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For anyone considering adding a furry friend to their family, the question of what breed to choose is a big one. Some people have their hearts set on a specific type of dog, while others are open to any and all options. For those who are stuck between a few different breeds, doing some research is key. German Shepherds are a popular choice for first-time dog owners, but are German Shepherds good first dogs for you?
Is owning a German Shepherd hard?
It’s a well-known fact that owning a dog isn’t easy. Between training, grooming, and walking, it can get pretty expensive. However, there’s good news for those who are ready to invest in a canine companion — German Shepherds are some of the most intelligent and trainable dogs in the world. Yet, is owning a German Shepherd for the first hard?
Many people believe that owning a German Shepherd is hard because they are such large and active dogs. However, if you are prepared to put in the time and effort to train and exercise them, then they can make wonderful, loyal, and loving companions.
German Shepherds are also very intelligent, so if you are willing to give them the attention they need, they can be a great addition to your family. With a little patience and effort, you’ll be able to bond with your new furry friend and enjoy all the benefits that come with owning a German shepherd.
Easy to Train
Before deciding whether to bring this furry buddy into your life, you may wonder, “Are German Shepherds easy to train?” Given that this is an important aspect of owning a dog. Well, to bring ease to your mind, German shepherds are typically easy to train because they are sharp and eager to please their masters. They are also quick learners, which makes them able to pick up new commands and tricks easily. German shepherds are also versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, such as obedience, agility, tracking, and even protection work.
Good with People and Dogs
One of the best dog breeds for both people and other dogs is the German Shepherd. They make wonderful family pets since they are sharp, obedient, and protectors. The ability to learn commands quickly and their eagerness to please their masters are other traits associated with German Shepherds. A German Shepherd with family is truly a lifelong companionship.
Minimal Health Issues
Although German Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, there are a few health conditions to be aware of. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, which are both genetic conditions that can cause joint problems.
German Shepherds are also prone to bloat, a condition that can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Therefore, if you decide to bring a German Shepherd into your family as a first dog, it’s crucial to maintain his health. Be sure to feed him a high-quality diet and give him lots of physical activity and love too!
Owning a German Shepherd Quick Tips
What a joy if you decide to own a furry friend like a Shepherd, they’ll add light and love to your life, however, they also need to be taken good care of, here are some quick tips on owning a German Shepherd:
- Make sure you have plenty of space for them to run around, as they need a lot of exercise.
- They shed a lot, so be prepared to vacuum often!
- They are intelligent dogs and relatively easy to train, but they need firm and consistent discipline.
- Be prepared to groom them regularly, as they need to be brushed and trimmed.
- They are prone to a few health conditions, but they are generally healthy dogs. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and a few types of cancer.
- Make sure you have up-to-date shots before bringing your new fur baby home.
| German Shepherd Tips | New Owner Information |
| Gentle guidance when exploring | Socialization skills around people, places, objects, and other animals |
| Daily training sessions | Short, fun training in only 2 – 3 minutes |
| Redirect their unwanted biting | Show them what you want them to chew |
| Watch them closely indoors | Potty habits must be taught early on |
| Use toy food feeders | Control their calories and how fast they eat |
| Use the Ignore Method | When they are showing behavior you don’t want to |
| Give them a job | Keep their minds and bodies occupied with what you want |
Do German Shepherds Make Good Pets for New Owners?
A German Shepherd is one of the best dogs for first-time owners for a number of reasons. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. They are also loyal and protective, which can give first-time dog owners a sense of security.
German Shepherds are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for families with young children. However, as was already said before, there are a few health issues specific to German Shepherds that should be considered before bringing one home. As with any dog, it’s crucial to keep your German Shepherd up to date, take him to the vet frequently, and make sure he gets plenty of exercises.
Here are some additional characteristics of a german shepherd that set it apart and make it an attractive companion for new owners.
German Shepherds need to be meticulously groomed
This is because they are a high-maintenance breed that is prone to mats and tangles. Grooming your German Shepherd on a regular basis will keep them looking their best and feeling their best.
If you don’t groom your German Shepherd on a regular basis, they may start to feel uncomfortable or even in pain. This is because their hair can become matted and tangled which can pull on their skin and make them very uncomfortable.
Additionally, if you don’t brush your German Shepherd regularly, their hair will continue to grow longer and will eventually cover their eyes. This can lead to eye problems and other health issues.
Grooming your German Shepherd doesn’t have to be a difficult task. In fact, it can actually be quite enjoyable for both you and your dog if you follow these tips on how to properly groom your potential furry friend.
