German Shepherds, a breed initially developed in Germany for sheep herding, are now medium to large-sized dogs widely embraced as family pets globally. These canines are known for their loyalty, determination, confidence, intelligence, inquisitiveness, courage, obedience, and protective nature. Their array of admirable qualities contributes to their immense popularity as domestic animals.
Owning a 4-month-old German Shepherd is an adventure filled with joy and challenges, given their intelligence and loyalty. At this stage of puppy care, your puppy is rapidly growing, both physically and mentally, and will require your full attention, patience, and commitment to develop into a well-behaved and social adult dog.
4 Month Old German Shepherd Overview
Appearance | Well-proportioned body, erect ears, bushy tail |
Height | 11 -14 inches |
Weight | 35 – 40 pounds |
Coat | Double coat with a dense, straight or slightly wavy outer coat and a softer undercoat |
Energy Level | High energy, playful, and enthusiastic |
Exercise Needs | Requires 30 mins – 1 hour of regular exercise and mental stimulation |
Socialization | Sociable, enjoys interaction with people and other animals |
Training | Intelligent and trainable; benefits from consistent, positive reinforcement training |
Behavior | Curious, may start showing independence, protective instincts, and stubbornness |
Teething | Chewing is a common behavior to soothe teething discomfort |
Diet | Feeding 3-4 times a day with a balanced puppy diet |
Healthcare | Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care |
Sleep | 14-16 hours of sleep per day; may be more active during waking hours |
Toilet Training | In the process of toilet training, requires frequent bathroom breaks |
Playtime | Enjoys interactive play, fetch, and chewing on appropriate toys |
Sexual maturity | No, GSDs reach sexual maturity between 6 to 12 months of age |
Size and Appearance of a 4 Month Old German Shepherd
At the four-month mark, your German Shepherd puppy will undergo significant physical transformations, inching closer to their adult appearance. Expect your male german shepherd puppy to weigh between 35 and 40 pounds, while females will typically range from 31 to 35 pounds, indicating they’ve reached about half of their adult weight. This rapid growth, averaging around 10 pounds in just a month, will be evident in their size and overall appearance.
By this age, the distinction between a puppy and an adult dog becomes clearer. A female German Shepherd and male german shepherd at four months will start shedding their puppy coat in favor of a thicker, glossier adult coat, which is influenced by their diet. The variety in coat colors—ranging from black, white, and gray to combinations of black and tan, red, silver, and sable—reflects their genetic background.
Teething is another significant milestone at this age, with the puppy teeth giving way to adult teeth until they’re about seven to eight months old. This period is crucial for young puppy’ dental health, and providing appropriate chew toys can help soothe their discomfort.
Additionally, the development of their ears is notable. Initially, their ears may flop, but as they approach the four-month age, the cartilage begins to strengthen, leading to the characteristic perky German Shepherd ears of the adult. However, this process can fluctuate, with ears perking up and then possibly flopping again before finally standing erect as they mature. Protecting your puppy from loud noises is important during this time, as excessive noise can hinder the ears and paws’ ability to stand properly.
Understanding these developmental changes is crucial for providing the right care and environment for your growing German Shepherd. It’s a time of rapid growth and change, setting the foundation for their adult form and personality.
4 Month Old German Shepherd Behavior
At four months old, your German Shepherd puppy is navigating a vital stage of behavioral development and exploration, exhibiting several common traits and tendencies that are both delightful and challenging. Here are some key behaviors to expect:
Increased Energy Levels
A 4-month-old German Shepherd will have a noticeable increase in energy. Regular, structured playtimes and walks are essential to help them burn off this energy positively. Without adequate exercise, they may resort to unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or digging.
Teething and Chewing
As their adult teeth come in, your puppy will experience discomfort and a strong urge to chew. Providing plenty of appropriate chew toys can help soothe their gums and keep them from chewing on furniture or personal items.
Socialization and Fear Periods
This age is crucial for socialization, exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, sounds, and life experiences to foster confidence and reduce fearfulness. Be aware that puppies can go through fear periods, where they may suddenly be wary of things they were previously comfortable with. Support them with patience and positive reinforcement during these times.
Beginning of Training
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and capable of learning basic commands and house rules at this age. Consistent, positive training sessions will help harness their intelligence and eagerness to please. This is also an ideal time to start crate training, which can aid in housebreaking and provide a safe space for your puppy.
