German Shepherd stages of growth are much more noticeable than a small dog because they grow very quickly. Jasper seemed to grow noticeably bigger every day! Both his mother and father were average-sized Shepherds. But Jasper seems to be set to outgrow them. was 8 weeks old when we took him home but we did visit him at 6 weeks and he was adorable. So let’s talk about German Shepherd stages of growth!
Table of Contents
German Shepherd Neonatal Stage: Birth to 2 Weeks
The Neonatal stage, which spans from birth to two weeks, marks a critical phase in a newborn’s life. This period is characterized by the infant’s first introduction to the world outside the womb, a journey that, while fraught with adjustments, is also rich with growth and discovery.
At this stage, the newborn German Shepherd is entirely dependent on their mother for warmth and nutrition. Thermoregulation is underdeveloped in neonates, making them reliant on their mother’s body heat to maintain their temperature. Similarly, the infant’s nutrition is primarily sourced from the mother’s milk, which provides essential nutrients and antibodies that aid in the child’s development and immune system protection.
The neonatal period is also marked by rapid neurological development. The newborn begins to exhibit primitive reflexes, such as rooting and grasping, and sensory faculties begin to develop. At the same time, sleep takes up most of the newborn’s day, punctuated by brief periods of wakefulness during feeding.
Sensory Development: Vision, Hearing, and Smell
In the early stages of a German Shepherd’s life, sensory developments are both exciting and crucial. At birth, puppies are functionally blind and deaf. Their eyes are sealed shut and their ear canals closed. These senses begin to awaken around the second week of life.
As the puppy’s eyes open, their vision is initially poor. They can make out shapes and movements but cannot see detail or color. Over the following weeks, their sight develops rapidly, and by the age of 8 weeks, their vision is nearly as good as that of an adult dog.
Simultaneously, the puppy’s ears begin to open. While they might hear loud sounds immediately after the ear canal opens, it takes a few more weeks for their hearing to fully develop. This is when they start to respond to sounds and voices, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming more interactive and responsive.
Puppies are also born with a highly developed sense of smell, which is their most potent sense. Even at this early stage, they use this sense to find their mother, recognize their siblings, and navigate their immediate surroundings. This extraordinary sense of smell will continue to improve and will eventually become their most powerful tool for exploring the world.
Transitional Stage: 2 to 4 Weeks
During the transitional phase, which spans from the second to the fourth week post-birth, German Shepherd puppies begin to engage more with their environment. Their eyes and ears have now opened, equipping them with the basic tools to interact with the world around them. Shadows and shapes start to become identifiable objects, and faint sounds grow into recognizable stimuli.
Interaction with littermates also commences during this period. Puppies, initially driven by smell and touch, now start to use their newly developed senses to interact with their siblings, forming bonds and beginning the essential process of socialization. Despite their limited mobility, they stumble around exploring their surroundings and each other, providing the first glimpses of their individual personalities. This stage plays a crucial role in the puppies’ development, setting the foundation for future learning and social behaviors.
German Shepherd Socialisation Stage: 4 to 12 Weeks
In the socialization stage, which spans from the fourth to the twelfth week, German Shepherd puppies experience significant developmental changes. It is during this period that they begin to engage in play-fighting with their siblings, a crucial aspect of their social development. This play-fighting not only helps them build physical strength and coordination but also teaches them important social cues and helps establish their position within the pack.
Around the same time, they are also introduced to a variety of people and other animals. This exposure is essential for their development as it fosters their ability to interact positively with different beings. The puppies learn about different smells, sounds, and behaviors, which helps them become more adaptable and less fearful of new experiences.
Moreover, this stage marks the beginning of training. Even though the puppies are still young, it is an ideal time to start simple training exercises. The training should be positive and fun, using rewards such as treats, praise, or play to encourage desired behaviors. It is also the time when puppies start to learn basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’. These early training sessions lay the foundation for more advanced training in the future and help set the stage for the puppies to grow into well-behaved and obedient adult dogs.
German Shepherd Puppy’s Ear Stages: Around 8 to 12 Weeks
One noteworthy characteristic of German Shepherds is their iconic erect ears. However, it’s important to note that pups are not born with this defining trait. German Shepherd puppies typically start to have their ears stand up independently during the teething period, which is often between the 8th and 12th week. It’s a gradual process and each pup is unique, so don’t be alarmed if one ear becomes erect before the other, or if the ears tend to flop over now and then. By about the 4 to 6 month mark, most German Shepherd puppies‘ ears should be fully erect. If your puppy’s ears have not stood up by the time of complete teething, you may want to consult your vet or a breed expert but remember, patience is key during this cute and quirky stage of puppyhood.
We were lucky with Jasper. He was the first in his litter to have his ears go up! It’s not at all unusual for it to take more time and to have one ear, that was up, fall over for a while. It adds to the clownish charm of this stage.
