IS A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG RIGHT FOR YOU?

You need to spend a lot of time to educate yourself about what to expect from the German Shepherd Dog before you get one, and what you should do once you own one.  This is NOT the only thing to read on German Shepherds, search the internet, go to your library, talk to Shepherd owners. . . but do GET TO KNOW THE BREED!

The German Shepherd Dog is probably the most popular breed of dog in the world. But that does not mean that it is the right breed for everyone. Animal shelters euthanize thousands of German Shepherd Dogs, as well as other breeds, every year because people have gotten the dog, and then realized that it was not suited to them and their lifestyle. Some of the excuses we hear are:

• I don't have time.

• I didn't realize it would get so big.

• I didn't realize how much energy they have.

• I can't afford to feed the dog.

• I can't afford to pay to keep the dog up on vet care.

• He is too destructive.

• He barks too much.

• He is too wild, and won't listen to me.

• He sheds too much.

• I'm allergic to him. 

• I'm having a baby.

• It was my husband's / wife's dog.

• I'm getting married.

• I'm moving and can't take the dog.

• My dog doesn't like my new boyfriend/girlfriend.

German Shepherds shed a lot. If having dog hair flying around your house bothers you, then you definitely should not consider getting a German Shepherd. They shed continuously, as well as blow all their undercoat at least twice a year, spring and fall. If you have an intact female (meaning one that has not been spayed), then she will also shed prior to her heat cycles twice a year, which is in addition to the spring/fall shed (Of course if you adopt from us your female will already be spayed or your contract will specify a time frame in which YOU are to get her spayed).  To help with this, they should be brushed regularly. But this will still not stop the fur balls from collecting everywhere.

German Shepherds are a large breed, and a very energetic one. They require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They do not do well confined to a dog run or yard on their own all day, every day. They are very devoted to their family members, and much prefer to be with them every waking moment, rather than shut away on their own. 

If you are going to be gone for long periods of time, and do not have the time for training and playing that the GSD needs, then please consider another breed of dog. German Shepherd Dogs do NOT do well as outside dogs left in kennels with little or no attention, nor do they do well sitting out on a chain all day, just being fed twice a day, with little human contact. They love people, and they want to be with people. The more time you spend with your GSD, the better he will get. A GSD left for long periods of a time will quickly become a nuisance barker, digger, and chewer.

A German Shepherd Dog is a very intelligent animal, and easily learns whatever you teach him – including those things you unintentionally teach him! A determined German Shepherd Dog can open any door (just ask some of us with teeth marks in our door knobs), lock you out, and open any cupboard, drawer, garbage can to get what he wants when he wants it. See the dog sitting behind you intently studying how you do something...they are figuring out how to open that door so that they can get those treats themselves when they like!

They require obedience training, basic commands and house manners. German Shepherds are a very powerful breed, and unless taught to walk nicely on lead, they can drag their owner on quite a tour of the neighborhood. Obedience training should also include socialization, with other animals and with humans. An unsocialized German Shepherd can become very dog/animal and even human aggressive.

German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs, and require a firm handler. This does NOT mean an abusive handler but, rather, one that will confidently take his/her place as pack leader  (there is a BIG difference). German Shepherds need a job to do, and if left to their own devices too often, they will create their own enjoyment, which could be eating your furniture, digging up your back yard, or barking non-stop all day long.

Remember, the GSD is a big dog, an active dog, a working dog, and a loyal dog.  So if you don't mind a little extra vacuuming and extra time spent on your dog, then in return you will have a wonderful companion.