When my husband and I brought home our gorgeous fluffy German Shepherd puppy Koda, we knew our lives would be forever changed. But after just one month with this rambunctious ball of fur, we realised we had no idea what we were in for!

I’ll never forget the day we picked eight-week-old Koda up from the breeder. He was so tiny, just 7 kilos, with massive paws that made him look like the Big Bad Wolf in disguise. His ears flopped over like a hound dog’s, only adding to his irresistible puppy charm. My heart melted instantly for this beautiful puppy.

Fast forward four short weeks and it’s amazing how much Koda has grown. He’s nearly doubled in size to 14 kilos and those signature German Shepherd ears now stand tall. I swear he’s stretching longer by the hour!

Potty Training

Of course, Koda’s rapid growth has come with its fair share of challenges. Potty training a German Shepherd puppy is no easy task! Though intelligent, Koda’s curiosity and energy mean his bladder is no match for this big world waiting to be explored. We started taking him out every 30-60 minutes, praising him like crazy, and treating him whenever he went outside. Accidents inside were met with calm redirection back to his potty spot to try again. I can’t even count how many towels and carpet cleaners we’ve gone through! But after three long weeks, something finally clicked for clever Koda.

Landshark Phase

And don’t even get me started on the Landshark phase. Those needle-sharp puppy teeth were vicious! Having bully sticks, ropes toys, and stuffed Kongs on hand to redirect the biting was crucial. Yelping and walking away when he got too nippy also helped teach him bite inhibition. Crates became my salvation for enforcing much-needed naptimes and protecting the furniture when supervision slipped. Around 12 weeks, Koda’s piranha impressions finally started to improve. Whew!

Socialisation

Of course, it hasn’t been all challenges. Ensuring Koda is well-socialized has been so rewarding. We’ve introduced him to countless people and dogs out on neighbourhood strolls and at puppy classes. Showering him with treats and praise for polite greetings now will pay off with a confident, friendly companion later. Our car rides, training sessions, and everyday noises are also gently desensitizing this impressionable pup.  Next up: obedience classes for leash manners training!

Love, Love, and more Love

Even with all the exhaustion and antics, Koda’s loyal, kind, and love-of-life personality is shining through at only four months old. All the puppy kisses, giggles, and cuddles confirm we made the right choice with this magic breed! German Shepherds are a lifelong commitment, but with consistency and patience, the difficult stages pass quicker than you expect. Soon this landshark pup will become the loyal protector, best friend, and adventure buddy we hoped for. To all my fellow new German Shepherd parents, take heart! The blur of puppyhood is temporary, but the bond you’re building lasts a lifetime. Enjoy these precious early days, you’ll never get them back, and know your hard work will pay off a hundredfold!