health & wellness
"PuppyFit: Raising Strong, Healthy Dogs from the Start"
During early development, puppies grow rapidly, and much of this growth occurs in areas called growth plates, which are soft sections of tissue located near the ends of their bones. These plates are responsible for lengthening the bones as the puppy matures. Because they are made of cartilage rather than hardened bone, they are more fragile and prone to injury. In small dog breeds, these plates usually solidify or “close” by 6 to 8 months of age, while in large or giant breeds, the process can extend to 14 to 18 months or longer (Daily Dog Discoveries, 2020).
When a puppy engages in activities that are too strenuous or impact-heavy—such as repeated jumping, long-distance running, or rough play on hard surfaces—there is a risk of damaging the growth plates. If this occurs, it can disrupt normal bone growth and result in lasting problems like limb misalignment, joint instability, or uneven bone length. In some cases, surgery might be required to correct the issue.
To protect growing joints and bones, puppy exercise should be approached with care. A widely recommended guideline is to allow five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. For example, a 3-month-old pup would benefit from around 15 minutes of gentle activity, twice daily. This could include short walks, controlled playtime, or exploring grassy areas off-leash. Such environments allow puppies to move naturally without excessive pressure on their joints.
It’s also important to consider the surfaces on which puppies are active. Slippery or hard flooring can lead to strains or falls, while soft ground like grass or sand is safer and easier on the body. Stairs should also be limited for young dogs, especially in breeds prone to joint issues, until they develop stronger coordination and stability.
Understanding how puppies grow and adjusting their exercise routines accordingly helps ensure strong, healthy musculoskeletal development while avoiding preventable injuries.
When a puppy engages in activities that are too strenuous or impact-heavy—such as repeated jumping, long-distance running, or rough play on hard surfaces—there is a risk of damaging the growth plates. If this occurs, it can disrupt normal bone growth and result in lasting problems like limb misalignment, joint instability, or uneven bone length. In some cases, surgery might be required to correct the issue.
To protect growing joints and bones, puppy exercise should be approached with care. A widely recommended guideline is to allow five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. For example, a 3-month-old pup would benefit from around 15 minutes of gentle activity, twice daily. This could include short walks, controlled playtime, or exploring grassy areas off-leash. Such environments allow puppies to move naturally without excessive pressure on their joints.
It’s also important to consider the surfaces on which puppies are active. Slippery or hard flooring can lead to strains or falls, while soft ground like grass or sand is safer and easier on the body. Stairs should also be limited for young dogs, especially in breeds prone to joint issues, until they develop stronger coordination and stability.
Understanding how puppies grow and adjusting their exercise routines accordingly helps ensure strong, healthy musculoskeletal development while avoiding preventable injuries.
Daily exercise is essential for your dog’s physical health and mental well-being. Activities like walking help release excess energy and prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, and excessive barking.
"Enrichment Unleashed: Fueling Your Dog’s Body and Brain"
Mental stimulation engages your dog’s brain, helping to keep them mentally sharp and emotionally balanced. It provides healthy challenges and a sense of purpose. Examples include puzzle toys, treat-dispensing games, learning new tricks, setting up obstacle courses, and making your dog work for their food.
Balanced nutrition is key—grow steadily, not too fast.
Intelligent exercise—let puppies play, but keep it gentle and age-appropriate.
Protect growth plates & joints until your pup is physically mature (usually up to ~18 months in big breeds)
"Enrichment Unleashed: Fueling Your Dog’s Body and Brain"
Mental stimulation engages your dog’s brain, helping to keep them mentally sharp and emotionally balanced. It provides healthy challenges and a sense of purpose. Examples include puzzle toys, treat-dispensing games, learning new tricks, setting up obstacle courses, and making your dog work for their food.
- Puzzle Toys: I like using stuff like KONGs or treat puzzles to keep my dog thinking. Snuffle mats are great too—they love sniffing out food.
- Training Time: Teaching new tricks or practicing commands keeps them sharp and gives them a sense of purpose.
