Out of the German shepherd owners that expressed concern about a German shepherd being a first pet, their concern stemmed around the fact that German shepherds can … A simple way to think about it is anytime your german shepherd chooses to make contact with you, when they don’t want too is a pretty good sign that they really love you. Are German Shepherds Good for First Time Owners? The German Shepherd (German: Deutscher Schäferhund, German pronunciation: [ˈdɔʏtʃɐ ˈʃɛːfɐˌhʊnt]) is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. However, certain medical conditions and emergencies can become very expensive with this breed. : TUC Every german shepherd Owner Should Watch This Video.. Here’s a recap of why! 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. However, these dogs are very independently-minded, having been originally bred to perform tasks that require them to think for themselves. She enjoys visiting the National Parks in New Mexico and Texas with her dogs. German Shepherds are generally an intelligent breed and, like many other dog breeds, love working with their owners. Should you be moving to a distant location, will you be driving or flying with the dog? Leaning can also be a sign that your german shepherd is nervous, scared and looking for reassurance. Although GSDs are sometimes slow to warm … Read on to learn more about each of these considerations before making your choice. 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. Their zeal for life, athletic, and mental capabilities are what endears us to the breed and those same traits, with lack of training and understanding, are also the reason so many German Shepherds, tragically, find themselves in shelters all across the United States. German Shepherds are also quite clumsy during early adolecense. Good For First Time Owners : No . 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. First-time dog owners may find themselves poorly prepared for the demands that a German Shepherd could require. Before you decide to get a German Shepherd, issues such as moving, care during vacation, and emergency care needs to be considered. If you've had a German Shepherd before, this will be a good refresher. Having a trusted family member or friend take the dog might be one option to consider. These dogs can be poor choices for apartment residents and those who would leave their dog alone in the yard all day. As a result of this, they will naturally look to their owners for direction. They’re cuddle bugs at home but aloof in public. Although all dogs require care, GSDs, in particular, are vulnerable to disruption to their lives. Although rescues may not always have resources to take in another dog, this option may be the best way to find a decent home. If you’re unfamiliar with dog behavior, you might find trying to keep a German Shepherd busy quite tricky. An owner needs to show consistent leadership, which might be difficult for a newcomer to dog ownership. Puppies also shouldn’t be left alone for more than an hour for each month of their age, with a four-hour maximum. One of the things that are essential when you share your home with a Shepherd is knowing how to show calm, but assertive leadership. Best Companion Dog for German Shepherd: Which Breeds Top the List? Your email address will not be published. There's a good reason my first dogs were German Shepherds! 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. If this is your first time owning the breed (congratulations! The protein helps muscle development and helps the dog maintain a healthy weight. 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. 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. Do I Need to Consider Longer-Term Concerns for German Shepherds? Well, that's huge. Even though German Shepherds are active dogs who love outdoor adventures, not all can manage their dogs effectively. Should First-Time Owners Choose a German Shepherd or a Labrador? Behaviors like pacing or tail-chasing, while somewhat humorous, can be two of the most obvious signs that your dog is bored. 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. German Shepherds, like all dogs, do best in settings where their owners have been prepared. According to AKC 2003 registrations, German Shepherds are the 4th most popular breed in the US. 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. 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 Shepherd Puppies are an active breed with lots of energy and tenacity! People who have never had dogs before are often unaware of how much certain costs may vary. Required fields are marked *. Three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. 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. Failure to socialize or trai… Twenty-five percent of all the animals entering shelters are purebreds. 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. Oftentimes, your German Shepherd will own you (not the other way around)! She is also involved in advocating for dog rescue, particularly Shepherds and other herding breeds. Many would recommend that people only get a German Shepherd after having owned another type of dog before. Unfortunately, as German Shepherds are used in the police force, people presume they are generally aggressive, so ensuring good mouth manners is essential. People who don’t own dogs often feel that just because a food is popular, that means it’s a good choice. These amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. If you understand dog behavior, you will find it that much easier to know how to be the “alpha” leader your dog needs. German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs and they would work alongside their owners for many hours on a daily basis. If you’ve had other dogs in the past, you’ve probably found useful routines that help keep your dog better occupied. In 2003, 43,950 or 4.8% of all AKC registered dogs were German Shepherds. So, you’ve decided on either buying or adopting your first dog and are considering getting a German Shepherd. Stacy is a freelance writer who has always shared her life with dogs, especially German Shepherds. Choosing food that suits Shepherd’s needs is better than choosing a generic type of food. For a dog to thrive in an environment, care needs to be taken to respect the dog’s needs. 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. High-protein foods are best for German Shepherd Dogs. People who have never had dogs are often unaware of the importance of this relationship between dogs and owners. One thing that many non-Shepherd owners don’t realize is how much these dogs bond to their owners, making long periods alone traumatic. However, understanding dog behavior makes these signs easier to spot so you can do something to address them. 3. Taking in a German Shepherd or any other type of dog is a lifetime commitment. Are They Good For 1st Time Owners? The statistics show: According to the US Humane Society, “every year between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters. Situations such as these are also reasons why German Shepherds may not be a good choice for first-time owners. This is why it is important to give your German Shepherd lots of training so … They aren’t the best breed for first-time pet owners and are more suited for a one-dog household. The German shepherd is a large breed that can grow to be between 50-90 pounds. You’ll also need to think about feeding, grooming, and veterinary costs. They require a lot of daily physical activity, around 2 hours a day (this can be a huge time commitment). You may need to consider whether you want to pursue this option. This breed has a reputation for being a fast learner that learns commands very easily. German shepherds are not for first time dog owners. German Shepherds are obviously great dogs with a multitude of positive qualities and characteristics, but they aren’t always the best fit for any first-time dog owner. Will the dog go with you if you move? But the German Shepherd is a large breed that's also very active and busy. It was created by Captain Max von Stephanitz as a herding dog initially. History of the breeds. 