Healthcare & Socialization Tips

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Healthcare Tips



Keeping Your German Shepherd Healthy for Life

Your German Shepherd’s health starts with a strong foundation—and continues with consistent, proactive care. Here are our top tips to help your puppy grow into a strong, happy, and thriving adult.


1. Schedule Regular Vet Visits

  • Schedule your puppy’s first vet check within 72 hours of bringing them home.
  • Follow your vet’s recommended vaccination and deworming schedule.
  • Keep up with annual wellness exams and bloodwork as your dog ages.


2. Stay on Top of Vaccinations

  • Core vaccines include distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies.
  • Non-core vaccines (like Bordetella or Lyme) may be recommended based on your location and lifestyle.
  • Keep a record of all vaccinations and boosters.


3. Parasite Prevention

  • Use monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives year-round.
  • Check your dog regularly for ticks, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas.
  • Keep your yard clean and free of standing water to reduce exposure.


4. Feed a High-Quality Diet

  • Choose a large-breed puppy formula to support proper growth and joint development.
  • Avoid overfeeding—keep your puppy lean to reduce stress on developing joints.
  • Provide fresh water at all times and avoid table scraps or toxic foods (like grapes, onions, or chocolate).


5. Exercise Wisely

  • Puppies need play and movement, but avoid high-impact activities (like jumping or long runs) until growth plates close, usually around 12–18 months.
  • Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Use puzzle toys, training games, and scent work.


 6. Grooming & Hygiene

  • Brush your German Shepherd 2–3 times per week to manage shedding and keep the coat healthy.
  • Bathe only as needed using a gentle dog shampoo.
  • Trim nails regularly, clean ears, and brush teeth several times a week.


7. Monitor for Health Changes

  • Watch for signs of illness: lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or changes in appetite or behavior.
  • Early detection is key—don’t hesitate to contact your vet if something seems off.


We’re Here to Help

As your breeder, we’re always available to answer questions or offer guidance. Your puppy’s health and happiness are our top priorities—for life.

Health Testing

Breeding for Health, Longevity, and Peace of Mind

At Vom Faehnrich, we believe that a beautiful, well-tempered German Shepherd is only as strong as the health behind it. That’s why every dog in our breeding program undergoes comprehensive health testing to ensure we are producing puppies with the best possible start in life.


Our Health Testing Protocols Include:


  • Hip & Elbow Evaluations
    Certified through the     Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or SV (Germany) to ensure proper joint development and reduce the risk of dysplasia.
  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) Testing
    All breeding dogs are tested for DM, a genetic neurological condition. We only breed pairings that will not produce at-risk puppies.
  • Cardiac Screening
    Heart health is evaluated to rule out congenital or hereditary conditions.
  • Thyroid & Blood Panels (as needed)
    For dogs with working or breeding careers, we monitor overall health and hormone levels.
  • Temperament & Nerve Stability Assessments
    While not a lab test, we evaluate every dog’s mental soundness and stress response—critical for family, service, and working dogs.


Why It Matters

Health testing isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a promise. A promise that we are doing everything possible to reduce the risk of inherited disease, improve the breed, and give our puppies and their families the healthiest future possible.


Transparency You Can Trust

We are happy to share health records, certifications, and test results for any of our breeding dogs. Just ask—we believe in full transparency.



Socialization Tips

Raising a Confident, Well-Adjusted German Shepherd


Socialization is one of the most important parts of raising a German Shepherd. It helps your puppy grow into a confident, stable adult who can handle new people, places, and situations with ease. The key is to start early, go at your puppy’s pace, and make every experience positive.


1. Start Early and Go Slow

  • Begin socialization as soon as your puppy is home and cleared by your vet.
  • Introduce new experiences gradually—don’t overwhelm your puppy.
  • Focus on quality over quantity. A few calm, positive exposures are better than many stressful ones.


2. Meet a Variety of People

  • Expose your puppy to people of different ages, sizes, and appearances.
  • Include people wearing hats, sunglasses, uniforms, etc.
  • Encourage gentle interactions and reward calm behavior.


3. Safe Dog-to-Dog Interactions

  • Arrange playdates with well-mannered, vaccinated dogs.
  • Avoid dog parks early on—they can be overwhelming and unpredictable.
  • Watch for signs of stress or overexcitement and intervene if needed.


4. Explore New Environments

  • Take your puppy on short trips to pet-friendly stores, parks, and sidewalks.
  • Let them walk on different surfaces: grass, gravel, tile, wood, etc.
  • Expose them to sounds like traffic, vacuums, doorbells, and crowds.


5. Car Rides & Handling

  • Practice short car rides to prevent motion sickness and anxiety.
  • Get your puppy used to being touched—paws, ears, tail, and mouth.
  • Practice grooming, nail trims, and vet-style exams at home.


6. Make It Positive

  • Use treats, toys, and praise to create happy associations.
  • Never force your puppy into a situation they’re afraid of—build confidence gradually.
  • End each session on a positive note.


7. Keep It Going

  • Socialization isn’t just for puppies—keep exposing your dog to new things throughout their life.
  • Enroll in puppy classes or group training to continue structured socialization.