- Scent Games: I hide treats around the house and tell them to "find it." It's simple but super engaging.
- Agility Fun: Setting up mini obstacle courses in the yard (like jumps or tunnels) is a great way to burn energy.
- Walks & Hikes: Long walks, especially in new areas or nature trails, give them lots to explore.
- Tug & Chase: Tug-of-war or using a flirt pole is great for burning off energy and tapping into their instincts.
- Water Play: If they like water, swimming or playing fetch in a lake is awesome exercise.
Balanced nutrition is key—grow steadily, not too fast.
Intelligent exercise—let puppies play, but keep it gentle and age-appropriate.
Protect growth plates & joints until your pup is physically mature (usually up to ~18 months in big breeds)
Visit our 'Sports for the German Shepherd Dog' page for more ways you can engage your dog to fulfill it's mental and physical needs.
The Tale of the Limping Pup: Panosteitis
Imagine a young, growing pup, full of energy — maybe a German Shepherd or a Great Dane. One day, he starts limping. Then, the next day, it’s a different leg. He hasn’t fallen or played too rough. It’s a mystery.
The vet says, “Ah, this is panosteitis — the growing pains of big dogs.”
This strange name hides a simple truth: the bones are inflamed as they stretch and grow. It’s not dangerous, just painful. Inside the long bones — like the humerus and femur — the bone marrow swells a bit. It hurts, and the pup limps. But the cause? Still a mystery — maybe it’s genes, diet, or just the speed of growth.
The vet feels the dog’s legs and takes X-rays. “Yep, this white cloudiness in the bone here? Classic pano.”
What does the pup need? Just rest, time, and some pain meds. No surgery. No scary treatment. The limping fades. It might come back once or twice until he’s full grown, around 18 months — then it vanishes forever.
Imagine a young, growing pup, full of energy — maybe a German Shepherd or a Great Dane. One day, he starts limping. Then, the next day, it’s a different leg. He hasn’t fallen or played too rough. It’s a mystery.
The vet says, “Ah, this is panosteitis — the growing pains of big dogs.”
This strange name hides a simple truth: the bones are inflamed as they stretch and grow. It’s not dangerous, just painful. Inside the long bones — like the humerus and femur — the bone marrow swells a bit. It hurts, and the pup limps. But the cause? Still a mystery — maybe it’s genes, diet, or just the speed of growth.
The vet feels the dog’s legs and takes X-rays. “Yep, this white cloudiness in the bone here? Classic pano.”
What does the pup need? Just rest, time, and some pain meds. No surgery. No scary treatment. The limping fades. It might come back once or twice until he’s full grown, around 18 months — then it vanishes forever.
"Twist of Fate: Protecting Your Dog from Deadly Bloat"
Bloat, or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition that affects German Shepherds more than many other breeds due to their deep chests and genetic predisposition. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow and trapping contents inside. This can lead to shock, organ failure, and death within hours if not treated immediately. Common signs include a swollen abdomen, unproductive vomiting, drooling, and restlessness. Risk factors include eating too quickly, eating one large meal per day, stress, and exercising around mealtime. Preventive steps include feeding smaller, frequent meals, using slow feeder bowls, avoiding pre- and post-meal exercise, and considering preventive surgery (gastropexy) for high-risk dogs. Immediate veterinary care is critical, as bloat progresses rapidly and can be fatal without swift intervention.
Hip Dysplasia in German Shepherds
Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in German Shepherds, affecting about 19% of the breed It results from abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to looseness, pain, and arthritis. The condition is highly heritable.
Elbow Dysplasia in German Shepherds
Elbow dysplasia affects about 16% to 19% of German Shepherds and involves abnormal development in the elbow joint, often causing lameness and reduced mobility. Common forms include fragmented coronoid process (FCP) and ununited anconeal process (UAP). The condition is moderately heritable and may share genetic factors with hip dysplasia.
