If you’re a first-time dog owner, some of these situations may be challenging if you are not prepared. Before you decide to add a German Shepherd Dog to your life, it is essential to think about how your lifestyle fits these dogs’ needs and keep everyone happy. I am financially ready and any one of these dogs will get plenty of excercise. Taking your dog on regular walks and out in the yard for off-leash playtime are a couple of the things you might need to do to alleviate your dog’s boredom. German Shepherd Puppies are an active breed with lots of energy and tenacity! For this reason, German Shepherds, despite their popularity, are not recommended for first-time dog owners or owners who don’t have experience with guardian breeds. Trying to keep an active dog of an unfamiliar breed busy can be a bit difficult even for those who have had dogs their entire lives. Required fields are marked *. Making the decision to get a dog is a big one, but deciding to start out with a large dog breed? Many people find themselves drawn to large or giant breeds, and there are lots of large breeds that are appropriate choices for first-time owners.But, with great size come certain challenges. German Shepherds are also quite clumsy during early adolecense. One thing that many non-Shepherd owners don’t realize is how much these dogs bond to their owners, making long periods alone traumatic. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Twenty-five percent of all the animals entering shelters are purebreds. German Shepherds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. As a result of this, they will naturally look to their owners for direction. Akita vs. German Shepherd … Those that do, will receive a lifetime of unmatched loyalty, love and devotion from their dog. Leaning can also be a sign that your german shepherd is nervous, scared and looking for reassurance. Tips for First Time German Shepherd Owners March 06, 2018 We are obviously huge fans of the breed and even more fanatical about sharing experiences and advice from German Shepherd owners. Situations such as these are also reasons why German Shepherds may not be a good choice for first-time owners. When the need for such animals began to fade, the German Shepherd found its place in the army during World War I. In truth, German Shepherd owners are never lonely because their loyal canines are always by their side. A person who has never owned a dog may find themselves overwhelmed by trying to find out what to do. It’s not uncommon for non-dog owners to base most of their knowledge of such things on anecdotal information from friends with dogs. Don’t be surprised if your rescue German shepherd … I’m not sure who started the rumor that GSDs don’t shed, but if you’ve … We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Experienced owners can also keep these active dogs busy. Unfortunately, as German Shepherds are used in the police force, people presume they are generally aggressive, so ensuring good mouth manners is essential. This breed has a reputation for being a fast learner that learns commands very easily. : TUC Every german shepherd Owner Should Watch This Video.. Are you ready to … These amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. Your email address will not be published. First-time dog owners may find themselves poorly prepared for the demands that a German Shepherd could require. When people acquire a dog without thinking things through, the dog might be a poor fit. Although all dogs require care, GSDs, in particular, are vulnerable to disruption to their lives. An owner needs to show consistent leadership, which might be difficult for a newcomer to dog ownership. Unfortunately, too many dogs end up in shelters or rescues because of poor owner planning. Many are amazed when they see how quickly GSDs pick up new information. If you’ve never had a dog before, you might find leaving a German Shepherd Dog alone somewhat challenging without using dog daycare options or having a family member or friend sit your dog when you are away from your home. There are also other practical considerations to think about, beyond acquiring the dog. Another unfortunate situation that many don’t think about when acquiring a dog is who will care for him or her in the event of sudden illness or death. One thing things that many people who have never had a German Shepherd or another large dog fail to keep in mind is that many apartments or rental home managers do not allow dogs this size. Do I Need to Consider Longer-Term Concerns for German Shepherds? The girl German shepherd is often a better pick overall for families with young children. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs. Your email address will not be published. Read on to learn more about each of these considerations before making your choice. A GSD is not a dog that does well being left home alone for extended periods of time. One of the things that are essential when you share your home with a Shepherd is knowing how to show calm, but assertive leadership. So which of these types would best fit for a family dog. They aren’t the best breed for first-time pet owners and are more suited for a one-dog household. Many of the 450,000 dogs in our US shelters every year are German Shepherds.” To help prevent these incredible dogs finding themselves in shelters, we’ve put together these simple tips and expectations for people interested in getting their first German Shepherd: In a nutshell, German Shepherds make wonderful pets for people who are willing to invest the time, training, and energy they require. 