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