For more information on Hip and Elbow Dysplasia visit the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): https://ofa.org/
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in German Shepherds
DM is a genetic disease that affects the spinal cord, usually in older German Shepherds. It starts with weakness in the back legs and gets worse over time, often leading to paralysis. There’s no cure, but regular exercise and physical therapy can help for a while.
Note: All of our breeding stock is clear for DM
Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in German Shepherds, affecting about 19% of the breed It results from abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to looseness, pain, and arthritis. The condition is highly heritable.
Elbow Dysplasia in German Shepherds
Elbow dysplasia affects about 16% to 19% of German Shepherds and involves abnormal development in the elbow joint, often causing lameness and reduced mobility. Common forms include fragmented coronoid process (FCP) and ununited anconeal process (UAP). The condition is moderately heritable and may share genetic factors with hip dysplasia.
For more information on Hip and Elbow Dysplasia visit the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): https://ofa.org/
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in German Shepherds
DM is a genetic disease that affects the spinal cord, usually in older German Shepherds. It starts with weakness in the back legs and gets worse over time, often leading to paralysis. There’s no cure, but regular exercise and physical therapy can help for a while.
Note: All of our breeding stock is clear for DM
The Good Pup Kitchen
When choosing food for your puppy, stick to brands that list meat as the first ingredient. Avoid grain-free formulas, as grain-free diets are not recommended for puppies. To ensure you're selecting a high-quality brand, consider consulting Dog Food Advisor.
Recommended Nutrition for German Shepherds: Kibble + Raw Blend
At Wunderhaus, we encourage a practical and purposeful feeding approach that combines high-quality kibble with fresh raw food. This balanced method allows you to enjoy the reliability of kibble while giving your dog the added nutritional benefits of raw—something that can make a significant difference in a breed as athletic and driven as the German Shepherd.
Adding raw components like meat, bones, organs, or eggs can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support a healthier gut. Many owners find their dogs have smaller, firmer stools, more energy, and fewer skin or allergy issues when raw is part of the routine. Even just a small amount of raw added to the diet can positively impact long-term health and resilience—especially when started in puppyhood.
For German Shepherds, a kibble and raw blend also supports joint health, lean muscle tone, and a beautiful coat. Raw bones naturally help keep teeth clean, while the moisture in raw foods supports hydration and organ function. We’ve seen dogs maintain better focus, endurance, and overall vitality on this kind of hybrid feeding program.
What makes this approach even more appealing is its flexibility. Many owners feed kibble in the morning and raw in the evening, or simply top kibble meals with raw food for added flavor and nutrient density. It’s an affordable and practical way to provide excellent nutrition without having to commit to a fully raw lifestyle.
At Wunderhaus, we’re here to guide our families in feeding their dogs well—starting with a strong foundation that supports both health and longevity. A kibble and raw blend is a simple, effective way to nourish your German Shepherd in a way that honors both their heritage and their future.
Bone Broth Benefits:
Tail-Waggin’ Tonic: Bone broth offers a variety of health benefits for dogs and can be a nutritious addition to their diet. It's rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which support joint health and can help reduce inflammation, especially in aging or arthritic dogs. The gelatin in bone broth aids digestion by strengthening the gut lining and improving nutrient absorption, making it beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It's also a great way to increase hydration and stimulate appetite in picky eaters or dogs recovering from illness. Additionally, bone broth contains amino acids like glycine, which support liver detoxification and immune health, while promoting a healthy skin and coat. When choosing or making bone broth for dogs, it’s important to ensure it’s low in sodium and free of onions or other harmful ingredients.
🚫 Toxic Foods for Dogs
Recommended Nutrition for German Shepherds: Kibble + Raw Blend
At Wunderhaus, we encourage a practical and purposeful feeding approach that combines high-quality kibble with fresh raw food. This balanced method allows you to enjoy the reliability of kibble while giving your dog the added nutritional benefits of raw—something that can make a significant difference in a breed as athletic and driven as the German Shepherd.
