She enjoys visiting the National Parks in New Mexico and Texas with her dogs. History of the breeds. Akitas are dominate in size and personality and need a strong, confident owner. Who will take care of the German Shepherd if you end up hospitalized or die unexpectedly? Are German Shepherds Expensive Dogs to Keep? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Should you be moving to a distant location, will you be driving or flying with the dog? Here at TrainYourGSD, we're dedicated to providing all resources that you need to become a responsible and knowledgeable German Shepherds dog owners German Shepherds are generally an intelligent breed and, like many other dog breeds, love working with their owners. They require a lot of daily physical activity, around 2 hours a day (this can be a huge time commitment). However, there are some traits that can present challenges for new dog owners that are good to know about before getting one. 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. Will you need to use boarding facilities while you are in the process of moving into your new home? The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed dating back to 1899. 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. They’re cuddle bugs at home but aloof in public. 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 … High-protein foods are best for German Shepherd Dogs. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs. Oftentimes, your German Shepherd will own you (not the other way around)! Don’t be surprised if your rescue German shepherd … 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. 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. According to AKC 2003 registrations, German Shepherds are the 4th most popular breed in the US. Having a trusted family member or friend take the dog might be one option to consider. People who have never had dogs are often unaware of the importance of this relationship between dogs and owners. German Shepherds, like all dogs, do best in settings where their owners have been prepared. ), you'll definitely want to go through these tips. They aren’t the best breed for first-time pet owners and are more suited for a one-dog household. 2. They can learn any … German Shepherds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. However, all brands of food are not alike. Many are amazed when they see how quickly GSDs pick up new information. Another possibility would be a no-kill rescue, preferably one that specializes in caring for German Shepherds. Service Dog : Yes . I am looking for a good watch and protection dog. This is why it is important to give your German Shepherd lots of training so … 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. 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. This breed makes good as a service dog. A GSD is not a dog that does well being left home alone for extended periods of time. Experienced dog owners will find a lot to love with having a GSD in their lives. Will the dog go with you if you move? German Shepherd is an intelligent dog breed – The largest percentage of police dogs all over the … Unfortunately, too many dogs end up in shelters or rescues because of poor owner planning. 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. Teaching your German Shepherd that you are the leader of the pack , the alpha, is extremely important. What you go on vacation? I think that rescue dogs are trained somewhat and need a loving home. 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. Should First-Time Owners Choose a German Shepherd or a Labrador? German Shepherds will make good pets for first-time owners but will require patience and training. Many would recommend that people only get a German Shepherd after having owned another type of dog before. If you've had a German Shepherd before, this will be a good refresher. German Shepherds do not do well being left alone for more than four hours at a time. One of the things that are essential when you share your home with a Shepherd is knowing how to show calm, but assertive leadership. German Shepherd Dogs SHED. 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. As this video demonstrates, German Shepherds are a special breed, and they require a particular type of owner. 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. Even though German Shepherds are active dogs who love outdoor adventures, not all can manage their dogs effectively. According to Misty Ridge Animal Resort, average annual veterinary costs for adult Shepherds can run over $400 without any emergency situations. 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. They Have High Intelligence. 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. It is very important that every puppy learns not to bite or mouth at people’s skin. Are German Shepherds Good for First Time Owners? Dogs in these circumstances can become noisy, destructive, or try to escape out of boredom, with an adverse outcome for all. Your relationship with your German Shepherd needs to be one where the dog sees you as a leader. Three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. These dogs can be poor choices for apartment residents and those who would leave their dog alone in the yard all day. Hip dysplasia can require surgery, costing several thousands of dollars. Stacy is a freelance writer who has always shared her life with dogs, especially German Shepherds. Like all dogs, German Shepherds are unique and need special care to ensure they have the best life possible. Choosing food that suits Shepherd’s needs is better than choosing a generic type of food. Although very easy to train they are very very stubborn and will test you at every move. For a dog to thrive in an environment, care needs to be taken to respect the dog’s needs. 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. I am financially ready and any one of these dogs will get plenty of excercise. Are They Good For 1st Time Owners? 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. The main types of expenses that must be taken into account include food, training, and veterinary care. 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. Gastric portion, or bloat, can also require expensive surgery. An owner needs to show consistent leadership, which might be difficult for a newcomer to dog ownership. All of those traits are what you get in an ideal German Shepherd. Do I Need to Consider Longer-Term Concerns for German Shepherds? If this is your first time owning the breed (congratulations! Unexpected expenses can be shocking for 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. 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