1. Should you be moving to a distant location, will you be driving or flying with the dog? Many people who haven’t owned dogs might not think of some of these issues that play a significant role in a GSD and its wellbeing. Unexpected expenses can be shocking for owners. Kavallerie Shepherds recommends female German Shepherds for first time German Shepherd owners, first time dog owners, families with young children where the dog will not be worked/seriously trained trained or if you lack self confidence. This is why it is important to give your German Shepherd lots of training so … She is also involved in advocating for dog rescue, particularly Shepherds and other herding breeds. According to Kristina Lotz, it is usually easy to tell when a German Shepherd is bored. Many factors like how much time you spend at home and how your family feels about getting one of these dogs to need to be considered. German Shepherd Dogs SHED. German Shepherd Training Book: The Simple Step-by-step Guide by Tiffany Price. You’ll also need to think about feeding, grooming, and veterinary costs. An experienced dog owner who knows what to expect from separation anxiety issues and how to deal with them most effectively will be better suited to life with a German Shepherd. Like all dogs, German Shepherds are unique and need special care to ensure they have the best life possible. This retention rate is one that generally looks promising. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases & more, Our FREE email newsletter is packed with tips for keeping your, 9 Of The Best Supplements for German Shepherds, 17 Reasons That Prove Your German Shepherd Is Your Soulmate, 150+ Rocking Names For German Shepherd Dogs, A – Z For Males and Females, 7 Easy Ways To Read Your Dog’s Body Language, 15 Adorable German Shepherds All Dressed Up For Christmas, 15 Things To Expect When Owning A German Shepherd, 15 Signs That Show Your German Shepherd Is Obsessed With You, 24 German Shepherd Behaviors And What It Means When Your Dog Does Them, Tips for First Time German Shepherd Owners. History of the breeds. If you own the house or have permission to bring a big dog, you’ll also need to think about logistics involving the move itself and any of the costs. The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed dating back to 1899. The main types of expenses that must be taken into account include food, training, and veterinary care. Experienced dog owners will be better prepared to help their pets overcome the difficulties of being left alone. Rehoming a dog should be done under severe circumstances. Three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. You may need to consider whether you want to pursue this option. However, there are some traits that can present challenges for new dog owners that are good to know about before getting one. German Shepherds are generally an intelligent breed and, like many other dog breeds, love working with their owners. What you will do when you go on vacation is also something to consider. One of the things that people need to keep in mind when they are thinking of getting a German Shepherd is that these dogs, like other dog types, have expenses associated with their care that could build up very quickly. It is very important that every puppy learns not to bite or mouth at people’s skin. ), you'll definitely want to go through these tips. Situations such as these are also reasons why German Shepherds may not be a good choice for first-time owners. One of the most capable and trainable breeds in all of dogdom, an ideal German Shepherd, when properly raised by a confident owner, can be a magnificent companion. Will the dog go with you if you move? Stacy is a freelance writer who has always shared her life with dogs, especially German Shepherds. According to AKC 2003 registrations, German Shepherds are the 4th most popular breed in the US. Other activities, such as tracking or hiking, are also worth considering. Because of the time, money, and personal demands involved with a German Shepherd, these dogs might not be the best choice for a first-time dog owner. The statistics show: According to the US Humane Society, “every year between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters. Vacation arrangements are something that many don’t think about. Many people who have never had a dog or any kind of pet are unaware of how much of an expense these things might be. Best Companion Dog for German Shepherd: Which Breeds Top the List? If you understand dog behavior, you will find it that much easier to know how to be the “alpha” leader your dog needs. According to the FCI, the breed's English language name is German Shepherd Dog.The breed was officially [who?] As this video demonstrates, German Shepherds are a special breed, and they require a particular type of owner. Adding a dog to your home requires some changes like housebreaking the dog, and taking time for obedience training, which may be challenging for first-timers. German Shepherds, like all dogs, do best in settings where their owners have been prepared. Even though German Shepherds are active dogs who love outdoor adventures, not all can manage their dogs effectively. Many would recommend that people only get a German Shepherd after having owned another type of dog before. People who have never had dogs are often unaware of the importance of this relationship between dogs and owners. However, understanding dog behavior makes these signs easier to spot so you can do something to address them. According to Misty Ridge Animal Resort, average annual veterinary costs for adult Shepherds can run over $400 without any emergency situations. The answer to whether German Shepherds are easy to train is both yes and no. A German Shepherd cooped up in a space that's too small will become destructive and moody. Although very easy to train they are very very stubborn and will test you at every move. The more you know about dogs and their behavior, the easier it will be for you to think of ways to keep your dog occupied. Service Dog : Yes . What Is the Best Way to Train Your German Shepherd For Personal Protection? German Shepherd ranks as one of the most popular. Most people who have had dogs in the past already have a routine that they use for helping their dogs adjust to being left alone. The female German shepherd dog may be a better pick for first-time