Adding raw components like meat, bones, organs, or eggs can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support a healthier gut. Many owners find their dogs have smaller, firmer stools, more energy, and fewer skin or allergy issues when raw is part of the routine. Even just a small amount of raw added to the diet can positively impact long-term health and resilience—especially when started in puppyhood.
For German Shepherds, a kibble and raw blend also supports joint health, lean muscle tone, and a beautiful coat. Raw bones naturally help keep teeth clean, while the moisture in raw foods supports hydration and organ function. We’ve seen dogs maintain better focus, endurance, and overall vitality on this kind of hybrid feeding program.
What makes this approach even more appealing is its flexibility. Many owners feed kibble in the morning and raw in the evening, or simply top kibble meals with raw food for added flavor and nutrient density. It’s an affordable and practical way to provide excellent nutrition without having to commit to a fully raw lifestyle.
At Wunderhaus, we’re here to guide our families in feeding their dogs well—starting with a strong foundation that supports both health and longevity. A kibble and raw blend is a simple, effective way to nourish your German Shepherd in a way that honors both their heritage and their future.
Bone Broth Benefits:
Tail-Waggin’ Tonic: Bone broth offers a variety of health benefits for dogs and can be a nutritious addition to their diet. It's rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which support joint health and can help reduce inflammation, especially in aging or arthritic dogs. The gelatin in bone broth aids digestion by strengthening the gut lining and improving nutrient absorption, making it beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It's also a great way to increase hydration and stimulate appetite in picky eaters or dogs recovering from illness. Additionally, bone broth contains amino acids like glycine, which support liver detoxification and immune health, while promoting a healthy skin and coat. When choosing or making bone broth for dogs, it’s important to ensure it’s low in sodium and free of onions or other harmful ingredients.
🚫 Toxic Foods for Dogs
- Chocolate – Contains theobromine; causes vomiting, seizures, heart issues.
- Grapes & Raisins – Can cause kidney failure.
- Onions, Garlic, Chives – Damages red blood cells; leads to anemia.
- Xylitol (sugar-free gum, some peanut butters) – Causes low blood sugar and liver failure.
- Alcohol – Even small amounts can be fatal.
- Macadamia Nuts – Causes weakness, tremors, vomiting.
- Avocado – Persin is mildly toxic; pit is a choking hazard.
- Cooked Bones – Can splinter and cause internal injuries.
- Caffeine – Overstimulates heart and nervous system.
- Raw Dough – Expands in stomach, may cause alcohol poisoning.
"Landshark Alert: Surviving Your Pup’s Teething Phase!"
German Shepherd puppies, like all breeds, go through a teething phase—but with their strong jaws and high energy levels, it can feel especially intense. This stage typically occurs between 4 months to 6 months of age, during which your puppy will have razor-sharp baby teeth and a powerful urge to chew. As a result, you may notice your pup biting anything within reach, including hands, feet, furniture, and clothing. To manage this, always keep appropriate chew toys nearby. Soft rubber toys, frozen carrots, or special teething rings made for puppies can help soothe their sore gums and protect your belongings.
Redirecting this behavior is essential—not only to ease discomfort but also to teach bite inhibition and prevent unwanted habits. German Shepherd puppies generally begin losing their baby teeth around 16 weeks (4 months) old, with their full set of adult teeth coming in by 6 to 7 months. During this transition, avoid tug-of-war games, which can damage incoming teeth, and steer clear of hard bones or antlers that may fracture delicate teeth. You can also gently massage your puppy’s gums or offer cold, puppy-safe chew options to reduce inflammation. Keep an eye out for retained baby teeth, which are common in German Shepherds and may require veterinary care if not shed naturally. Signs of teething discomfort may include increased drooling, excessive chewing, slight bleeding from the gums, irritability, or a mild decrease in appetite. With patience, consistent redirection, and proper care, your German Shepherd will grow into a dog with strong, healthy teeth and well-mannered behavior.