Puppy Fear Stages: Usually 8 to 10 Weeks and 6 to 14 Months
German Shepherd puppies commonly go through two distinct fear stages – the first one typically occurs around 8 to 10 weeks old, and the second one can occur anytime between 6 to 14 months. During these periods, puppies can suddenly become fearful of things they were previously comfortable with, or they may develop new fears. It is crucial for owners to be understanding, patient, and responsive during these stages.
In the first fear stage, try not to expose your puppy to situations that may be intimidating or stressful. It’s a sensitive time, and negative experiences can have an impact on the puppy’s future behavior. Always ensure experiences are positive and confidence-building.
The second fear stage often coincides with adolescence, when the puppy is becoming an adult and testing boundaries. This period requires consistent training and socialization. Stick to familiar, controlled environments when training or socializing your puppy during these stages. Expose to new experiences very gradually.
Remember, rushing or forcing a German Shepherd puppy during the fear stages can lead to lasting behavioral issues. Always remain supportive, patient, and gentle with your pup, and they will eventually overcome these fear stages with a stronger bond with you.
German Shepherd Juvenile Stage: 3 to 6 Months
During the juvenile stage, which spans from the third to the sixth month, German Shepherd puppies undergo a period of rapid physical growth. Their bodies start to catch up with their large paws, and they begin to look more like adult dogs than puppies. This growth, however, isn’t just physical. Their mental faculties are maturing too, and they continue to learn and absorb from their surroundings.
This stage also sees the continuation of socialization and the beginning of more structured training. The puppies’ interactions extend beyond their immediate family to other dogs and humans. Here, they learn essential doggy etiquette and begin to understand their place in the social hierarchy. Basic obedience training usually starts at this stage, with puppies learning commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’.
The experiences and training during this period are critical as they shape the dog’s adult behavior. Proper socialization and training can help ensure that the German Shepherd grows into a confident, well-adjusted, and well-behaved adult dog.
German Shepherd Adolescent Stage: 6 Months to 18 Months
During the adolescent stage, spanning from six months to one year for smaller dogs but for a large breed that continues to grow the stage extends to 18 months to 2 years. German Shepherd puppies reach sexual maturity sometime between 6 months and 1 year. This period is marked by a surge of hormones which can lead to increased independence and confidence. Their personalities begin to solidify, often showcasing curious and explorative traits. However, this newfound independence and assertiveness can sometimes be misinterpreted as stubbornness or defiance.
Even though sexual maturity is reached earlier because they continue to grow up to 2 years, if you plan to spade or neuter your German Shepherd it is best to wait until he reaches at least 18 months. It’s also important not to over-exercise your puppy while his bones are still developing.
This phase is crucial for refining the training they have received so far. With their cognitive abilities now more developed, German Shepherd puppies can grasp more complex commands and tasks. However, due to their increased independence, consistent, patient, and positive reinforcement methods work best during this stage. It is also an ideal time to begin social obedience training, which helps German Shepherds learn to behave appropriately in various social settings.
Despite the challenges, this stage can be incredibly rewarding as owners see the culmination of their early training efforts and the emergence of their dog’s unique personality.
German Shepherd Adult Stage: 18 months to 2 Years and Up
Once the German Shepherds reach their adult stage, at 18 months to 2 years and beyond, they typically achieve their full physical development. Their physical strength and stamina are at their peak, making it the perfect time for advanced physical activities and training. This stage also sees the mastering of training and social skills that were initiated in the earlier stages. With a solid training foundation, German Shepherds will now be adept at obeying commands and exhibiting appropriate behavior in various situations.
Their personalities are firmly established, and they show a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness towards their families. As adults, they form a lifelong bond with their owners, providing not just companionship but also acting as a reliable guardian. Despite reaching maturity, continuous learning and mental stimulation remain essential in this stage to keep them engaged and prevent any development of destructive habits. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, regular vet check-ups, and plenty of love and attention form the cornerstone of lifelong care for these loyal companions.
German Shepherd Senior Stage: 7 Years and Up
The senior stage begins for German Shepherds around the age of 7 and continues into their later years. During this period, you may notice a decrease in their physical activity levels as they start to slow down. While they remain loyal and protective, their stamina and agility may lessen.
This is a time for gentler exercise routines and regular vet check-ups to manage the onset of age-related health issues, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, commonly found in this breed. Their diet may also need adjusting to accommodate their slowing metabolism and to maintain an optimal weight.
Despite the physical changes, their mental prowess remains sharp. Mental stimulation through interactive toys and puzzles can help keep their minds active.
The average life span of a German shepherd is 10-13 years, and with proper care during their senior stage, they can live a fulfilling life well into their golden years. As devoted companions, German Shepherds give unconditional love and loyalty to their owners throughout all stages of their life. It is our responsibility as pet owners to provide them with the love, care, and support they need during each stage of their life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, German Shepherds are a high-energy, intelligent, and affectionate breed that requires attentive care at every stage of their life. From their energetic puppyhood to their slower-paced senior years, these loyal companions need a balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and regular vet check-ups. Each stage comes with its own unique challenges and joys, but the constant through all of them is the bond between the shepherd and their owner. As owners, the love, care, and support we provide help ensure our German Shepherds lead healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives.