How to calm a German Shepherd puppy
As a veterinarian with over a decade of experience—and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats right here in Jersey—I’ve worked with my fair share of German Shepherds. Let me tell you something upfront: these dogs aren’t for the faint of heart. They’re loyal, intelligent, and energetic, but without clear direction, they can be a handful.
When people ask me how to calm their German Shepherd puppy, I give it to them straight. It’s not about cuddles and baby talk—it’s about calm leadership, daily structure, and using that big brain and strong body for good, not chaos.
1. Know What You’re Dealing With
German Shepherds were bred to work. They’re not lapdogs. They’re thinkers, movers, and protectors. If you don’t give them a job, they’ll make one up—and you won’t like it.
Signs your pup isn’t calm:
- Constant pacing or whining
- Barking at every little sound
- Nipping and jumping
- Destroying furniture or chewing nonstop
These aren’t just “puppy problems”—they’re red flags that your dog is under-stimulated and lacks structure.
2. Exercise Comes First—Always
You can’t expect calm from a dog that hasn’t burned off steam. Physical exercise is step one, every day, no exceptions.
Do this:
- Two brisk walks a day—minimum 30 minutes each
- Fetch or tug sessions with rules
- Basic obedience mixed into walks to engage their brain
- No off-leash chaos—structured movement only
Don’t skip this. A tired Shepherd is a calmer Shepherd.
3. Use Obedience to Create Mental Balance
These dogs crave direction. They love knowing what you expect and how to earn your approval. Obedience training is not optional—it’s essential.
Start with:
- “Sit,” “Down,” “Place,” and “Stay”
- Short, focused sessions (5–10 minutes, 2–3 times daily)
- Practicing commands during daily life—mealtime, walks, visitors arriving
Mental work tires a dog faster than a run around the block. It channels that drive into something productive.
4. Teach the “Place” Command
This is one of the best tools I’ve used for calming high-strung Shepherd pups.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose a mat, bed, or towel. That’s their “Place.”
- Teach your pup to go there and stay until released.
- Use it during dinner, when guests come over, or when they get too amped.
It gives them a job: stay put and settle down. And it teaches impulse control, which is key to a calm mindset.
5. Set a Daily Routine
Chaos breeds anxiety in German Shepherds. You can’t wing it with this breed.
Create a daily rhythm:
- Wake-up → potty → walk
- Breakfast → training session → chew toy
- Midday nap in crate or “place”
- Afternoon walk or fetch
- Dinner → calm play or mental game
- Evening wind-down → crate or place for the night
When your pup knows what to expect, they stop pacing and start relaxing.
6. Avoid Overstimulating Environments
Don’t drag your German Shepherd pup to every loud dog park, festival, or crowded pet store. That much noise and excitement overwhelms them—and you end up with a pup who can’t shut down.
Stick to calm, structured environments where you’re in control. Gradually introduce new situations as your dog learns how to handle their energy.
7. Reward Calm, Not Chaos
Most owners accidentally reward their pup’s crazy behavior. Your Shepherd barks or jumps? You pet them, talk to them, or give them a treat to “distract” them. Wrong move.
Instead:
- Only give attention when your dog is calm.
- Mark and reward stillness.
- If they act up, disengage until they settle.
Your dog learns what behavior gets them what they want. Make sure it’s the right behavior.
8. Use the Crate as a Calm-Down Tool
A crate isn’t punishment—it’s a den. It teaches your pup how to self-regulate and take breaks.
How to use it:
- Crate during naps, meals, or when overstimulated
- Always associate it with calm energy—no yelling, no drama
- Give a chew toy or frozen Kong for relaxation
Many Shepherds learn to love the crate—it gives them the boundaries they need.
Final Word: Calm Is Earned, Not Given
Look, calming a German Shepherd puppy doesn’t happen with one walk or one training session. It’s a lifestyle. You don’t baby this breed—you lead them. You earn their respect by staying consistent, calm, and in control.
In New Jersey, we don’t tiptoe around issues. We fix them. So if your Shepherd pup’s bouncing off the walls, it’s time to step up. Give them structure. Give them work. And give them clear expectations.