dog owners, families with young children, or individuals/families primarily desiring a pet dog. Akitas are dominate in size and personality and need a strong, confident owner. According to Hello Bark, German Shepherds are the third-smartest among 137 dog breeds, ranking after Border Collies and Labradors. This breed makes good as a service dog. German Shepherds will make good pets for first-time owners but will require patience and training. If you've had a German Shepherd before, this will be a good refresher. Another possibility would be a no-kill rescue, preferably one that specializes in caring for German Shepherds. Teaching your German Shepherd that you are the leader of the pack , the alpha, is extremely important. Failure to socialize or trai… If you’re unfamiliar with dog behavior, you might find trying to keep a German Shepherd busy quite tricky. They typically live about 12 years. These circumstances tragically lead to many dogs becoming homeless. That is approximately 450,000 purebred dogs in our shelters EVERY YEAR. If this is your first time owning the breed (congratulations! People who have never had dogs before are often unaware of how much certain costs may vary. The female GSD is considered less apt to become territorial in the presence of strangers. I am a first time dog owner and I am planning to get one of these dogs from a rescue. A German Shepherd puppy bought from a respected breeder will usually cost between $700 and $1500 (or more), depending on whether it is a normal German Shepherd, show-dog or a working dog.Adult German Shepherds who are proven show dogs or work dogs cost $6,000 to $7,000 or more. Although GSDs are sometimes slow to warm … Experience with another dog will provide the expertise that you need to be able to cope with the strong will of a GSD. I am looking for a good watch and protection dog. Because of their intelligence level, these dogs usually learn commands in fewer than five repetitions, as well as follow these commands the majority of the time. So to get the stimulation they need, there should be ample space for them to move, run and play. We are obviously huge fans of the breed and even more fanatical about sharing experiences and advice from German Shepherd owners. For a dog to thrive in an environment, care needs to be taken to respect the dog’s needs. Copyright © 2021 Anything German Shepherd, German Shepherds do not do well being left alone. When you decide to get a German Shepherd, the dog will require activities to help keep them occupied. First-time dog owners may find themselves poorly prepared for the demands that a German Shepherd could require. They require a lot of daily physical activity, around 2 hours a day (this can be a huge time commitment). 2. Hip dysplasia can require surgery, costing several thousands of dollars. Using a kennel, as well as the costs associated with transportation, need to be considered as a regular moving expense to consider. If you choose not to take your dog along when you go on vacation, you will need to think about boarding your dog or having a family member or friend provide care. However, all brands of food are not alike. They’re cuddle bugs at home but aloof in public. As with every kind of dog, the German shepherd has some unique characteristics and needs that may differ from other dogs you have had before. So, you’ve decided on either buying or adopting your first dog and are considering getting a German Shepherd. If you’ve had other dogs in the past, you’ve probably found useful routines that help keep your dog better occupied. You’ll need to make sure the dog is welcome at the property. The idea of being a leader to your dog is being a positive figure; almost like a parent, your dog looks up to for guidance, not a tyrant or bully. People who are thinking of getting a German Shepherd would benefit from thinking about what would happen to the dog in these circumstances. People who don’t own dogs often feel that just because a food is popular, that means it’s a good choice. However, one of the pitfalls of popularity is that many people are attracted to these dogs without understanding their needs as a breed. Puppies also shouldn’t be left alone for more than an hour for each month of their age, with a four-hour maximum. Behaviors like pacing or tail-chasing, while somewhat humorous, can be two of the most obvious signs that your dog is bored. After the first world war, many American soldiers took German Shepherds back with them after seeing how devoted they were as military dogs. German shepherds are not for first time dog owners. Having a trusted family member or friend take the dog might be one option to consider. Who will take care of the German Shepherd if you end up hospitalized or die unexpectedly? These dogs can be poor choices for apartment residents and those who would leave their dog alone in the yard all day. Are German Shepherds Expensive Dogs to Keep? If you have never had a dog before, you may find trying to come up with activities to keep your pet busy, challenging, and even frustrating. However, certain medical conditions and emergencies can become very expensive with this breed. Re: are german shepherd a good choice for a first time owner Post by minkee » Fri Sep 26, 2014 7:16 am You could also possibly look at the different types of Belgian Shepherd. The German shepherd is a large breed that can grow to be between 50-90 pounds. These amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. Choosing food that suits Shepherd’s needs is better than choosing a generic type of food. 3. Experienced dog owners will find a lot to love with having a GSD in their lives. No . High-protein foods are best for German Shepherd Dogs. Choosing The Right German Shepherd . What you go on vacation? German Shepherds, like all dogs, do best in settings where their owners have been prepared. Well, that's huge. Should First-Time Owners Choose a German Shepherd or a Labrador? 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