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. Are you ready to … Using a kennel, as well as the costs associated with transportation, need to be considered as a regular moving expense to consider. Service Dog : Yes . So to get the stimulation they need, there should be ample space for them to move, run and play. Those that do, will receive a lifetime of unmatched loyalty, love and devotion from their dog. Another possibility would be a no-kill rescue, preferably one that specializes in caring for German Shepherds. We have no children under 16 in our family. That is approximately 450,000 purebred dogs in our shelters EVERY YEAR. Approximately 43% said yes, the German shepherd would make a good first pet. 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. 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. When people acquire a dog without thinking things through, the dog might be a poor fit. If you’re a first-time dog owner, some of these situations may be challenging if you are not prepared. 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. However, there are some traits that can present challenges for new dog owners that are good to know about before getting one. German Shepherds do not do well being left alone for more than four hours at a time. According to Golden State German Shepherd Rescue, moving is the most common reason for these dogs to end up being abandoned, often in high-kill shelters. I am a first time dog owner and I am planning to get one of these dogs from a rescue. 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. We are obviously huge fans of the breed and even more fanatical about sharing experiences and advice from German Shepherd owners. What you will do when you go on vacation is also something to consider. What Is the Best Way to Train Your German Shepherd For Personal Protection? A person who has never owned a dog may find themselves overwhelmed by trying to find out what to do. 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. People who have never had a dog in their lives before may have difficulty, possibly leading to behavior issues. I’m not sure who started the rumor that GSDs don’t shed, but if you’ve … Your email address will not be published. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. 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. Are German Shepherds Okay Being Left Alone a Lot? First-time dog owners may find themselves poorly prepared for the demands that a German Shepherd could require. They typically live about 12 years. Copyright © 2021 Anything German Shepherd, German Shepherds do not do well being left alone. All of those traits are what you get in an ideal German Shepherd. Who will take care of the German Shepherd if you end up hospitalized or die unexpectedly? 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. 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. According to Kristina Lotz, it is usually easy to tell when a German Shepherd is bored. This breed makes good as a service dog. I am financially ready and any one of these dogs will get plenty of excercise. Unfortunately, too many dogs end up in shelters or rescues because of poor owner planning. Choosing The Right German Shepherd . Vacation arrangements are something that many don’t think about. Gastric portion, or bloat, can also require expensive surgery. However, all brands of food are not alike. Experienced dog owners will find a lot to love with having a GSD in their lives. 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. According to Hello Bark, German Shepherds are the third-smartest among 137 dog breeds, ranking after Border Collies and Labradors. Are German Shepherds Aggressive? Rehoming a dog should be done under severe circumstances. 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. Although very easy to train they are very very stubborn and will test you at every move. According to Misty Ridge Animal Resort, average annual veterinary costs for adult Shepherds can run over $400 without any emergency situations. 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. German Shepherds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. I think that rescue dogs are trained somewhat and need a loving home. How to get a German Shepherd to be more loyal If you decide to get a German Shepherd, it is important to make sure that you take the time to raise it properly so that it learns to be loyal. 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. 1. In truth, German Shepherd owners are never lonely because their loyal canines are always by their side. As this video demonstrates, German Shepherds are a special breed, and they require a particular type of owner. 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. It is very important that every puppy learns not to bite or mouth at people’s skin. Will you need to use boarding facilities while you are in the process of moving into your new home? Here at TrainYourGSD, we're dedicated to providing all resources that you need to become a responsible and knowledgeable German Shepherds dog owners 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. Akitas are dominate in size and personality and need a strong, confident owner. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs. 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. The girl German shepherd is often a better pick overall for families with young children. Situations such as these are also reasons why German Shepherds may not be a good choice for first-time owners. Experience with another dog will provide the expertise that you need to be able to cope with the strong will of a GSD. A German Shepherd cooped up in a space that's too small will become destructive and moody. ), you'll definitely want to go through these tips. The female GSD is considered less apt to become territorial in the presence of strangers. When the need for such animals began to fade, the German Shepherd found its place in the army during World War I. A GSD is not a dog that does well being left home alone for extended periods of time. Experienced dog owners will be better prepared to help their pets overcome the difficulties of being left alone. People who are thinking of getting a German Shepherd would benefit from thinking about what would happen to the dog in these circumstances. These circumstances tragically lead to many dogs becoming homeless. The answer to whether German Shepherds are easy to train is both yes and no. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2. 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. They can learn any … Experienced owners can also keep these active dogs busy. German Shepherds will make good pets for first-time owners but will require patience and training. Your relationship with your German Shepherd needs to be one where the dog sees you as a leader. German Shepherd is an intelligent dog breed – The largest percentage of police dogs all over the … However, one of the pitfalls of popularity is that many people are attracted to these dogs without understanding their needs as a breed. The German Shepherd thrives in advanced agility work and on agility courses. Other activities, such as tracking or hiking, are also worth considering. The main types of expenses that must be taken into account include food, training, and veterinary care. So which of these types would best fit for a family dog. The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed dating back to 1899. They Have High Intelligence. You’ll need to make sure the dog is welcome at the property. Don’t be surprised if your rescue German shepherd … What you go on vacation? No . Making the decision to get a dog is a big one, but deciding to start out with a large dog breed? Plenty of excercise Shepherd cooped up in shelters or rescues because of poor owner.. 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