Although very easy to train they are very very stubborn and will test you at every move. Other activities, such as tracking or hiking, are also worth considering. German Shepherds will make good pets for first-time owners but will require patience and training. Who will take care of the German Shepherd if you end up hospitalized or die unexpectedly? 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, understanding dog behavior makes these signs easier to spot so you can do something to address them. Don’t be surprised if your rescue German shepherd … There are also other practical considerations to think about, beyond acquiring the dog. If you’re a first-time dog owner, some of these situations may be challenging if you are not prepared. Some people who have never owned dogs are also unaware of how much one of these dogs might eat or about the costs associated with foods on veterinary diets for medical conditions. They’re cuddle bugs at home but aloof in public. Dogs in these circumstances can become noisy, destructive, or try to escape out of boredom, with an adverse outcome for all. What you will do when you go on vacation is also something to consider. If this is your first time owning the breed (congratulations! 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. Choosing The Right German Shepherd . However, there are some traits that can present challenges for new dog owners that are good to know about before getting one. As this video demonstrates, German Shepherds are a special breed, and they require a particular type of owner. I think that rescue dogs are trained somewhat and need a loving home. German Shepherds are generally an intelligent breed and, like many other dog breeds, love working with their owners. German Shepherd ranks as one of the most popular. 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. Although GSDs are sometimes slow to warm … 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. In truth, German Shepherd owners are never lonely because their loyal canines are always by their side. German Shepherds are great dogs, with a lot of traits that are ideal for active owners. German Shepherds are also quite clumsy during early adolecense. 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. Do I Need to Consider Longer-Term Concerns for German Shepherds? : TUC Every german shepherd Owner Should Watch This Video.. Is Your Lifestyle Good for German Shepherds? The girl German shepherd is often a better pick overall for families with young children. High-protein foods are best for German Shepherd Dogs. Hip dysplasia can require surgery, costing several thousands of dollars. Should you be moving to a distant location, will you be driving or flying with the dog? The female GSD is considered less apt to become territorial in the presence of strangers. However, one of the pitfalls of popularity is that many people are attracted to these dogs without understanding their needs as a breed. The answer to whether German Shepherds are easy to train is both yes and no. First-time dog owners may find themselves poorly prepared for the demands that a German Shepherd could require. 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. Failure to socialize or trai… In 2003, 43,950 or 4.8% of all AKC registered dogs were German Shepherds. German Shepherds do not do well being left alone for more than four hours at a time. People who have never had dogs are often unaware of the importance of this relationship between dogs and owners. This breed has a reputation for being a fast learner that learns commands very easily. Rehoming a dog should be done under severe circumstances. German Shepherd Puppies are an active breed with lots of energy and tenacity! Leaning can also be a sign that your german shepherd is nervous, scared and looking for reassurance. You’ll also need to think about feeding, grooming, and veterinary costs. 1. Akita vs. German Shepherd … Experience with another dog will provide the expertise that you need to be able to cope with the strong will of a GSD. Choosing food that suits Shepherd’s needs is better than choosing a generic type of food. German Shepherds, like all dogs, do best in settings where their owners have been prepared. History of the breeds. These amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, too many dogs end up in shelters or rescues because of poor owner planning. Oftentimes, your German Shepherd will own you (not the other way around)! Here at TrainYourGSD, we're dedicated to providing all resources that you need to become a responsible and knowledgeable German Shepherds dog owners German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs and they would work alongside their owners for many hours on a daily basis. 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. They aren’t the best breed for first-time pet owners and are more suited for a one-dog household. I’m not sure who started the rumor that GSDs don’t shed, but if you’ve … What Is the Best Way to Train Your German Shepherd For Personal Protection? German Shepherd Training Book: The Simple Step-by-step Guide by Tiffany Price. They typically live about 12 years. The main types of expenses that must be taken into account include food, training, and veterinary care. Good For First Time Owners : No . Are German Shepherds Expensive Dogs to Keep? After the first world war, many American soldiers took German Shepherds back with them after seeing how devoted they were as military dogs. 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. Having a trusted family member or friend take the dog might be one option to consider. We are obviously huge fans of the breed and even more fanatical about sharing experiences and advice from German Shepherd owners. They require a lot of daily physical activity, around 2 hours a day (this can be a huge time commitment). They also do very well with basic games like playing frisbee, fetching toys, and playing with a ball. The German Shepherd (German: Deutscher Schäferhund, German pronunciation: [ˈdɔʏtʃɐ ˈʃɛːfɐˌhʊnt]) is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. She enjoys visiting the National Parks in New Mexico and Texas with her dogs. 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. You may need to consider whether you want to pursue this option. If you’re unfamiliar with dog behavior, you might find trying to keep a German Shepherd busy quite tricky. People who are thinking of getting a German Shepherd would benefit from thinking about what would happen to the dog in these circumstances. Are German Shepherds Okay Being Left Alone a Lot? 2. However, all brands of food are not alike. 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. 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 Kristina Lotz, it is usually easy to tell when a German Shepherd is bored. For a dog to thrive in an environment, care needs to be taken to respect the dog’s needs. Three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. Situations such as these are also reasons why German Shepherds may not be a good choice for first-time owners. People who have never had dogs before are often unaware of how much certain costs may vary. 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