As intelligent as your shepherd is, he doesn't know which things are safe for him to ingest or touch and which are poisonous or unsafe. You will have to make sure that your German shepherd does not have access to anything you wouldn't give to him yourself. By puppy- or dog-proofing your home, you will keep your shepherd safe and protect your belongings from damage.

The strategies behind baby-proofing and shepherd-proofing a house are basically the same. The goal is to keep certain items out of sight and out of reach. When the shepherd is young, he will not be able to reach many items that are placed higher up; however, as your puppy matures, he will show extraordinary jumping abilities. As a general rule, you'll want to keep your tabletops and counters clear of breakables and clutter and free of food items.

Also, be aware that simply keeping items out of reach and out of sight may not be enough. This breed is known for its ability to figure out complex problems, particularly if there is a reward involved, such as food or gaining access to a favorite toy.