General information on the breed
Oh those cute puppies, and the regal, obedient adults! German Shepherds are fantastic dogs with amazing potential.
Loyal, loving, great with children, amazing workers and top notch companions. But this is their POTENTIAL. It is what they can be, if bred, raised, trained and socialized correctly. They do not just turn into great dogs on their own, it is up to the two legged being on the other end of the leash to assure that they mature into stable and well behaved adults.
GSDs are not very hard to train, they are eager to please and want to figure out what you want them to do...and do it. They are very intelligent quick learners. But, as with any intelligent breed, they will keep you on your toes. We do not recommend this breed for the novice dog owner, experience with large breeds is recommended. Their protective nature is one of their best aspects, but also can turn into a big problem if not handled and sculpted correctly.
A firm but fair hand is necessary in their rearing. You need to be a good leader, and let that show in your interaction with the dog from day one. Everyone who has or is considering having a GSD should know that they have an uncomfortably high bite-rate. It isn't a pleasant thought, but reality. It is your job as owner/companion/leader to encourage confidence in a shepherd. Fearful and nervous dogs will bite, avoiding that is a big step toward assuring that your shepherd will not end up a statistic. On the other hand, a dog who is allowed to rule the roost and feels dominant can be uneccessarily aggressive. Confident but submissive is the goal in raising these dogs, and not difficult if you know how to do it, and/or have the support of others who do.
GSDs can be energetic/drivey dogs. They were created/bred to do a job (or 6!) and need not only physical, but mental exercise and stimulation. Just taking a GSD for a walk twice a day is not likely to be enough. And if they do not get sufficient exercise (of the body and mind), they will find their own outlets for their thinking and energy. Likely, you will not be pleased with the activities they choose to take part in. Digging, chewing, destroying, barking, etc. These are not issues themselves, but symptoms of the underlying issue...boredom. A bored dog is a problem dog. You don't need to spend 8 hours a day working your dog, but a few walks along with a nice long play/training session at minimum is a good idea.
Socialization is another key point. Get that puppy out there experiencing as many different things and people as possible from the start. You want to create a broad base of positive experiences for the pup to draw from as it matures. People fear what they aren't familiar with and don't understand, so can dogs. A well socialized dog is much more likely to be a stable adult who behaves accordingly in all situations. Also, take into account that GSDs (like other breeds) go through 'fear phases' at different points in development. Typically at about 12 weeks and again at 6 months. Things that weren't issues for the pup before can all of the sudden trigger fearful reactions. It is crucial that these periods are handled the right way. Do not coddle, pet, praise, touch a pup displaying fear. Any contact is reinforcing to that pup that they are reacting the right way. Ignore the fear. If you can, encourage the pup to investigate the object or whatnot causing the response, so that they can see it is nothing to fear and build confidence.
Shepherds do shed guard hairs year round, as well as 'blow coat' twice per year. It can very well look like the dog blew up in your home during those periods! A good diet and regular grooming can make a big difference, just be aware that you may have to vaccuum a bit more than normal when they blow coat.
Loyal, loving, great with children, amazing workers and top notch companions. But this is their POTENTIAL. It is what they can be, if bred, raised, trained and socialized correctly. They do not just turn into great dogs on their own, it is up to the two legged being on the other end of the leash to assure that they mature into stable and well behaved adults.
GSDs are not very hard to train, they are eager to please and want to figure out what you want them to do...and do it. They are very intelligent quick learners. But, as with any intelligent breed, they will keep you on your toes. We do not recommend this breed for the novice dog owner, experience with large breeds is recommended. Their protective nature is one of their best aspects, but also can turn into a big problem if not handled and sculpted correctly.
A firm but fair hand is necessary in their rearing. You need to be a good leader, and let that show in your interaction with the dog from day one. Everyone who has or is considering having a GSD should know that they have an uncomfortably high bite-rate. It isn't a pleasant thought, but reality. It is your job as owner/companion/leader to encourage confidence in a shepherd. Fearful and nervous dogs will bite, avoiding that is a big step toward assuring that your shepherd will not end up a statistic. On the other hand, a dog who is allowed to rule the roost and feels dominant can be uneccessarily aggressive. Confident but submissive is the goal in raising these dogs, and not difficult if you know how to do it, and/or have the support of others who do.
GSDs can be energetic/drivey dogs. They were created/bred to do a job (or 6!) and need not only physical, but mental exercise and stimulation. Just taking a GSD for a walk twice a day is not likely to be enough. And if they do not get sufficient exercise (of the body and mind), they will find their own outlets for their thinking and energy. Likely, you will not be pleased with the activities they choose to take part in. Digging, chewing, destroying, barking, etc. These are not issues themselves, but symptoms of the underlying issue...boredom. A bored dog is a problem dog. You don't need to spend 8 hours a day working your dog, but a few walks along with a nice long play/training session at minimum is a good idea.
Socialization is another key point. Get that puppy out there experiencing as many different things and people as possible from the start. You want to create a broad base of positive experiences for the pup to draw from as it matures. People fear what they aren't familiar with and don't understand, so can dogs. A well socialized dog is much more likely to be a stable adult who behaves accordingly in all situations. Also, take into account that GSDs (like other breeds) go through 'fear phases' at different points in development. Typically at about 12 weeks and again at 6 months. Things that weren't issues for the pup before can all of the sudden trigger fearful reactions. It is crucial that these periods are handled the right way. Do not coddle, pet, praise, touch a pup displaying fear. Any contact is reinforcing to that pup that they are reacting the right way. Ignore the fear. If you can, encourage the pup to investigate the object or whatnot causing the response, so that they can see it is nothing to fear and build confidence.
Shepherds do shed guard hairs year round, as well as 'blow coat' twice per year. It can very well look like the dog blew up in your home during those periods! A good diet and regular grooming can make a big difference, just be aware that you may have to vaccuum a bit more than normal when they blow coat.