German Shepherds are excellent watchdogs and are incredibly devoted
Your German Shepherd will surprise you with his instinctive loyalty and protectiveness after the initial icebreaker, and you will undoubtedly unlock a world full of love.
German Shepherds are known to be incredibly devoted to their families. They are also known for being protective of their homes and families, which makes them ideal guard dogs. Your decision to own a furry Shepherd companion will undoubtedly keep you safe and loved at all costs.
German Shepherds could display aggressive behavior towards other dogs
German Shepherds could be aggressive towards other dogs. That’s why part of owning a Shepherd is to make sure that you will take your time to socialize with other dogs early on and also train them properly. This will help them to be less hostile towards other dogs when they are older.
German Shepherds have a long lifespan
With a life expectancy of 9 to 13 years, German Shepherds are one of the breeds with the longest life spans. They are a breed that can do it all, which makes them ideal as first dogs and you will get to establish happy memories with them throughout the years. You will, however, need to take good care of them, feed them appropriately, and take them to regular vet checkups.
German Shepherds are highly active
German Shepherds are highly active dogs that need a lot of exercise. They also need to keep mentally stimulated in order to stay happy and healthy. A tired dog is a good dog, so make sure if you decide to get a German Shepherd to give him plenty of playtime and mental stimulation every day.
German Shepherds are prone to anxiety
German Shepherds are known for being affectionate and needing attention. If their needs aren’t met, they can develop anxiety. German Shepherds make great companion dogs because they crave attention and love being around people. So be prepared to accommodate their needs if you decide to bring this furry buddy into your home.
The likelihood of hip dysplasia in German Shepherds is higher
It is crucial to be aware that German shepherds are more prone to hip dysplasia than other breeds of dogs. This is because their hips are not as well-formed as other dogs’. This can lead to pain and arthritis later in life.
While there is no cure for hip dysplasia, there are treatments that can help relieve the pain and improve the dog’s quality of life. Proper nutrition and the right amount of exercise also play a part in reducing the risk that your puppy will get it.
Before adopting a German Shepherd, ask your breeder about his parents’ hip dysplasia test to determine their hip history.
Are German Shepherds OK to be left alone?
German Shepherds are not recommended to be left alone for long periods of time. They are a social breed and need human interaction to stay happy and healthy. If you must leave your German Shepherd alone, try to do so for no more than four hours at a time.
If you leave a German shepherd alone for a long time, it can become anxious and restless. It may start to bark excessively or chew on things to relieve its boredom. If this continues for too long, the dog may become destructive and begin to lash out. To avoid this, you will need to make sure that you are ready to give your German shepherd plenty of attention and exercise. Take it for walks, play with it, and train it regularly. This will help keep its mind active and prevent it from becoming bored.
Will a German Shepherd protect you without training?
German shepherds are bred as working dogs and are therefore instinctively protective of their homes and families. They are naturally alert and attentive and will bark to warn of any potential threats.
German shepherds are also very loyal and will stick by their owners through thick and thin. So does this mean that a German Shepherd will protect you without training? Yes, A German Shepherd will protect you without training if you bring them into your home. They are loyal dogs that will guard you and your family against harm.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Puppy Cost?
If you’d like to become a first-time German Shepherd owner, be prepared to spend around $500-$1000. This price can vary depending on the breeder, location, and pedigree.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering adding a fur-ever friend to your family, do some research on the different breeds to see which one is the best fit for you. German Shepherds are a popular choice for first-time dog owners, they are versatile, full of love, active, loyal, and protective, but they might not be the best breed for everyone, since they have a strong character and need to be properly cared for. So it is imperative to consider your lifestyle and personality before making a decision. And if you feel like you’re up for the challenge, a German shepherd could be the perfect addition to your home.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about getting a German shepherd as your first dog:
German Shepherds Are Loyal Breed
One of the main reasons German shepherds are so popular as first dogs is their loyalty. German shepherds are known for being very obedient and loving, which is great if you’re looking for a dog that will be loyal to you and your family. They’re also known for being very smart, so they’ll be able to learn quickly.
German Shepherds Are Intelligent Breed
German shepherds are also considered to be one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs. They’re able to learn quickly and are generally quite obedient. This means they’ll be able to get along well with other members of your family and be a great companion.
German Shepherds Are Athletic Breed
One of the things that make German shepherds so popular as first dogs are their athleticism. They’re known for being able to run fast and jump high. This makes them great for activities like running and playing fetch. So before deciding whether this breed will suit you, ask yourself what types of own interests & hobbies & outdoor capabilities do prior match.
