German Shepherd Mom Dishes on the Hilarious Chaos of Trading Puppyhood for Puberty
A German Shepherd puppy is unquestionably one of the cutest creatures on earth. These playful little fluff balls and their flopping ears have a way of stealing our hearts. Their charm is part of what helps them get away with using those puppy teeth like baby sharks.
Once we reach about six months old, most are fully house-trained and have learned basic obedience commands. While this new stage of adolescence might have us believing things will become easier, nothing could be further from the truth. This teenage period can be the most challenging of them all.
Listen to this fur mom’s newest problems in this video from September 23:
This is the absolute truth! Even though handsome Strider (@strider.gsd) might be the best of boys, he still has his moments, which is true for all dogs. And if we’re being honest, it’s also true for humans. His mom reveals that while the puppy stage is difficult, it’s only a warm-up for what comes next: puberty. This phase isn’t brief either, especially with a larger dog, and it can sometimes last for years. Similar to human teenagers, this is the phase where they learn to test their boundaries and our patience. But even though they might become a living shredder or insert themselves into places they don’t belong, it’s also when their charming personalities begin to shine. Although they undoubtedly bring us tears occasionally, they bring us far more joy. That’s why, even if we might swear we will never get a puppy again, most of us do.
At What Age Are German Shepherds Considered Adults?
While some dogs might be considered adults around a year old, large breeds can take longer to mature. According to the AKC, German Shepherds reach full maturity somewhere between 2 to 3 years, with males taking longer than females. While this might mean their size has peaked, it doesn’t guarantee their personalities will change, as many keep their goofy adolescent mindset for their entire lives. It's part of what makes this breed so beloved.
Dog parents agreed about this life stage. Viewer @newedgelex responded, “I think my boy’s puppy stage was way easier. Now he’s a bratty teen who tests my patience every second of the day.” That sounds about right. Viewer @archibald.the.gsd remarked, “It’s not for the faint-hearted.” That’s for sure! Viewer @david_ernest_evans responded, “German Shepherds make better humans.” Dogs genuinely have a way of doing that.
While our dogs may occasionally test our patience, those moments will one day become some of our most cherished memories. Even at their worst, they continually improve our lives.