A German Shepherd’s grooming needs are rigorous compared to other dog breeds. Their dense double coat protects them from sun exposure and keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Brush your pup every day with a pin brush to keep the coat shiny, clean and healthy, especially in the spring and fall when they shed the most (Warning: They shed a lot). Bathing too frequently can strip their coat of its natural oils, so plan on bathing your German Shepherd every three to four months, or when they get really dirty.

During their daily grooming sessions, brush your German Shepherd’s teeth with a canine toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent tartar buildup, and have your vet professionally clean their teeth once a year. German Shepherd’s ears do not need to be cleaned regularly, but while you’re brushing out their coat, be on the lookout for signs of infection such as redness and ear odor. (If you do see signs of infection, call your vet.)

About once a month, your pup’s nails will need a trim if they are not ground down naturally through all that exercise. You’ll know it’s time when you hear them clacking on hard surfaces. 

Proper training is very important for your German Shepherd, and training should always include positive reinforcement (using treats, toys and lots of praise). Because they are a large-sized pup and wary of strangers, an untrained dog can be unruly. And their training should start early. Socialize your puppy with other animals and people and introduce them to new experiences and objects. Puppy school is a great way to get them used to other people and dogs and start their obedience training all in one place. (Obedience training usually includes skills like sit, stay, come and how to walk nicely on a leash.)

Bred to herd cattle, Shepherds are often nippers as puppies, and you may have to navigate the teething phase for about six months. It may be cute when they’re little, but German Shepherds have a strong bite force and jaw strength, so it’s important to teach your puppy not to bite while they’re young.

When you’re home, work their sniffing skills with puzzle toys and sniffing walks (where you just meander and let your dog discover the world through their nose). Participating in canine sports like agility, tracking and herding are great ways to train your pup, get some exercise in and strengthen your bond. Remember, the best German Shepherd is a busy German Shepherd, and enriching their environment by giving them something to think about and do will have tremendous benefits.

A German Shepherd’s food and diet should include a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). You should talk to your veterinarian about a feeding chart that will let you know how much and how often to feed your dog based on their specific needs.

German Shepherd dogs often get upset tummies, and their skin is notoriously sensitive. Pick a dog food with highly digestible proteins and nutrients that support skin health. Small amounts of cooked vegetables and eggs can also be beneficial to German Shepherds, but again, consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pup gets the nutrition they need.

And don’t forget about treats! Treats are an integral part of dog training, but you don’t want to forget them when counting up your pup’s daily calorie needs. (Just like with you, snack calories count!)

German Shepherds have a very high energy level, and you need to use up all that energy to keep your pup well-mannered. So, plan on spending about two to three hours every day focused on physical and mental activity. This could include scent walks, where your dog is allowed to stop and sniff whatever engages them, brisk jogs through the neighborhood or a game of fetch in your backyard. Pro tip: Keep your pup on a leash when you’re not in a fenced yard until you’re confident they won’t run away. German Shepherds are known for their speed; they can run up to 30 miles an hour. You don’t want your pup catching an interesting scent and jetting off!

Do you like to swim? Most German Shepherd dogs enjoy a dip in a pool or lake, which can be a good way to play when it’s hot out. And don’t forget the dog park. They can have fun frolicking at the dog park as long as they’ve been well socialized with other people and pets. (Check your park’s requirements for large dog breeds.) Outdoor adventures, like hiking, are also a fun way to get off the beaten path and give your pup new scents to discover.

Don’t forget to engage their brains! Mentally stimulating activities can be just as tiring as physical ones. You don’t always have to feed your pup out of a bowl or give them a treat for shaking hands. Hide treats under boxes, so your pup has to push the boxes around to get the treat or feed them in a creative way like stashing kibble in different spots throughout the house or use interactive feeding toys. These are great ways to get a German Shepherd to engage their nose and stimulate their mind.

The most important factor in raising a German Shepherd to be happy and healthy is a pet parent with the time and patience to train and play with them. Life in the country or suburbs where there’s plenty of space to roam and play is ideal.

As long as they get out and about for frequent exercise and do mentally stimulating activities in the home, they can be fine in apartments. (And if your neighbors are OK with all the barking.) City dwellers, take note: All the noises and different dogs they’re likely to encounter every day can cause this highly vigilant breed stress. To keep stress to a minimum, take your dog out during less busy times of the day and plan routes that are less hectic.

Despite their tough exterior, German Shepherds have a soft center. They can get very lonely if left by themselves for long periods. So, if you have to be gone for a while, check them into doggy daycare or schedule a pet sitter to come by and play with your pup.

Even though they’re amazing guard dogs, a German Shepherd can be great as a pet with kids and babies when the pup is well-socialized and trained. German Shepherds can become a child’s fiercest protector and best friend.