Before You Bring Your Shepherd Home

You have decided that a German Shepherd puppy is the right choice for you. You have fully researched the breed, bloodlines, and breeders and have put a deposit on a puppy. Now what do you do while you wait for your new bundle of joy to arrive? Well, you get ready for him, just like you would if you were awaiting the arrival of a baby. Ok, you don't have to buy a crib, highchair or car seat, but there are a lot of things that you will need to buy, as well as arrangements to be made. These are best done before puppy arrives, as it will make your first few weeks go smoother, and it will give you something to do while you anxiously await the arrival.
The following is a list of supplies that you will need:

Water & Food Bowls

Food- your breeder will usually send a small supply with the puppy, but it is best to have a full bag on hand already. It is best to feed the puppy the same food as the breeder did, and if you wish to use a different brand, then gradually switch the food over, so that you don't upset the pups system. Start with 100% breeder brand, then 90% breeder 10% your own, then 80% breeder 20% your own, etc. until you have the pup completely switched over.

Collar- nylon web or leather

Training Collar- also known as choke chain

6ft Leash- nylon web or leather, not chain as that will hurt your hands when you try training with it later

Chew Toys- durable ones that can not be easily chewed apart and swallowed

Crate- for sleeping, housebreaking & travelling in

Slicker Brush- grooming tool

Rake- grooming tool

Shedding blade- grooming tool

Nail Clippers

Baby gates- to block off areas in the home, for ease of house breaking

Other considerations that should also be made before bringing your new dog home:

What is going on in your home- please do not try bringing a new puppy into your home at Christmas, birthdays or any other eventful day like that. Those days are hectic enough without a new puppy arriving in the middle of it. Bring the puppy home on a normal day when you will have the time to devote to it.

What Veterinarian will you be using- if you don't already have a vet in mind, then ask around with friends or your breeder if they are in the same area, and get recommendations. Ask if you can visit the vet clinic and speak with the vet beforehand, to ensure that it is someone that you will trust and feel comfortable dealing with. Don't wait until you have an emergency to start looking for one.

Where you will be buying your food and supplies

What dog club or training academy you will go to for puppy kindergarten classes and obedience classes

Do you need to buy a dog license and if so, how soon do you need to do it after puppy arrives, some places give you four weeks grace

If you plan on travelling without your dog at all, what boarding kennel will you use, or will your breeder board the dog for you

Congratulations, now that you have done all that, you should be ready for pup to arrive. Oh yeah, almost forgot, make sure that you have plenty of film for your camera on hand, for all of those sweet baby pictures.

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All articles and photographs contained in this page are all copyrighted 1996, 1997 by Mark & Kristina Davies. No article or photograph may be taken or published in any form without the express written consent of Mark or Kristina Davies.