Redirecting this behavior is essential—not only to ease discomfort but also to teach bite inhibition and prevent unwanted habits. German Shepherd puppies generally begin losing their baby teeth around 16 weeks (4 months) old, with their full set of adult teeth coming in by 6 to 7 months. During this transition, avoid tug-of-war games, which can damage incoming teeth, and steer clear of hard bones or antlers that may fracture delicate teeth. You can also gently massage your puppy’s gums or offer cold, puppy-safe chew options to reduce inflammation. Keep an eye out for retained baby teeth, which are common in German Shepherds and may require veterinary care if not shed naturally. Signs of teething discomfort may include increased drooling, excessive chewing, slight bleeding from the gums, irritability, or a mild decrease in appetite. With patience, consistent redirection, and proper care, your German Shepherd will grow into a dog with strong, healthy teeth and well-mannered behavior.
VACCINES
Some people choose not to vaccinate their dogs for leptospirosis because the vaccine has its downsides. It only protects against a few types of the bacteria, and there are actually hundreds out there, so it’s not guaranteed to prevent infection. The protection also doesn’t last very long—it usually needs to be given every year. On top of that, the lepto vaccine is known to cause more side effects than most other vaccines, especially in small dogs. These can range from mild symptoms like tiredness or vomiting to more serious allergic reactions. If a dog mostly stays indoors or lives in a low-risk area without much wildlife or standing water, the chances of catching lepto are really low, so some vets and owners decide the risks of the vaccine aren’t worth it. Since lepto isn’t considered a core vaccine like rabies or parvo, it’s more of a judgment call based on each dog’s lifestyle. Dogs with health issues or bad reactions to vaccines might skip it altogether. But for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, around water, or in areas where lepto is common, the vaccine can still be a good idea. We choose to not vaccinate our breeding stock or puppies for lepto.
We’ve made the choice not to vaccinate our dogs for Bordetella (kennel cough) because they aren't in environments where the risk of exposure is high—like boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons. Kennel cough is usually a mild illness in healthy dogs and tends to go away on its own. The vaccine itself only protects against a few of the many germs that can cause respiratory infections, and even vaccinated dogs can still catch and spread it. On top of that, the protection doesn’t last very long and can come with side effects like sneezing, nasal discharge, or even increased inflammation in the body. Some versions of the vaccine can also shed live bacteria, which could potentially affect other animals. Instead of relying on a vaccine with limited benefits, we prefer to support our dogs’ immune systems naturally and focus on keeping them healthy through good care, clean environments, and close observation. For us, this approach avoids unnecessary medical interventions while still putting our dogs’ well-being first.
For more information on this topic, please visit Dogs Naturally: https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/bordetella-does-your-dog-really-need-the-kennel-cough-vaccine/
We’ve made the choice not to vaccinate our dogs for Bordetella (kennel cough) because they aren't in environments where the risk of exposure is high—like boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons. Kennel cough is usually a mild illness in healthy dogs and tends to go away on its own. The vaccine itself only protects against a few of the many germs that can cause respiratory infections, and even vaccinated dogs can still catch and spread it. On top of that, the protection doesn’t last very long and can come with side effects like sneezing, nasal discharge, or even increased inflammation in the body. Some versions of the vaccine can also shed live bacteria, which could potentially affect other animals. Instead of relying on a vaccine with limited benefits, we prefer to support our dogs’ immune systems naturally and focus on keeping them healthy through good care, clean environments, and close observation. For us, this approach avoids unnecessary medical interventions while still putting our dogs’ well-being first.
For more information on this topic, please visit Dogs Naturally: https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/bordetella-does-your-dog-really-need-the-kennel-cough-vaccine/
Supplements
You can start giving your puppy supplements at 6 months old. Introduce only one at a time, waiting a full week before adding another to avoid digestive issues. Give supplements with meals. Recommended supplements include:
- Probios Probiotics – supports gut health
- Coconut oil – start with a pea-sized amount, gradually increase to ¼ tsp
- Fish oil – use human-grade
- Glucosamine/MSM – human-grade; early use may help prevent joint problems
- Vitamin C – start with 125mg (half of a 250mg tablet), increase to 250mg, then gradually to 500mg over time
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