Testing Boundaries
Your puppy may begin testing their limits and your patience, challenging established general rule to see what they can get away with. Consistent, gentle discipline is key. Reinforce boundaries with positive reinforcement and clear, consistent commands.
Attachment and Bonding
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, and at four months, your puppy is likely to start showing strong attachments to family members. This bond is critical for their emotional development but should be balanced with socialization to prevent over-dependence on one person.
Watchfulness
Even at this young age, German Shepherds may begin to show signs of the protective behavior they are famed for. They might bark at strangers or unfamiliar sounds. While this is a natural trait of the breed, it’s important to guide and protect them with socialization and training to ensure they develop a well-adjusted protective instinct.
Raising a 4-month-old German Shepherd is both challenging and rewarding. Understanding and responding to these behavioral tendencies with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement will help lay the foundation for a well-behaved and happy adult dog.
Feeding Guidelines For 4-Month Old German Shepherds
Feeding a 4-month-old German Shepherd properly is crucial for its health and development. At this puppy’s age, they are growing rapidly and require a balanced german shepherd’s diet to support their german shepherd growth and energy levels. Here are some guidelines to help you provide the best nutrition for your German Shepherd puppy:
1. Choose the Right Puppy Food
Opt for high-quality puppy food that’s formulated specifically for large breeds. These formulas ensure the right balance of nutrients needed for proper bone and muscle development, preventing german shepherd growth-related issues common in large breeds.
2. Feeding Frequency
At four months, your German Shepherd should be eating three to four times a day. Feeding at regular intervals helps maintain their energy levels throughout the day and supports consistent growth.
3. Portion Sizes
Follow the feeding guide on the puppy food packaging as a starting point, adjusting based on your puppy’s appetite, german shepherd growth rate, and body condition. Generally, male German Shepherds at this age may consume about 2 to 2.5 cups of dry food per day, while females may eat slightly less. However, these amounts can vary significantly based on the food’s caloric content and the puppy’s activity level.
4. Water Intake
Ensure your puppy has constant access to fresh, clean water. Proper hydration is essential, especially as they can be quite active and burn a lot of energy.
5. Monitor Growth and Weight
Keep an eye on your puppy’s weight and body condition. You should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs without much fat covering. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health issues, while underfeeding can hinder their German shepherd growth and development. What size crate should I choose so that the puppy has a perfectly formed skeleton?
6. Gradual Transitions
If you need your pet to switch their food, for any reason, do it gradually over a week to prevent digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food each day.
7. Treats and Training
Treats can be a useful training aid but should be given in moderation, making up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Opt for healthy treats designed for german shepherd puppies.
8. Avoid Human Food
Many human foods are unhealthy or even dangerous for dogs. Stick to dog-specific food and treats to avoid any health problems or issues.
9. Consult with Your Veterinarian
Regular check-ups are important to ensure your german shepherd puppy is growing at an appropriate rate. Your vet can provide personalized feeding advice based on your German Shepherd puppy age, specific health needs, german shepherd growth pattern, and activity level.
Is a Raw Diet OK for a 4 Month Old GSD Puppy?
For 4-month-old German Shepherds, a raw diet might not be the best choice due to the necessity for a precise mix of nutrients, which raw foods may lack.
Health and Care
Regular visits to the vet are crucial for monitoring your German Shepherd’s growth and ensuring they are developing correctly. Weighing and measuring your pet during these visits helps in assessing if they are on track with their growth milestones. A healthy dog will grow rapidly, and the vet can verify their overall well-being.
By the time your German Shepherd reaches four months, it’s time for their third set of vaccinations, including DHPP and rabies. These vaccinations are administered by a veterinarian and are essential for bolstering your dog’s immune system, protecting them against specific diseases, and keeping their health records current.
Observing your dog for any drastic changes in behavior, such as alterations in sleep patterns, coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose or eyes, or weight gain or loss, decreased appetite, labored breathing, increased urination, swollen gums, vomiting, or diarrhea, is critical. These symptoms could indicate illness, necessitating immediate veterinary attention.
While maintaining your German Shepherd’s hygiene is important, excessive bathing can strip away the essential oils necessary for skin protection. Thus, it’s vital to balance cleanliness with the natural health of your dog’s skin and fur. Additionally, keeping your dog’s living environment clean, including their bedding, bowls, and toys, is essential to prevent infestations by fleas or other pests.
