Congratulations on your new furry family member! If you have recently welcomed a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy into your home, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelming responsibility.
At six months, your GSD puppy is starting to look and act a lot like an adult. He is also starting to explore his surroundings and may be roaming a lot more than usual. He is also going into puppy puberty, which comes with many behavioral changes including marking, aggression and acting on sexual desires.
As a new owner, you might have many questions and concerns about how to best support your puppy’s development and ensure his well-being. In this blog post, we will provide a survival guide for new owners of a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy. We will cover essential topics such as feeding, exercise, training, grooming, and health care, and offer practical tips and recommendations to help you navigate this particular stage with your new companion.
What to expect from a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy?
Your puppy is now marking their entry into “teenagehood,” so expect a lot of surging hormones. If you have a male puppy, for instance, you will notice that they are becoming overly territorial or intolerant of other male dogs and generally aggressive to unfamiliar people.
In addition to the hormones, are the raging sexual desires which will make your puppy want to be around dogs of the opposite sex. Female puppies will start to go into heat, while male puppies will start roaming looking for females. Other changes to expect include:
Playful and energetic
Your young dog is also likely to be more energetic and playful than before. They will want to roam around to satisfy their curiosity and may get into things they shouldn’t, so it’s important to provide a safe environment and supervise them when they are exploring.
Becoming independent
GSD puppies at this age are also starting to become more independent and may be less reliant on you. They may start to challenge your authority and test boundaries, so it’s important you establish clear rules and boundaries and provide consistent and positive training to help them learn good manners.
Enhanced communication skills
Puppies at this age also have enhanced hearing skills and can process instructions a lot better. This is the time to advance obedience training to help them learn good behavior and become well-behaved adult dogs.
Resource guarding
Additionally, they may experience what we refer to as resource guarding. This is where puppies become so possessive of their toys that they become harsh when someone or another dog tries to touch them. American Kennel Club recommends early behavior training to prevent this possession aggression from escalating into nasty bites.
What does a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd Puppy need from their owners?
Your six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will need quite a lot from you. First and foremost, they will need a consistent routine and structure. If you haven’t developed one already, this is the time to do it. The routine should incorporate everything from feeding to play. A routine will help make life so much easier for both of you. Other needs include
A good leader
As an owner, you should also provide your puppy with good leadership. Part of being a good leader is giving clear instructions and being consistent with reinforcing the behavior. For a GSD puppy, establishing yourself as a pack leader is crucial in instilling good behavior.
Consistent exercise
You will also need to take your dog for daily walks or for play dates at the dog park to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Even as puppies, German Shepherds are extremely energetic dogs, and therefore daily exercise is a basic need for them. You will need to commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening.
In addition, you will need to have a list of games and activities to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. Here are some activities you can try.
Proper socialization
It is also important to continue socializing your German Shepherd puppy at this age. This can involve exposing them to a variety of people, places, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner. This will help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Proper nutrition
Proper nutrition is also important for a growing German Shepherd puppy. You will need to feed your puppy high-quality food appropriate for their size and age. It is generally recommended to feed puppies three to four times per day until they are about six months old, after which you can gradually transition to twice-daily feedings.
Love and attention
In addition to these basic responsibilities, you are also expected to provide your German Shepherd puppy with plenty of love, attention, and positive reinforcement. This will help them feel secure and build a strong bond with you.
There are plenty of ways to bond with your dog. You can make use of the morning and evening exercise to bond, go on weekend hikes and trips together, walks at the dog park or play interactive games indoors. The goal is to create as much quality time with your dog to enhance the bond.
Regular grooming
Regular grooming is another thing your pup will require from you at least once every week. Now that their coat is fully filled up, they will start to shed a lot. This means you will need to create a schedule for brushing their coat and general grooming, like cleaning their ears and teeth. Ensure you get a good-quality brush for this job. Here’s a good tutorial to learn how to brush your GSD puppy one area at a time.
Physical development: size and appearance
At six months, German Shepherd puppies will typically have reached about 75% of their adult size and weight. They look a lot like a large breed dog at this point.
Males will have an average weight of 53 pounds and a height of between 16-18 inches, while females will weigh 46 pounds on average and will be 15-17 inches tall. However, some German Shepherds puppies may be larger or smaller than others at this age.
