into goals and track them online. It’s free and features automatic withdrawals, too. But you don’t need to get fancy — your regular savings account or a glass jar will do, too.
  • Save all unexpected cash flow. Once your bills and credit cards are paid, stash any “surprise” income into your savings account. Bonuses, tips, extra odd jobs, birthday and Christmas checks, rebates or refunds fall into this category.
  • Set aside a certain amount each month. Even if it’s $25, that’s an extra $100 towards vaccinations or a crate after just four months! Automatic withdrawals from your checking into a savings account will save you from remembering.
  • Do extra work or odd jobs. Do you have a marketable skill that you can trade for a few dollars? Can you wash cars, walk dogs, or help a friend with his or her web site? Adding $50 here and there can get you to your savings goal faster than you’d think.
  • Give up another expense until your savings goal is met. Whether it’s fast food, coffee, an online subscription, or impulse buys at the grocery store, most of us can find a way to save an extra $5 or more each week by skipping those purchases. Remind yourself — it’s temporary, and for a good reason!
  • Sell something you own. Regularly clearing out stuff you no longer use is not only healthy, but can be profitable as well! List your used goods on eBay, or hold a yard sale. See if there’s a Facebook group that lists the stuff you’re trying to sell, and join.

Is spending the money to get a high-quality German Shepherd pup worthwhile?

After 19 years of owning and raising German Shepherds, and helping other people with their GSDs’ behavior, I can say without hesitation that any money you spend on a good-quality pup from a reputable breeder is well worth it. A German Shepherd with a stable, friendly temperament, in good health and properly socialized by a knowledgable breeder is priceless.

The rest — making sure your German Shepherd is a terrific canine citizen — is up to you! But by investing up front, you’ll be motivated to continue where the breeder left off and have a fantastic companion to share with the world.

How to socialize your German shepherd puppy

When does socialization begin?

The socialization process for German Shepherd puppies begins the day they are born! An educated breeder will have plan for daily neonatal handling of the litter, and by eight weeks of age, Dr. Ian Dunbar recommends that puppies have been handled by at least 100 people!

You must continue to socialize your puppy after you bring him home. The window for a dog’s socialization to people continues until 16 weeks (four months) or so. During this time, it is essential that your puppy be carefully introduced to a variety of people, objects and experiences. It’s your job to make sure your German Shepherd grows into a reliable, friendly adult dog, instead of a growling, quivering mess.

How old should your puppy be when you bring her home?

German shepherd puppies should stay with the breeder until at least 7 or 8 weeks of age.

If your breeder is keeping the puppies longer, he or she must pick up where the owner would normally take over in terms of socialization and training. Keeping puppies beyond 7 or 8 weeks and not doing the critical work of early socialization and training may be more damaging than letting them go too soon.

The fear period

Puppies go through a fearful stage between 9-12 weeks (sometimes earlier or later, depending on the individual). During this time, it’s important that you give your puppy plenty of time and space to explore unfamiliar objects, people and places on his own. Don’t force him into anything!

It’s also important during this time not to expose your puppy to trauma. Avoid any restraint that could upset your pup, people who might scare or harm the puppy, and strange dogs whose behavior with young puppies is unknown.

How do I socialize my GSD puppy?

One of our favorite socialization programs is Operation Socialization. Operation Socialization offers a complete program for socializing your new puppy. The program includes a list of participating local businesses, where available.

Here is a short checklist of exercises to complete with your young German Shepherd:

  • Voluntary approach of children of all ages (at least 30 different kids offering treats)
  • Voluntary approach to men (at least 30 different men offering treats)
  • Voluntary approach to women (at least 30 different women offering treats)
  • Voluntary approach to people in wheelchairs, using canes or other walking equipment, in unusual dress, etc. (at least 10 different people offering treats)
  • Regular car rides (at least once per week to somewhere other than the vet’s office)
  • Resource guarding prevention training
  • Handling exercises (at least three times per week)
  • Exposure to a variety of surfaces (grass, concrete, wood floors, tile floors, carpet, etc.)
  • Exposure to livestock at a safe distance
  • Play (with frequent breaks) with other puppies and adult dogs known to be safe with puppies.
  • Crate training

When is socialization finished?

