Helping Your German Shepherd Puppy’s Ears Stand

One of the most common questions we hear is: “When will my puppy’s ears stand up?” 🐶
Here are some practical tips to help support those iconic Shepherd ears:

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🍼 Age & Development

• German Shepherd ears typically stand between 4–7 months of age.

• Don’t panic if they flop during teething — calcium is being used for teeth, and ears may go up and down until teething is finished.

🥩 Nutrition Support

• Feed a balanced, high-quality diet with the right calcium/phosphorus ratio (avoid adding straight calcium supplements — too much can harm joints).

• Add natural support foods:

  • Plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or goat milk → healthy calcium.

  • Raw meaty bones (appropriate size) → strengthen jaw/ear muscles.

  • Gelatin or collagen → supports cartilage strength.

🎾 Chewing & Muscle Building

• Encourage safe chewing: bully sticks, Kongs, nylabones.

• Chewing builds the muscles at the base of the ears that help them stand.

👐 Hands-Off (Mostly)

• Avoid constantly petting or bending the ears — it can weaken cartilage.

• Don’t tape too early. Give ears time; most will stand on their own if genetics are good.

🩹 Taping (If Needed)

• If ears still flop after 6–7 months, some breeders gently tape them to provide support while cartilage strengthens.

• Use breathable surgical tape or foam hair rollers placed inside the ear, wrapped upward — but this should be done carefully (or with breeder/vet guidance) to avoid irritation.

🐕 Genetics Matter

• If both parents had strong, upright ears, chances are very good the puppy’s ears will follow.

• Some lines take longer, especially long-coated German Shepherds, but still usually stand naturally.

✅ Bottom line: good diet, safe chewing, patience, and minimal interference are the best recipe. Taping can help, but only if needed and done properly.

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             Bloat in German Shepherds: What It Is and How to Prevent It

At Sterley Shepherds, the health and well-being of our dogs always come first. One condition we want all German Shepherd owners to be aware of is bloat, also called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care.

What Is Bloat (GDV)?

Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and then twists. This twist prevents blood flow and traps the contents of the stomach, quickly becoming an emergency. Unfortunately, German Shepherds—being a large, deep-chested breed—are more prone to bloat than many other dogs.

Signs of Bloat to Watch For

It’s important to recognize the symptoms early. If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away:

• Swollen or distended abdomen

• Unsuccessful attempts to vomit (dry heaving)

• Restlessness or pacing

• Drooling or excessive salivation

• Signs of pain (whining, stretching, looking at belly)

• Weakness or collapse

How to Help Prevent Bloat

While no prevention is 100% guaranteed, there are steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk:

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals instead of one large meal a day.

• Avoid vigorous exercise right before or after eating. Give your dog time to rest.

• Use slow-feeder bowls to prevent gulping food too quickly.

• Limit water intake during meals—let them drink after finishing.

• Maintain a healthy weight—obesity can increase the risk.

• Consider gastropexy surgery (a preventative procedure where the stomach is tacked in place) for at-risk dogs. Many veterinarians recommend this at the time of spay or neuter.

Our Commitment

We want every Sterley Shepherds puppy to live a long, happy, and healthy life. By staying informed and proactive about conditions like bloat, you’ll be better prepared to protect your companion and give them the best care possible.

Would you like me to make two versions—one a little shorter and more casual for your blog, and another more polished and formal for a static health page on your website? That way you can educate families in both quick-read and in-depth formats.

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 Degenerative Myelopathy in German Shepherds: What You Should Know

At Sterley Shepherds, we believe education is one of the best tools you can have as a German Shepherd owner. One important condition to be aware of in this breed is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). While it’s not as common as some other health issues, knowing the facts can help you make the best choices for your dog’s health and future.

What Is Degenerative Myelopathy?

Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord. Over time, the protective covering of the nerves breaks down, leading to weakness and loss of coordination in the back legs. It is sometimes compared to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in humans.

Signs and Symptoms

DM usually develops in middle-aged to older dogs (around 7 years and up). Early signs can be subtle, but often include:

• Hind leg weakness or dragging the toes

• Difficulty standing up or climbing stairs

• Wobbling or swaying in the back end

• Progressive loss of coordination

As the condition advances, mobility becomes more difficult and eventually dogs may lose the ability to walk.

Causes and Genetics

Research has shown that DM is linked to a genetic mutation in the SOD1 gene. Dogs that carry two copies of the mutation (at-risk/affected) are more likely to develop the disease. Because of this, responsible breeders—like us—use genetic testing to avoid pairing two carriers together.

Can DM Be Prevented or Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Degenerative Myelopathy. However, steps can be taken to help reduce the risk and to support a dog’s quality of life if diagnosed:

• Genetic testing before breeding to reduce the chances of passing it on

• Physical therapy & exercise to maintain strength as long as possible

• Assistive devices such as harnesses or carts to support mobility

• Veterinary monitoring to help manage comfort and lifestyle

Our Commitment

At Sterley Shepherds, we DNA test all of our breeding dogs for Degenerative Myelopathy. We are committed to only making breeding decisions that put the health of our puppies first. While no breeder can eliminate every possible health issue, being proactive with testing and education helps ensure our families take home the healthiest puppy possible.

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