What We Feed
At West Meadow Shepherds, we believe that raising healthy German Shepherd puppies in Ontario starts with proper nutrition. Our dogs are fed Norman’s Naturals kibble (locally made in Ontario and nutritionally balanced for all life stages) as well as FirstMate, another Canadian-made brand we know and trust. Just like people, dogs have unique taste preferences, so we offer two high-quality options- both thoroughly approved by our pack.
As adults, our German Shepherds have kibble available 24/7. During puppyhood, we keep kibble and water available until 7pm to support successful potty training. In addition to kibble, our dogs also enjoy raw meat in the mornings and bones to chew on throughout the day. All raw meat is frozen first to ensure safety and eliminate bacteria or parasites.
We are committed to feeding with integrity, choosing foods made with wholesome ingredients, free of artificial fillers, and designed to support strong bodies, shiny coats, and happy, healthy dogs. By feeding Norman’s Naturals and FirstMate, we keep it Canadian, balanced, and nutritious, ensuring our German Shepherds thrive from puppyhood to adulthood.
Training & Socialization
At West Meadow Shepherds, we believe a strong foundation begins with consistency, patience, and positive early experiences. German Shepherds are naturally loyal, intelligent, and eager to please, and with the right start they blossom into confident, well-mannered companions.
From the very beginning, our puppies are gently introduced to the world around them. They experience children, other dogs of different ages, and even our farm cats, giving them early exposure to a variety of sights, sounds, and personalities. We also build in enrichment and handling so that everyday experiences, such as being groomed, examined by a vet, or meeting new people, become normal and positive. This thoughtful socialization lays the groundwork for calmness, adaptability, and assurance that carries into adulthood.
We also guide our puppies using natural corrections inspired by their mothers. Just as a mother dog corrects her pups consistently and fairly, we reinforce good manners with timely, gentle redirection. Every correction is followed by a distraction, such as a toy or new interaction, ensuring the lesson ends on a positive note.
As new families take their German Shepherd puppy home, we encourage you to continue this socialization, especially once core vaccinations are complete. The first days together are crucial for setting boundaries, demonstrating leadership, and building trust. We recommend focusing on reward-based training and positive reinforcement. German Shepherds thrive when their good behavior is noticed, praised, and rewarded, whether with a smile, a kind tone, or a treat.
Our goal is to send each puppy home not only well-started but also eager to learn, bond, and grow with their new family. With clear guidance, consistent boundaries, and plenty of love, your German Shepherd will quickly become the loyal partner you have been dreaming of.
Vaccinations:
Puppies need to receive their second set of core vaccinations four weeks after their first set. This timing is especially important. Until all core vaccines have been administered, typically including distemper, canine adenovirus, parvovirus, and rabies, puppies should avoid all public places. Parvovirus, for example, is highly contagious and deadly. Keeping your puppy safe and limiting exposure during this critical period can be life-saving.
We recommend beginning with core vaccines only, while saving lifestyle (non-core) vaccines for after 16 weeks of age, based on your puppy’s activities and environment. Lifestyle vaccines, such as those protecting against Bordetella (kennel cough), Lyme disease, or canine influenza, are optional and determined by your dog’s specific risks .
Once your puppy has completed the full series of core vaccinations and before considering lifestyle vaccines, we support doing a titer test. Titers measure antibodies and help determine whether your puppy already has lasting immunity, whether from maternal antibodies or previous vaccines, so you can weigh the need for further vaccination.
Spaying and Neutering:
As outlined in our contract, we require families to wait until their German Shepherd has reached skeletal maturity before spaying or neutering. For large breed dogs, this typically means waiting until 12 to 15 months of age.
The reason for this is that early spay or neuter in large breed dogs can interfere with proper bone, joint, and muscle development. Growth plates close later in larger breeds, and altering too soon has been linked to an increased risk of hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears, and certain cancers. By allowing your dog’s body to fully develop before surgery, you are supporting healthier bones, stronger joints, and a more balanced overall structure.
Waiting until skeletal maturity also gives your dog the benefit of natural hormones during their growth phase. These hormones play an important role in developing muscle tone, metabolism, and even confident behavior. Once your dog has fully matured, altering can then be done safely with fewer long-term risks.
Our goal is always to prioritize the lifelong health and soundness of your German Shepherd, which is why we ask that families respect this important timeline.
Caution: Shepherds can have adverse reaction to heart worm medications. Please do your research and avoid as much as possible.
Lifestyle:
Some breeds have a lasting place in people’s hearts, and the German Shepherd is one of them. Strong, empathetic, intelligent, and noble, the German Shepherd Dog consistently ranks among the most popular breeds in the world. At West Meadow Shepherds, we are proud to raise shepherds who not only reflect these qualities but also thrive as versatile, family-focused companions.
Our dogs are bred to be deeply bonded and human focused. They are not guard dogs meant to live outside on a chain. We do not allow or promote tethering puppies, as it goes against the very nature of this breed. A tethered shepherd loses what it needs most—connection with its people. When families welcome one of our puppies, they are gaining another member of the family, not simply a watchdog.
One of the things that makes our lines unique is their temperament. While many shepherds are bred for high drive and demanding working roles, our program focuses on producing dogs who are low prey drive, highly empathetic, and deeply connected to their people. This makes them especially well-suited for family life, therapy work, and roles where empathy and stability are just as valuable as intelligence and trainability.
Our puppies are bundles of joy but also bundles of potential. They grow quickly into large, motivated, and highly intelligent dogs. They need families who can provide structure, safe boundaries, and consistent parenting skills. With this guidance, they develop into confident companions who live to please and protect. Their natural role is to notice change, alert you, and then wait for your direction.
Every shepherd needs a role to feel fulfilled. That role may be as a devoted companion, a family guardian, a therapy or service dog, or even a partner in sports or farm life. At West Meadow Shepherds, we raise dogs who are eager to take on these roles, but it is up to their families to continue guiding them, providing purpose, and nurturing their gifts.
Good dog parents lead with loving confidence. A puppy should never be asked to take the role of leader, it is far too heavy a responsibility for them. Instead, when provided with strong, steady guidance, a West Meadow shepherd will happily follow your lead and grow into the loyal, dependable partner this breed is known for.
West Meadow Shepherds 