I love my puppy, I do, but sometimes he is a little bit of a hooligan. He has given us Hell in the last seven months, but boy he is cute! Here are some things I have noticed since raising a German Shep.

1. No bite isn’t just on your shoes.

They chew almost everything they see. Hands, socks, shoes, tables, heck, I even had a puppy that chewed my walls. It never seems to end. Ankle-biters don’t compare.

2. They have more energy than the five year old on sugar.

It honestly is dizzying how they can run and run and run and run and--wait for it-- run around and still want to play tug-a-war after a walk, bike ride, and day at the park. Combined. I swear they are worse than a five year old with a sugar high.

3. They are good with kids.

One of the best qualities I have seen with my shepherds is their attentiveness to children and babies. I saw one once that would literally pick up a baby’s binky and give it back to her without leaving any teeth marks. They are truly incredible.

4. Your attention isn’t the only thing they need.

On top of about half of your attention, they require daily walks, tons of food, and more chew toys than the average dog. Baths are also something you become exceedingly good at with these shedding pups.

5. They get big quick.

They will go from seven pound balls of fur to fifty pounds of pure lean muscle in what feels like a matter of a month. It is like watching all the boys transition from middle school to high school--unrecognizable.

6. Don’t you wish your shepherd would just stop sometimes?

Slow down, pup. I promise that it will not hurt to stop moving, just for a second.

I know you want to play, but it is nap time. For me.

(You understand, I know you do.)

7. They give the best kisses.

My favorite thing about my German Shepherd puppy is his kisses. They aren’t sloppy, but they are thorough and they make me smile all the time. It *almost* makes up for the chewing. Keyword: almost.