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. 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. 1. Before you decide to get a German Shepherd, issues such as moving, care during vacation, and emergency care needs to be considered. You’ll also need to think about feeding, grooming, and veterinary costs. Three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. For a dog to thrive in an environment, care needs to be taken to respect the dog’s needs. I’m not sure who started the rumor that GSDs don’t shed, but if you’ve … It was created by Captain Max von Stephanitz as a herding dog initially. German Shepherd ranks as one of the most popular. Even though German Shepherds are active dogs who love outdoor adventures, not all can manage their dogs effectively. Are They Good For 1st Time Owners? 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. Experience with another dog will provide the expertise that you need to be able to cope with the strong will of a GSD. She is also involved in advocating for dog rescue, particularly Shepherds and other herding breeds. Experienced dog owners will be better prepared to help their pets overcome the difficulties of being left alone. Situations such as these are also reasons why German Shepherds may not be a good choice for first-time owners. The girl German shepherd is often a better pick overall for families with young children. These amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. An owner needs to show consistent leadership, which might be difficult for a newcomer to dog ownership. Situations such as these are also reasons why German Shepherds may not be a good choice for first-time owners. German Shepherds are generally an intelligent breed and, like many other dog breeds, love working with their owners. People who don’t own dogs often feel that just because a food is popular, that means it’s a good choice. When people acquire a dog without thinking things through, the dog might be a poor fit. Are German Shepherds Expensive Dogs to Keep? There are also other practical considerations to think about, beyond acquiring the dog. When the need for such animals began to fade, the German Shepherd found its place in the army during World War I. Twenty-five percent of all the animals entering shelters are purebreds. German Shepherd Training Book: The Simple Step-by-step Guide by Tiffany Price. Dogs in these circumstances can become noisy, destructive, or try to escape out of boredom, with an adverse outcome for all. 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. Unexpected expenses can be shocking for owners. 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. What Is the Best Way to Train Your German Shepherd For Personal Protection? However, these dogs are very independently-minded, having been originally bred to perform tasks that require them to think for themselves. If you understand dog behavior, you will find it that much easier to know how to be the “alpha” leader your dog needs. If this is your first time owning the breed (congratulations! Leaning can also be a sign that your german shepherd is nervous, scared and looking for reassurance. Don’t be surprised if your rescue German shepherd … 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. Although very easy to train they are very very stubborn and will test you at every move. Your email address will not be published. Akita vs. German Shepherd … German Shepherds will make good pets for first-time owners but will require patience and training. She enjoys visiting the National Parks in New Mexico and Texas with her dogs. They typically live about 12 years. 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. In 2003, 43,950 or 4.8% of all AKC registered dogs were German Shepherds. German Shepherds are also quite clumsy during early adolecense. However, understanding dog behavior makes these signs easier to spot so you can do something to address them. Choosing The Right German Shepherd . 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. German Shepherds are great dogs, with a lot of traits that are ideal for active owners. Poodles are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. 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. According to Hello Bark, German Shepherds are the third-smartest among 137 dog breeds, ranking after Border Collies and Labradors. The statistics show: According to the US Humane Society, “every year between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters. I am looking for a good watch and protection dog. 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. Puppies also shouldn’t be left alone for more than an hour for each month of their age, with a four-hour maximum. However, certain medical conditions and emergencies can become very expensive with this breed. These circumstances tragically lead to many dogs becoming homeless. What you will do when you go on vacation is also something to consider. 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. This breed makes good as a service dog. The German shepherd is a large breed that can grow to be between 50-90 pounds. 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. 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. Read on to learn more about each of these considerations before making your choice. Is Your Lifestyle Good for German Shepherds? Who will take care of the German Shepherd if you end up hospitalized or die unexpectedly? German Shepherds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. ), you'll definitely want to go through these tips. In truth, German Shepherd owners are never lonely because their loyal canines are always by their side. 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. This retention rate is one that generally looks promising. 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. Well, that's huge. There's a good reason my first dogs were German Shepherds! These amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. Will the dog go with you if you move? As a result of this, they will naturally look to their owners for direction. Hip dysplasia can require surgery, costing several thousands of dollars. However, there are some traits that can present challenges for new dog owners that are good to know about before getting one. 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. Rehoming a dog should be done under severe circumstances. One thing that many non-Shepherd owners don’t realize is how much these dogs bond to their owners, making long periods alone traumatic. Should First-Time Owners Choose a German Shepherd or a Labrador? A German Shepherd cooped up in a space that's too small will become destructive and moody. 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. What you go on vacation? 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. Those that do, will receive a lifetime of unmatched loyalty, love and devotion from their dog. So, you’ve decided on either buying or adopting your first dog and are considering getting a German Shepherd. Vacation arrangements are something that many don’t think about. Do I Need to Consider Longer-Term Concerns for German Shepherds? Many are amazed when they see how quickly GSDs pick up new information. According to Kristina Lotz, it is usually easy to tell when a German Shepherd is bored. It’s not uncommon for non-dog owners to base most of their knowledge of such things on anecdotal information from friends with dogs. 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. 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. Here’s a recap of why! Making the decision to get a dog is a big one, but deciding to start out with a large dog breed? Unfortunately, too many dogs end up in shelters or rescues because of poor owner planning. 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. It is very important that every puppy learns not to bite or mouth at people’s skin. 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. Experienced dog owners will find a lot to love with having a GSD in their lives. German Shepherd Puppies are an active breed with lots of energy and tenacity! However, all brands of food are not alike. When you decide to get a German Shepherd, the dog will require activities to help keep them occupied. 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 … 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. 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. A person who has never owned a dog may find themselves overwhelmed by trying to find out what to do. 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. 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. According to the FCI, the breed's English language name is German Shepherd Dog.The breed was officially [who?] 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. Required fields are marked *. Are German Shepherds Okay Being Left Alone a Lot? 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. 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. : TUC Every german shepherd Owner Should Watch This Video.. They also do very well with basic games like playing frisbee, fetching toys, and playing with a ball. The main types of expenses that must be taken into account include food, training, and veterinary care. Although rescues may not always have resources to take in another dog, this option may be the best way to find a decent home. Having a trusted family member or friend take the dog might be one option to consider. They’re cuddle bugs at home but aloof in public. People who have never had a dog in their lives before may have difficulty, possibly leading to behavior issues. One of the things that are essential when you share your home with a Shepherd is knowing how to show calm, but assertive leadership. According to Misty Ridge Animal Resort, average annual veterinary costs for adult Shepherds can run over $400 without any emergency situations. German shepherds are not for first time dog owners. Service Dog : Yes . German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs and they would work alongside their owners for many hours on a daily basis. If you’re unfamiliar with dog behavior, you might find trying to keep a German Shepherd busy quite tricky. Other activities, such as tracking or hiking, are also worth considering. 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. Good For First Time Owners : No . Here at TrainYourGSD, we're dedicated to providing all resources that you need to become a responsible and knowledgeable German Shepherds dog owners 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. Unfortunately, as German Shepherds are used in the police force, people presume they are generally aggressive, so ensuring good mouth manners is essential. Find out what to do be poor choices for apartment residents and those who would leave their alone... They need, there should be done under severe circumstances dog will provide the that... 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