So, you’ve got a 7-month-old German Shepherd. Congratulations! You’ve survived the adorable puppy phase and are now entering the… shall we say… challenging teenage phase. Your cute, fluffy pup is now a bundle of energy, hormones, and a surprising amount of selective hearing. But don’t worry, this is also a rewarding time because your pup is extremely intelligent and able to remember up to 150 words. This guide will help you navigate this period and come out with a well-behaved, well-adjusted companion.
Understanding Your Teenage Shepherd
At seven months, your German Shepherd is going through adolescence. This means a surge of hormones that can lead to:
- Increased energy: Be prepared for zoomies!
- Testing boundaries: They’ll start to see what they can get away with.
- Selective hearing: “Sit” becomes a suggestion, not a command.
- Sexual behavior: They may start looking for a mate.
It’s not that they’re being deliberately naughty; it’s just dog behavior. Understanding this is the first step to successful training.
Size and Development
Your German Shepherd is also experiencing significant physical changes at this age:
- Size: They’ve likely reached about half their adult size and 30% of their adult weight. Males stand around 19-20 inches tall, and females are about 17-19 inches. Males weigh around 57-62 pounds, while females are a bit lighter at 49-53 pounds.
- Teeth: They should have all 42 of their adult teeth.
- Coat: Their adult coat with two layers should be complete.
- Ears: In most cases, the ears are fully standing by this age.
Essential Training Tips
- Obedience Training is Key: Now is the perfect time to reinforce basic commands like “sit”, “stay”, “down”, and loose-leash walking. German Shepherds excel at obedience, so start teaching your puppy basic commands early.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with praise, pats, and treats. Positive reinforcement will help establish closer bonds with your pup.
- Consistency is Crucial: Due to hormonal changes, your German Shepherd may test you. Show them you’re the leader with consistent expectations, but avoid force or aggression.
- Keep it Fun: Training sessions should be short (10-15 minutes) and engaging to avoid boredom.
- Socialization is a Must: If your dog wasn’t properly socialized as a puppy (before 16 weeks), it may be challenging. But continue to expose them to different sights, sounds, people, and other dogs in a controlled manner.
- Address Unwanted Behaviors: Stop unwanted behaviors like biting immediately, but avoid punishment. Determine if it’s a dog behavior or dog training issue.
- Recall Training: Teaching your GSD to come when called as soon as possible is important. It takes a lot of time, practice, and patience to get a reliable recall, but this skill is well worth it.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A 7-month-old German Shepherd needs plenty of exercise to burn off all that adolescent energy:
- Daily Exercise: Aim for at least 35 minutes of intensive exercise. A long walk or two shorter ones will do the trick.
- Playtime: Add in 5-10 minutes of playtime and obedience training to keep them engaged.
- Mental Stimulation: Keep your dog busy with interesting and durable toys such as Kong toys, nylabones, and rope toys.
- Avoid Overloading: Be careful not to overdo physical activities, as their skeletal system is still developing.
Feeding Your Growing Shepherd
Proper nutrition is essential for healthy development.
- Diet: You can feed your dog a natural diet of lean meats, vegetables, and fruits, or high-quality kibble.
- Quantity: Feed 2-3 cups of kibble per day, divided into two meals.
- Timing: Feed your pet at set hours and remain consistent about it.
- Avoid Overfeeding: This can lead to obesity and other health problems.
- Healthy Treats: Avoid too many treats while training and the treats should also be lean and non-fatty.
Addressing Potential Challenges
- Destructive Behavior: Boredom can lead to destructive behavior. Make sure your dog has enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention.
- Fear Periods: Your dog may experience another “fear” period. Be patient, understanding, and provide a safe environment.
- Dominance and Aggression: Hormonal changes can cause your dog to show up, be bossy, display aggression, or ignore what you order it to do. You have to show it that you are the “leader of the pack.”
The Importance of Patience
Training a 7-month-old German Shepherd requires patience and understanding. There will be good days and bad days. The key is to remain consistent, positive, and focused on building a strong bond with your dog. Remember, the effort you put in now will pay off in the long run with a well-behaved, loyal, and loving companion.