The puppies will have a more developed a more muscular appearance than they did when younger. They will have a longer, thicker coat, and their ears may be fully upright. Their paws may also be larger and more in proportion to their body, and a majority will have all their adult teeth on.
Also noticeable will be their strong, muscular build and their intelligent and confident demeanor.
Don’t freak out if your puppy is yet to hit all these milestones, every dog is unique and will develop at their own rate. It is normal for some puppies to grow more quickly or more slowly than others. It is also normal for puppies to go through “growth spurts,” during which they may gain weight and height quickly for a short period of time.
To help speed up their growth, focus on proper nutrition. In addition to their meat proteins and carbs, ensure their diet contains essentials like Omega 3&6 for a healthy coat and skin and calcium for strong bones and joints. You also want to get your puppy a variety of chew toys to help with ear erection.
That said, it is important to monitor your puppy’s growth and development and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Sexual maturity in 6-month-old German Shepherd
Sexual maturity for GSD puppies starts at 6 months. This new stage comes with its own set of behavioral changes, as expected, like aggression, territorial marking, and moodiness. Other changes that your pup may experience to indicate sexual maturity include bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva.
As the hormones kick in for both males and females, they will begin to act on their sexual desires. For males, particularly, they will start to prowl for females, and for females, they will start to go into their first heat cycle.
If you aren’t ready for younger ones, it is a good idea to keep your dog as far away as possible from stray dogs. Learn more about sexual maturity and what to do from this blog post by AKC: Sexual Maturity in Puppies: What to Know and What to Expect.
Aggressive reactions in 6-month-old German Shepherd puppies
It’s hard to imagine that your sweet little pup will become aggressive and very domineering. But yes, from 6 to 12 months, your pup will develop aggressive reactions to other dogs as well as to unfamiliar faces.
They will start to get pushier when playing with other dogs. They will also become bolder and more fearless when with other dogs. This is their innate need to want to dominate and protect their territory, which they are slowly marking. This sudden aggressiveness is also due to the hormonal fluctuation they are experiencing.
While this is nothing major to worry about, it’s good to know how to manage this aggression through proper socialization and obedience training.
Ideally, your puppy should have been trained as early as 4 months when the aggressive behavior starts so that by the time the aggression is heightened at 6 months, it is easier to deter.
Be aware that even though they will not be aggressive to you as their owner, they will start to show disobedience when you give them commands. You will need to stamp your authority so that the puppy understands that you are in charge. This will also make training even with aggressive behaviors easier.
Puppy puberty: What do owners need to know?
The sixth month in puppies is marked with a surge of hormones. This makes it pretty hard to predict their behaviors.
For male puppies, you may notice that they’re becoming territorial and are not so welcoming to unfamiliar faces and other male dogs. In fact, they may show some aggression and pushiness. They however like to hang out around female dogs because their sexual desire is heightened.
For female puppies, you will notice a shift in their moods. They are also likely to become insecure and less interested in activities they once enjoyed as they start getting on heat. They may also become irritable and aggressive to other dogs.
Both genders will also start showing some disobedience and unruly behaviors like not responding to commands they once did.
Nutrition needs of a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy
At six months old, your German Shepherd puppy will still have some growing to do, and it is important to ensure that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development.
Their diet should contain the following:
Proteins
Your puppy’s diet should contain at least 30-40% proteins to fuel muscle growth and brain cell development. There are a variety of meat proteins that you can incorporate into the diet, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon.
Fats
Fats and oils from fish, chicken, and meats are essential in developing healthy and shiny coat, skin, and fur. They should make up to 20% of your 6-month puppy’s diet.
Carbohydrates
Your 6-month-old puppy is going to need a lot of energy to keep up with his current activity levels. Ensure that his diet contains about 5-8% of carbohydrates to fuel this energy. According to PetMD good sources of carbohydrates are plants and grains.
Other essential nutrients
Your puppy will also need essential nutrients ( minerals and vitamins) to help in stabilizing their surging hormones as well as dental health and a multitude of other body functions. These nutrients can be found in cereals, meats, and vegetables.
