What You Will Need For your New German Shepherd Puppy

A puppy is a lot like a human child.  They are very curious and are natural explorers.  When they come across something that’s new to them the first thing they do is put it in their mouths and chew on it.  Pick up any object of value.  Hide electrical cords, TV Cables, Computer cables, etc.  Move books, magazines, and those priceless knickknacks.  When your pup is older and has learned some manners you can put them back out.  Don’t forget to check your yard for poison as well (some house plants can be toxic).  It does not take much to kill a little puppy.  The public library has many books for new dog owners that can further assist you and there is a lot of information on the Internet as well.  Keep plenty of chew toys around.  If you catch him chewing something he shouldn’t be, correct him with the word “no” or “leave it” and immediately stick a chew toy in his mouth.  When he is chewing on something appropriate immediately praise him.  He will quickly learn what is and is not off limits.  Below is a list of items we think are good to have for your new puppy, the what we prefer to use:

Stainless Steel Bowls for Food & Water - Easy to disinfect (especially if feeding raw).
Excellent book about living with dogs and how to speak their language. A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan's Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog
Great book with activities to do with your puppy without boring them to tears. 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog
Dog Crate for crate training and traveling.  Most Adult German Shepherds will require a size 500/Extra Large.  You will want a smaller size for potty training your puppy.
Puppy Gait(s) to block off stairs or areas of the house you don't want the puppy exlporing.
Rolled Leather Collar for every day - Helps prevent fur breakage.
Fur Saver Collar - For training (show or obedience) - Helps prevent breakage - Do Not leave on unattended, a tooth or nail may get caught.
Nice 4ft Leather Leash 3/4'' - 1'' Thick for training.
Small, tasty, natural dog treats for training and quick rewards.
Dog Rake for Shedding
ChuckIt Ball Launcher - Saves the arm and the hands.  Do not leave tennis balls with dog unattended
Kong - While supervised a great chew toy that lasts a while.
Pine or Cedar Shavings for potty area.  Makes for easy clean up and designates "potty zone" in yard.
DogLoo for outdoor shelter, can sometimes find at Walmart for 1/2 the price at other pet supply stores.
Large RAW Beef Bones to Chew on - Available at your butcher, give cold, throw away when well chewed.
Orthopedic Pet Mat - Great to teach "Place" or "Rest" command with, and comfortable on your dogs bones/joints
Baby Shampoo - We use a 1:4 Diluted amount of Aveno Baby Shampoo to wash our dogs in.  Make sure it is rinsed out well.
Bell to hang on the door you will use to take the puppy out to Potty.  Can teach puppy to ring bell when he needs out.

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