Experts agree that the socialization window for puppies is fairly short, and begins to close around 15 weeks. But sensitive breeds such as German Shepherds need careful introductions to new people and places, and plenty of positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior, until 2-3 years of age.

Many breeds experience what is sometimes called a “second” fear period, between 6 and 12 months. This resembles the first fear period at 9-12 weeks, in that a bad experience could have lifelong repercussions for your dog. For example, an 8-month-old male German Shepherd with no history of problems at the veterinarian’s office was muzzled and forcibly restrained during a routine blood draw. He became so frightened that he emptied his anal glands. From then on and into old age, he would bark, growl and lunge at the veterinarian, and needed behavioral intervention during office visits.

What if I’m having trouble socializing my German shepherd puppy?

If your puppy frequently hides, growls at people or avoids new things, get professional help now. Don’t wait until your German shepherd is big enough to scare or hurt someone. We can prevent many of the behavior problems we see in adult dogs with early training and behavior modification.

Visit iaabc.org or apdt.com to find a qualified dog behavior consultant near you.

What to do when your puppy bites

Puppies use their mouths for many reasons. Teething, exploration, taste, play, and chewing are just a few. Plus, your puppy needs to learn bite inhibition so he or she can regulate those powerful GSD jaws as an adult dog. So what do you do when those needle-sharp baby German Shepherd teeth are tearing up your clothes or skin?

First, let’s cover a few DON’Ts:

  • Don’t hold your puppy’s mouth shut. Besides possibly hurting your puppy and causing him to retaliate with a hard bite, think about what puppies do when they play — they mouth each other! If you start interacting with your puppy when he puts his mouth on you, he will be likely to try that strategy again the next time he wants your attention.
  • Don’t smack or hit your puppy (on the face, or anywhere else). Besides hurting your puppy, hitting teaches him to be wary or afraid of human hands — definitely not an association we want our adult German Shepherds to have!
  • Don’t shout NO! or Stop! If this worked, it would have worked the first time, and forevermore! Instead, shouting at your puppy teaches him to be afraid of you or to ignore you (or maybe both).

Here are some strategies to try if you find your puppy is biting too hard:

  • Decide what “too hard” is. Remember, your puppy NEEDS to bite. Biting with puppy teeth is how your pup learns how to be gentle with his or her mouth. You want your puppy to bite you! However, you get to decide how hard is too hard. My rule of thumb is if the bite leaves a red mark, that is too hard. If your puppy bites too hard, say “Ouch!” in an unpleasant tone, and stop playing with your pup for a moment. IMPORTANT: You should never allow your puppy to mouth or bite babies and children. Kids aren’t capable of appropriately telling a puppy how hard is too hard, and biting can easily become a game, or could hurt the child. Have kids play with the puppy with toys or feed your GSD puppy treats for being calm.
  • Use toys. Use a tug or fluffy toy to encourage your pup to bite a toy instead of your hands and clothes. Remember to trade your puppy the toy for a treat each time you want him to give it up, so he learns to give you the toy quickly and easily!
  • Teach a desired behavior. Teach your puppy to chase a treat up and down the stairs, or to walk nicely on leash, or to fetch something, instead of biting.
  • Create some downtime. Using a leash, tether, crate or other barrier is a good way to help your puppy calm down when he or she is to excited to play appropriately. If the “Ouch!” technique isn’t working, or your puppy is disinterested in toys and only wants to bite you or your clothing, it’s time to shift to a calmer activity. Use the teaching calmness technique as above, or put your puppy on a leash, temporary tether, or crate with a stuffed Kong or other tasty chew toy. Try playing again in a little while, after a potty break!