American Kennel Club rates Vitamins A, B-6, B-12, D, E, and K as some of the most essential for a healthy dog. Speak to your vet regarding the right amounts of vitamins and minerals to include in your dog’s diet.
| Quantity | Sources | |
| Proteins | 30-40% | Chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, |
| Fats | 15-20% | Fish oils, poultry fat, seed oils( sunflower, flaxseed), vegetable oils( canola, soybean, and corn) |
| Carbohydrates | 5-8% | sweet potato, barley, oats, millet, potato, and rice |
| Essential nutrients | Calcium, phosphorus, Vitamins A, B-complex vitamins, Vitamins D, E and K | Fruits, vegetables and supplements as recommended by the vet |
You should feed your puppy high-quality puppy food that is appropriate for their size and age. Look for a brand that is formulated specifically for large-breed puppies, as these will have a different balance of nutrients than small-breed puppy foods.
In addition to the right type of food, it is important to pay attention to the amount of food you are feeding your puppy. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause a variety of health problems. Consult with your veterinarian or a nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount of food for your puppy’s size and energy needs.
It is also important to ensure that your puppy has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Dehydration can be a serious problem in puppies, so make sure to refill their water bowl regularly.
Feeding guide for 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppies
It is important to feed your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy a balanced and nutrient-rich diet to support their growth and development. At this age, they should be eating three to four meals per day as you gradually transition to twice-daily feedings. Their daily consumption should amount to 2,700-3,900 calories to support their body activity.
Here are some general guidelines for feeding a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy:
Choose a high-quality puppy food
Look for a puppy food that is formulated for large breed puppies and has a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Calculate the correct portion size
The correct portion size will depend on your puppy’s age, size, and activity level. As a general rule, puppies should eat about 2-3% of their body weight per day. So, for a 30-pound puppy, this would be about 1-1.5 cups of food per day, divided into three meals.
Gradually transition to adult food
Around 6 months of age, you can begin to gradually transition your puppy to adult food. Mix a small amount of adult food in with their puppy food and gradually increase the proportion of adult food over the course of a week or two.
Keep an eye on your puppy’s weight
It’s important to monitor your puppy’s weight to make sure they are growing at a healthy rate. If they are gaining weight too quickly, you may need to adjust their portion sizes or reduce the amount of treats and table scraps you give them.
Keep your puppy hydrated
Water is an essential part of their diet. It makes up for half (or more) of their body weight and should be maintained at that all through their life. Ensure your puppy has clean water available every day. Their water should be placed in an accessible place.
A six-month-old should consume at least a cup of water every 2-3 hours. This however could be more frequent depending on how active your puppy is.
Consult with a veterinarian
If you have any concerns about your puppy’s diet or feeding schedule, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian. They can help you determine the best feeding plan for your puppy based on their specific needs.
Here’s a feeding guide for a six-month-old GSD puppy
| Guideline | |
| Feeding amounts | Kibble: 2-3 cups per mealWet food: 3 oz can for every 3 – 3½ pounds of body weight spread over 3 meals daily |
| Feeding times | 3 times daily |
| Feeding duration | 12-20 minutes |
| Water intake | 1-1.5 cups every 2-3 hours |
Health and Care for a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy
You would care for a 6-month-old GSD puppy just as you would an adult dog. For proper care, there are a few key things you must focus on such as:
Common health risks
German Shepherd puppies, like all puppies, are at risk for certain health problems. One of the most common health risks for 6-month-old German Shepherd puppies includes hip dysplasia, an inherited condition in German Shepherds that results in the dislocation or malformation of the hip joint. It can cause lameness and pain and may require surgery to correct.
Others include Elbow dysplasia which affects the elbow joint, Bloat and allergies, which present as itchy skin, rash, and respiratory problems.
6-month-old GSD pups are also commonly infected with various parasites, such as worms, fleas, and ticks, which can cause health problems if not treated promptly.
It’s important to take your German Shepherd puppy to the vet for regular checkups and to follow a preventive care plan to help prevent or manage these and other health issues.
Vaccinations
By now, your pup should be done with his basic immunizations and only awaiting booster vaccinations which you can schedule for between 6 and 12 months. However, you should still have regular check-ups and have his weight checked and monitored every month.
Deworming
At six months, you should also deworm your pup and get them flea prevention shots to prevent flea and tick infestations which are pretty common in GSD puppies.
Grooming
You’ll also need to create a grooming routine, which should include at least two days every week for brushing their fur, and once every 2-3 weeks to brush their teeth, clean their ears, and trim their nails. Bathing shouldn’t be done often, but only when necessary, otherwise, it can lead to skin irritation. Some vets recommend atleast 3-4 times a year.
