The First Two Years With Your German Shepherd
Featuring our own V1-Holley von Kaykohl Land, BH, AD, VK1, Kkl1a

Age	Mentally	Physically	What To Do
2-3 Months	Still mentally immature with very little attention span.  VERY impressionable.  This is a main bonding phase and will impact greatly how the puppy will interact with people in their adult years.  They require a lot of love, attention, and consistency at this age.	Floppy and goofy.  Ears starting to go up, wobbly with loose puppy fat and skin.  Starting to teeth.  Starting to loose their puppy coat.	Start Socializing (see article).  Start Potty training and crate training.  Start on social skills and manners.  Start grooming and handling and getting accustomed to accepting human domination and control with instant rewards.  Start confidence building by playing games that give the puppy a chance to win and succeed.
3-6 Months	Mentally very distractible.  About the same as an 12 month old human baby.  Learning social skills and pack order within their home.  Starting a "fear" stage due to the beginning of the social and maturing process.  Testing boundaries.	Motor skills are increasing.  Starting to teethe.  Gums and mouth are very sensitive to touch and injury.  See "Ears" Article.  Bones and growth plates are changing rapidly.	Continue refining social skills and manners.  Start quick and rewarding positive training sessions on basics such as Sit and Down.  Start show training now.  Keep it short and fun.  Keep the world safe but continue socializing with controlled stimuli.
6-9 Months	Mentally starting to mature and develop, but still very much a puppy.  The first "fear" stage should be over.  Attention span and willingness should continue to increase.	Internal body systems are nearly "adult" like, but orthopedically still developing rapidly.  Ears should be up, but not necessarily firm.  Body and ligaments are starting to tighten and firm.	Take this time of good attention span to really bond with your dog and fully set social and pack boundaries.  Continue in a fun and positive manner asking a bit more from your dog, but not pushing it too far.  This is a break between the full blown "Puppy Stage" and the next stage... the "Teenager".
9-12 Months	Mentally starting to sexually mature and continuing to socially mature.  The start of another "fear" period.  About the same as a 12-14 year old human.  Natural protective instincts will start to develop, along with a suspicion level.	Physically this can been an awkward looking stage.  All legs and ears, normally pretty thin and gangly.  Females will normally come into their first estrus (heat) during this time and males can begin to lift their leg.	At this age I normally stop socializing and really concentrate on the relationship in the home and with the family.  They will have periods of insecurity and dominance at this age.  It is best to maintain their consistencies and schedule and continue firm yet fair and loving training.
12-18 Months	Mentally they have much more ability and attention span, but willingness may not be as strong.  They still may in their last fear/suspicion stage and continuing in their "teenage" antics.	Females start to become increasingly beautiful during this age after their first heat.  Males can still be awkward.  Mature height should be full achieved.  Vocal and body language are easily read.	This is when I like to start "Formal" basic obedience.  Foundations have been set, and expectations should be raised.  Consistent firm and fair training need to continue.  Exercise and other physical activities can be increased.
18-24 Months	Mentally sexually mature, will continue to socially mature until about 36 months.  At this age you almost have an adult.	Are now old enough to spay/neuter (see article).  Will continue to fill out and physically develop until 3-5 years of age.	Continue daily exercise and training stimulation daily to maintain happy mental and physical health.  Find new and fun things to teach your dog, there are limitless tricks and exercises.  See training article.