Puppy Care [Vaccinations and Deworming]

Raising a German Shepherd Puppy: From Birth to 10 Weeks — How I Care for My Litters as a Breeder

As a dedicated German Shepherd breeder, I believe that the first 8 to 10 weeks of a puppy's life are absolutely critical. These formative weeks shape everything—from temperament and health to confidence and adaptability. Over the years, I’ve developed a structured, loving, and intentional approach to raising my puppies, rooted in both science and heart.

This guide offers a behind-the-scenes look at how I raise each of my litters, ensuring every puppy is given the best possible start before they go to their forever homes.

The First Few Weeks: Foundation of Life (0–2 Weeks)-

The journey begins the moment my puppies are born. These early days are all about warmth, nourishment, and comfort. At this stage, the puppies are blind, deaf, and entirely dependent on their mother. They nurse every couple of hours and spend most of their time sleeping.

I keep the whelping box between 85–90°F to ensure the pups stay warm, especially since they cannot regulate their own body temperature yet. The dam does most of the work—cleaning, feeding, and comforting her litter—while I closely monitor each puppy’s weight daily, keep the bedding clean, and make sure every puppy is nursing well.

At two weeks, I administer the first deworming using Pyrantel, targeting roundworms and hookworms commonly passed from mother to pup.

Discovery and Development (2–4 Weeks)-

As the third week approaches, my puppies begin to change rapidly. Their eyes and ears open, revealing a whole new world of light and sound. They begin taking their first clumsy steps, entering what's often called the transitional period.

I begin handling them gently every day so they get used to human touch and scent. This early socialization lays the groundwork for trusting relationships with humans.

At four weeks, I repeat the Pyrantel deworming and begin the weaning process with soft puppy gruel, although the puppies still nurse frequently.

• Puppies are weighed daily. If a puppy is consistently underweight compared to littermates, I give them more time nursing with the mother to ensure they get the nourishment they need to catch up

• Nails are trimmed every 3–4 days

• Bedding is changed multiple times a day to maintain hygiene

• The mother is dewormed and well-fed with high-quality nutrition
  

Building Resilience and Awareness (4–6 Weeks) -

As my puppies' senses come alive and their personalities begin to shine, I start Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)—a protocol that introduces mild, controlled stressors like different holding positions, cool surfaces, and new textures. ENS helps improve stress tolerance, heart health, and immune function.

Alongside ENS, I also begin Early Scent Introduction (ESI) by introducing one new scent daily—fruits, herbs, or natural elements—and observing their reactions. It’s amazing to watch their curiosity grow.

At six weeks, I administer Panacur (Fenbendazole) for three consecutive days to broaden parasite protection. By now, the puppies are actively exploring, playing, and interacting with each other and with me.

To support their growing minds, I also introduce simple mental stimulation games like puppy-safe puzzle feeders, food-based treat search games, and gentle obstacle exploration. These games help improve their confidence and focus in a fun, natural way.

Developing Personality and Social Skills (6–7 Weeks)-

This is one of my favorite phases. The puppies are bold, curious, and full of personality. Around seven weeks, I conduct the HPAT (Herding Puppy Aptitude Test) to help evaluate each puppy’s traits—confidence, sensitivity, drive—and determine their best future homes.

I also administer Marquis or Albon at this stage to prevent coccidia, a common intestinal parasite.

I start basic crate exposure and potty training by introducing a consistent routine and a clean, designated area. I also engage them in light games like tug, mini recalls, and following a toy on a string to develop coordination and drive.

Health and Transition: Preparing for Their New Homes (8–10 Weeks)

The eighth week is crucial for final health procedures. I schedule a comprehensive veterinary examination for each puppy—checking for congenital issues, growth progress, and overall health. They receive their first DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), another round of Pyrantel, and a fecal test.

Assuming all puppies are cleared and thriving, my vet issues a health certificate, especially necessary for pups that will be shipped.

The ninth week is typically when my puppies are ready to go to their new homes. By this point, I’ve equipped them with a strong foundation. I advise all new owners to take their puppy to a trusted vet within 48 hours of pickup for a follow-up checkup and continuation of the vaccination and deworming schedule.

Despite our rigorous cleaning and preventative schedule, it’s important to understand that puppies are still vulnerable to parasites due to their developing immune systems. All of our puppies are raised indoors, and our whelping area is disinfected daily with fresh bedding. The dam is dewormed before birth, and we follow a strict deworming timeline for each puppy.

That said, some parasites like coccidia or giardia can lie dormant or be reintroduced through contact with visitors or outdoor environments. We highly recommend a fecal float test during the puppy's 8-week vet visit to ensure your puppy is clear. This is not a reflection of poor hygiene—parasites are everywhere, and puppies simply haven’t developed the antibodies that adult dogs have. Biosecurity is a priority in our home, and we kindly ask all visitors to use shoe sanitizers and hand sanitizer before interacting with our pups

Each puppy goes home with:

• A full medical and vaccination record

• Their HPAT personality profile

• A clear daily routine (feeding and potty schedule)

• A comfort toy or blanket with familiar scent

• Crate training tips and safe chew recommendations

I always encourage new owners to continue structured socialization—introducing the puppy to new environments, people, animals, and sounds during this sensitive stage.

Enrichment Matters: Daily Routine Suggestions (6–10 Weeks)-

My daily routine for each litter includes:

• Mental Stimulation: Food puzzles, scent games, and mini obstacle courses

• Socialization: One new sound, object, or experience per day

• Basic Training: Name recognition, short recall, and simple cues using positive reinforcement

• Rest: Lots of rest and sleep—up to 20 hours per day

Treats to Avoid: 

• Chocolate or Cocoa

• Grapes and Raisins

• Avocados

• Onions and Garlic

• Alcohol

• Milk and dairy products as meals

• Coffee

• Gum

• Rawhide Chews (Choking Hazard)

• Any Product from China

• Here is a Great Article on Dog Treat Brands to Avoid
  

📋 Quick Reference Table: Puppy Deworming, Vaccination, and Vet Visits (0–10 Weeks)

Age (Weeks)	Procedure	Medication/Test	Notes
2 Weeks	Deworming	Pyrantel	Targets roundworms and hookworms
4 Weeks	Deworming	Pyrantel	Second round of deworming
6 Weeks	Deworming	Panacur (3 days)	Broad-spectrum deworming
7 Weeks	Coccidia Prevention	Marquis or Albon	One-time dose
8 Weeks	First Vet Visit + Vaccination	DHPP, Pyrantel, Fecal Test	Full health exam + Health Certificate issued
9 Weeks	New Owner Vet Visit	Health Checkup	Puppy buyer to take for vet checkup

Raising a German Shepherd puppy right from the start is both an art and a science. By pouring in love, structure, enrichment, and health care from day one, I ensure every puppy leaves my home as a confident, resilient, and well-socialized companion. It's my promise to every pup and every future owner I serve.