Sleeping guide for 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppies
Although your puppy is a little grown, he will still need to sleep for 18-20 hours. It’s important that he gets enough sleep in order to grow and develop properly.
To help your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy get a good night’s sleep, you will need to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This will help them understand when it’s time to go to bed. This might include giving them a final potty break, playing with them for a little while, and then putting them in their crate or designated sleeping area.
Also, provide a comfortable and safe sleeping area, such as a crate or a designated area in your home. You can also consider using a crate pad or a cozy bed to make the area more comfortable for your puppy.
Remember to avoid stimulating your puppy before bedtime, as this can make it harder for them to settle down and fall asleep. In addition to that, keep the noise and light levels low. A quiet and dark environment can help your puppy relax and sleep more soundly.
Bonding with your 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy
Bonding with your German Shepherd puppy is an important process that can help create a strong and positive relationship between you and your pup. In turn, your puppy will be easier to train and will follow your commands with no or minimal resistance.
Spending quality time with your puppy is the best way to create a bond, so make time to play with, cuddle, and spend time with your puppy on a regular basis. This will help strengthen your bond and create a positive association with you.
When training or interacting with your puppy, use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praising and rewarding good behavior with treats or toys. This can help create a positive and enjoyable experience for your puppy.
Taking your puppy for walks and exploring new places together is also a great way to create a bonding experience. This helps your puppy learn about their environment and socialize with other people and animals.
Showing your puppy love and affection, such as through cuddling, petting, and talking to them in a gentle voice, will also help strengthen your bond. Here’s a good video showing you GSDs show affection:
Meeting the exercise needs
German Shepherds are energetic and athletic dogs that need plenty of physical to be happy and healthy. As a puppy, it’s especially important to ensure that they get enough exercise to support their growth and development. GSD puppies require at least one hour of daily physical exercise. Preferably, 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.
The importance of offering them the appropriate chew toys
GSD puppies, especially, have a lot of energy and need to chew on things to exercise their jaws and keep themselves entertained. Providing them with appropriate chew toys can prevent them from chewing on household items or furniture.
Chew toys also help puppies develop healthy chewing habits. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and it is important for puppies to learn what is acceptable to chew on. By providing them with appropriate chew toys, you can help them develop the habit of chewing on appropriate items rather than inappropriate ones.
Additionally, chew toys help GSD puppies develop healthy teeth and jaws. Chewing helps to clean teeth and exercise the jaw muscles, which can help prevent dental problems.
Lastly, chew toys provide mental stimulation. Some chew toys are designed to be interactive or to be used in play, which can provide mental stimulation for puppies in addition to physical exercise.
Include mental stimulation to exercise their minds
In addition to physical exercise, it’s important to provide your GSD puppy with plenty of mental stimulation. This could include training sessions, puzzle toys, or even simple activities like hide and seek.
Neutering or Spaying Your German Shepherd puppy at 6-Month-Old (Pros and Cons)
There has been a lot of debate on whether or not it is beneficial to spay or neuter your puppy at six months, with some vets saying there is a great health risk when done earlier than later.
Ultimately, the decision to neuter or spay is a personal one that should be based on your individual circumstances and the advice of your veterinarian.
The debate notwithstanding, here are the pros and cons of doing it at six months. Carefully consider the pros and cons and discuss your options with your veterinarian before making a decision.
Pros:
- Neutering can help prevent unwanted pregnancies and contribute to the reduction of pet overpopulation.
- Neutering can reduce the risk of certain health problems, such as testicular cancer in males and breast cancer in females.
- Neutering can reduce undesirable behaviors, such as marking territory and roaming in males, and false pregnancies and heat cycles in females.
Cons:
- Neutering or spaying your puppy at a young age may affect their growth and development. Some studies have suggested that neutering male puppies at a young age may slightly increase the risk of certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
- Neutering or spaying your puppy may change their behavior and personality. Some owners have reported changes in their puppy’s energy level, activity level, and behavior after being neutered or spayed.
- Neutering or spaying your puppy requires anesthesia and surgery, which carries some risks.
Conclusion
Caring for a six-month-old isn’t as difficult as you may assume once you know what to expect. It’s pretty much the same way you would an older dog, except without the new behavioral changes. We’ve covered everything there is to know about a six-month-old GSD to help you get through this “teenage” period. Once you get past the sexual desires, aggression, roaming, and marking, you should enjoy the affection of your pup.
