A Shepherd Puppy Sat Perfectly Still in a Pile of Autumn Leaves
Sitting upright on a drift of crisp autumn leaves, a single black and tan puppy gazes straight ahead with big ears slightly tilted out to the sides. Her paws are neat, her tan chest fur looks soft, and she wears a thoughtful expression, as if the rustling around her is the most interesting sound she has heard all week. Behind her, a pair of slippers and a cardboard box sit near the edge of a woven mat.
Leaves are exciting for puppies: they crunch, they scatter, and they smell of the outdoors. They can also hide sticks, burrs, and mold, so check a leaf pile before letting a pup dive in, and discourage her from eating them. Eating large amounts can upset a puppy's stomach, and some leaves and seeds, such as acorns, may be harmful to dogs.
German Shepherds are known for their alertness and intelligence, and they tend to study everything around them. A pup like this one is soaking up details all day, which makes the early weeks a great time for gentle training. Teaching a name, a sit, and a calm greeting while she is young sets the stage for good manners later.
This autumn visitor seems to be taking in the season with great seriousness, and the leaves don't mind being her backdrop. Perhaps she is waiting for someone to toss a leaf her way, or simply enjoying the quiet crunch beneath her paws.
