Using a kennel, as well as the costs associated with transportation, need to be considered as a regular moving expense to consider. 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. In truth, German Shepherd owners are never lonely because their loyal canines are always by their side. 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. 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. A GSD is not a dog that does well being left home alone for extended periods of time. Taking in a German Shepherd or any other type of dog is a lifetime commitment. It is very important that every puppy learns not to bite or mouth at people’s skin. The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed dating back to 1899. 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. German Shepherd is an intelligent dog breed – The largest percentage of police dogs all over the … Leaning can also be a sign that your german shepherd is nervous, scared and looking for reassurance. However, there are some traits that can present challenges for new dog owners that are good to know about before getting one. You’ll also need to think about feeding, grooming, and veterinary costs. 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. I’m not sure who started the rumor that GSDs don’t shed, but if you’ve … After the first world war, many American soldiers took German Shepherds back with them after seeing how devoted they were as military dogs. So which of these types would best fit for a family dog. Situations such as these are also reasons why German Shepherds may not be a good choice for first-time owners. All of those traits are what you get in an ideal German Shepherd. When people acquire a dog without thinking things through, the dog might be a poor fit. Many would recommend that people only get a German Shepherd after having owned another type of dog before. 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 … If you’ve had other dogs in the past, you’ve probably found useful routines that help keep your dog better occupied. Experienced dog owners will find a lot to love with having a GSD in their lives. People who don’t own dogs often feel that just because a food is popular, that means it’s a good choice. 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. As a result of this, they will naturally look to their owners for direction. 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. 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. German Shepherd Training Book: The Simple Step-by-step Guide by Tiffany Price. According to AKC 2003 registrations, German Shepherds are the 4th most popular breed in the US. The female GSD is considered less apt to become territorial in the presence of strangers. Akita vs. German Shepherd … The German Shepherd thrives in advanced agility work and on agility courses. These circumstances tragically lead to many dogs becoming homeless. Before you decide to get a German Shepherd, issues such as moving, care during vacation, and emergency care needs to be considered. : TUC Every german shepherd Owner Should Watch This Video.. No . 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. German Shepherds are great dogs, with a lot of traits that are ideal for active owners. I am a first time dog owner and I am planning to get one of these dogs from a rescue. Those that do, will receive a lifetime of unmatched loyalty, love and devotion from their dog. Is Your Lifestyle Good for German Shepherds? Poodles are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. Best Companion Dog for German Shepherd: Which Breeds Top the List? But the German Shepherd is a large breed that's also very active and busy. 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. These amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. 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. Your email address will not be published. This breed makes good as a service dog. Making the decision to get a dog is a big one, but deciding to start out with a large dog breed? 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. Are German Shepherds Okay Being Left Alone a Lot? 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. High-protein foods are best for German Shepherd Dogs. A German Shepherd cooped up in a space that's too small will become destructive and moody. When the need for such animals began to fade, the German Shepherd found its place in the army during World War I. Experienced dog owners will be better prepared to help their pets overcome the difficulties of being left alone. For a dog to thrive in an environment, care needs to be taken to respect the dog’s needs. The main types of expenses that must be taken into account include food, training, and veterinary care. Twenty-five percent of all the animals entering shelters are purebreds. Experience with another dog will provide the expertise that you need to be able to cope with the strong will of a GSD. German Shepherds are also quite clumsy during early adolecense. There are also other practical considerations to think about, beyond acquiring the dog. 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. Situations such as these are also reasons why German Shepherds may not be a good choice for first-time owners. Although very easy to train they are very very stubborn and will test you at every move. German Shepherds will make good pets for first-time owners but will require patience and training. They typically live about 12 years. 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. German Shepherds are generally an intelligent breed and, like many other dog breeds, love working with their owners. 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. Although all dogs require care, GSDs, in particular, are vulnerable to disruption to their lives. People who have never had dogs before are often unaware of how much certain costs may vary. Vacation arrangements are something that many don’t think about. 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. 