GSD development begins at birth. German Shepherd puppies, as with all other dog breeds, are born with their eyes and ears closed. Birth is the beginning of the neonatal period in GSD development and it lasts roughly 2 weeks. Around Day 5 the GSD puppies are nowbeginning to stretch their little legs. As their nervous system development continues they will now also now arch their backs when they are picked up and held rather than curving into a more comma shaped position as before. Around Day 7 German Shepherd puppies now begin to crawl more readily and more often during this phase of GSD development. Around Day 10 Your German Shepherd Puppieseyes and ears are beginning to open. Around Day 14 The German Shepherd pupseyes and ears should be fully open by nowand many may have their first incisor teeth beginning to erupt. This is the beginning of the transitional period of GSD development which typically lasts about a week or so. Around Day 16 - 18 Beginning social interactions with other GSD littermates also begins around this time in GSD development. Around Day 21 Around this date the German Shepherd puppy will move from the transitional phase into the socialization period of GSD development. This is also called the fear period in GSD development! Around Week 4 By nowsocial play becomes an important factor in GSD developmentand German Shepherd puppies learn how to interact with litter mates and adult animals of their species as well. This is also a good time for continued exposure to new and novel things, to various people and other kinds of animals, all while the German Shepherd puppy continues to develop. It is also important to note thatmost German Shepherd Puppies will have a full set of teeth. Around Week 6 German Shepherd puppies begin exhibiting more adult like behaviors such asmounting of other litter mates and demonstrating dominance roles. Sniffing of tails and noses also becomes an important part of the greeting process among their canine peers. Around weeks 7 - 12 Among other things, this is anideal age of socializing your German Shepherd puppy to humans, other animals and new surroundings and objects. It also a great time to learn such important skills as:leash training, housebreaking, crate training, accepting gentle handling and grooming and to accept human domination and control. As the puppy goes through the teething process the ears will go up and down and will do all sorts of weird things- one up one down; one flopping to the left, the other to the right; both in the center, etc. Around 3 Months The socialization period of GSD development ends and the juvenile period begins. Around 6 Months (or later)At this age the pediatric period ends in GSD development. Overall, most of the puppies internal body systems are nearly"adult" even though the skeleton is still growing and will for some time to come. Inmany respectsyour German Shepherd puppy is now a "small adult". Also an important milestone: German Shepherd females reach sexual maturityand have theirfirst estrus (heat) period. Around 7 - 12 Months German Shepherd males
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