What if I live in a high-rise home or have a lot of steps to get into my house? How can I make the steps safe for my Long Haired German Shepherd puppy?
Puppies should not incur constant impact due to climbing up and down numerous steps for the first one to two years of life (bone development). Long Coat German Shepherds are large breed dogs and will grow fast, be very heavy and it will be impossible for you to carry them much after four years of age. You WILL have to devise a ramp or retrofit the steps so that they do not have to climb up and down so many steps! This is the same for jumping in and out of a vehicle. Any large breed dog should not have constant impact on their front legs from jumping, running, biking, agility, extreme impact sports, long, excessive walks, etc., things that will impact their fast growing joints, elbows (critical) and hips. Here is a great picture of how a client made a ramp for their back steps that their puppy uses from time-to time to take the impact off their legs from going up and down the steps! Great job, Lucy!!