2. History of the breeds. Don’t be surprised if your rescue German shepherd … It’s not uncommon for non-dog owners to base most of their knowledge of such things on anecdotal information from friends with dogs. You’ll need to make sure the dog is welcome at the property. Three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. Behaviors like pacing or tail-chasing, while somewhat humorous, can be two of the most obvious signs that your dog is bored. 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. However, these dogs are very independently-minded, having been originally bred to perform tasks that require them to think for themselves. Choosing The Right German Shepherd . However, certain medical conditions and emergencies can become very expensive with this breed. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. 3. Unexpected expenses can be shocking for owners. What Is the Best Way to Train Your German Shepherd For Personal Protection? The protein helps muscle development and helps the dog maintain a healthy weight. The German Shepherd (German: Deutscher Schäferhund, German pronunciation: [ˈdɔʏtʃɐ ˈʃɛːfɐˌhʊnt]) is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. German Shepherd Puppies are an active breed with lots of energy and tenacity! 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. The answer to whether German Shepherds are easy to train is both yes and no. Service Dog : Yes . 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. According to Kristina Lotz, it is usually easy to tell when a German Shepherd is bored. In 2003, 43,950 or 4.8% of all AKC registered dogs were German Shepherds. She is also involved in advocating for dog rescue, particularly Shepherds and other herding breeds. When you decide to get a German Shepherd, the dog will require activities to help keep them occupied. Although rescues may not always have resources to take in another dog, this option may be the best way to find a decent home. People who are thinking of getting a German Shepherd would benefit from thinking about what would happen to the dog in these circumstances. This retention rate is one that generally looks promising. Failure to socialize or trai… A person who has never owned a dog may find themselves overwhelmed by trying to find out what to do. German Shepherd ranks as one of the most popular. Are you ready to … Approximately 43% said yes, the German shepherd would make a good first pet. German Shepherds, like all dogs, do best in settings where their owners have been prepared. She enjoys visiting the National Parks in New Mexico and Texas with her dogs. Choosing food that suits Shepherd’s needs is better than choosing a generic type of food. 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 dogs are often unaware of the importance of this relationship between dogs and owners. As this video demonstrates, German Shepherds are a special breed, and they require a particular type of owner. 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 They Good For 1st Time Owners? Dogs in these circumstances can become noisy, destructive, or try to escape out of boredom, with an adverse outcome for all. 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. 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 thing that many non-Shepherd owners don’t realize is how much these dogs bond to their owners, making long periods alone traumatic. I think that rescue dogs are trained somewhat and need a loving home. First-time dog owners may find themselves poorly prepared for the demands that a German Shepherd could require. Required fields are marked *. Copyright © 2021 Anything German Shepherd, German Shepherds do not do well being left alone. These amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. Many are amazed when they see how quickly GSDs pick up new information. They’re cuddle bugs at home but aloof in public. They can learn any … 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. Unfortunately, too many dogs end up in shelters or rescues because of poor owner planning. 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. If you understand dog behavior, you will find it that much easier to know how to be the “alpha” leader your dog needs. 1. 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. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent 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. They require a lot of daily physical activity, around 2 hours a day (this can be a huge time commitment). Unfortunately, as German Shepherds are used in the police force, people presume they are generally aggressive, so ensuring good mouth manners is essential. Well, that's huge. Rehoming a dog should be done under severe circumstances. Teaching your German Shepherd that you are the leader of the pack , the alpha, is extremely important. 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. First-time dog owners may find themselves poorly prepared for the demands that a German Shepherd could require. If you’re a first-time dog owner, some of these situations may be challenging if you are not prepared. 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. We have no children under 16 in our family. Here at TrainYourGSD, we're dedicated to providing all resources that you need to become a responsible and knowledgeable German Shepherds dog owners This is why it is important to give your German Shepherd lots of training so … 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. Like all dogs, German Shepherds are unique and need special care to ensure they have the best life possible. Who will take care of the German Shepherd if you end up hospitalized or die unexpectedly? German shepherds are not for first time dog owners. 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. They Have High Intelligence. If you’re unfamiliar with dog behavior, you might find trying to keep a German Shepherd busy quite tricky. Read on to learn more about each of these considerations before making your choice. However, understanding dog behavior makes these signs easier to spot so you can do something to address them. What you will do when you go on vacation is also something to consider. If you've had a German Shepherd before, this will be a good refresher. 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