As your dog approaches the four-month mark, their coat begins to change into its adult texture. Daily brushing becomes crucial to manage shedding, keep your pet comfortable, and maintain a clean home environment. Remember to brush gently to avoid causing discomfort to your furry friend dog.
Trainining a 4 Month Old German Sherherd
Educating a young German Shepherd Dog (GSD) can be both thrilling and fulfilling. During their youth, these canine companions are very curious and keen to absorb knowledge and investigate their surroundings. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to adopt a training method that emphasizes patience, steadiness, and affirmative encouragement.
Here are some tips to help you train your 4-month-old young gsd puppy:
Socialization
Familiarize your German Shepherd with a diversity of individuals, creatures, and settings to aid in their development into a balanced and self-assured dog. Embark on strolls, explore different parks, and organize social gatherings with other sociable canines.
Teach Basic Commands
Begin by introducing your German Shepherd to essential commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Employ treats and verbal praise as incentives for positive actions. Ensure training periods are brief and engaging to keep their attention high.
Leash training
Train your German Shepherd to stroll on a leash without tugging. Begin in a tranquil location and slowly incorporate various distractions. Apply positive reinforcement strategies, rewarding them for maintaining a calm demeanor and walking beside you.
House Training
Create a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks and commend your German Shepherd when they go in the designated area. Keep a vigilant eye on them indoors and frequently take them outside, particularly following meals or sleep periods.
Crate Training
Acquaint your German Shepherd with a crate as their secure and cozy retreat. Employ positive reinforcement to motivate them to enter the crate on their own. Slowly extend their crate time, ensuring it remains a positive experience.
Professional Training Classes
Sign your German Shepherd up for obedience training or engage a professional trainer to refine their learning. This offers a structured setting for their education and aids in fortifying your relationship with your dog.
Mental Stimulation
Given their intelligence, German Shepherds require engaging activities to avert boredom and undesirable behaviors. Supply them with puzzle toys, participatory games, and challenging training tasks to stimulate their intellect.
How Big is a 4 Month Old German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized dog. at the age of four to six months however, the pup is likely to be much bigger than when it was born. After four months an adult male German Shepherd will have a shoulder height of between 11 and 14 inches. Female German Shepherd will have a shoulder height of between 10 and 12 inches.
How Much Should a 4 Month old german shepherd puppy Weigh?
Male German Shepherd at four months old should weigh from 35 to 40 pounds. Females should weigh between around 31 to 35 pounds. Dogs should be increasing in size, but it’s essential not to indulge in excessive eating as it can cause an actual health risk to your pet.
In weighing your dog on a regular basis can aid in keeping track of the weight chart growth of your dog, and if there are any suspicious trends, it is best to discuss the matter with your vet. When your dog is four months, it’s common for dogs increase to two pounds in just a few days It is also an era of significant change as well as growth.
How Much Should a 4-Month-Old German Shepherd Eat?
At the age of 4 months at the time of four months, the German Shepherd is required to have three times a each day. Each meal should comprise of between one and two cups of food. That means the amount of kibble consumed each day must be between three and six.
It is important to base the amount you give you German Shepherd on their size or activity level as well as the amount of food they’re eating. If you’re not sure what amount to feed your german shepherd puppy, ask your vet for advice.
Treats are also an excellent alternative to a dog’s diet. However, they should not be more than 10% of the diet you give your dog every day. They can be utilized with caution to help train your pup and encourage them to participate with good conduct as well as simply be an occasional snack during the entire day.
Final
In summary, German Shepherds at the age of four months are lively, inquisitive, and brimming with vitality. This stage is pivotal for their growth, as they are enthusiastic about learning and discovering their surroundings.
Although they might display some challenging behaviors like chewing and experiencing separation anxiety from other animals, these issues can be effectively managed through patience, positive reinforcement, and suitable training methods.
FAQ
How big is a 4 month old German Shepherd puppy?
13 – 14″
What should a 4 month old German Shepherd puppy look like?
The size and appearance of German Shepherds. The typical German Shepherd can stand about 1” long and weigh around half the adult’s weight. The typical German Shepherd is 35 to 40 pounds. Females range from 31 to 35 lbs.
How much exercise should a 4 month German Shepherd get?
For german shepherd puppies to age five months they require a minimum of five minutes of physical activity.
Your German Shepherd puppy has grown a little and is about to turn 6 months old. And you don’t know what to feed him and how to train him?
Maintaining a steady and healthy growth rate is essential, especially in large breeds like 6-month-old German Shepherd, to prevent health issues.