My Tips For First-Time German Shepherd Owners
Owning a German Shepherd doesn’t have to be as difficult as it looks.
So why do so many people struggle to train and care for them?
At the age of Eighteen, I felt prepared to embark on the journey of owning my first dog. Having grown up with dogs, I was eager to have a furry companion of my own as I transitioned into adulthood.
Choosing the breed was an easy decision for me as I had always dreamt of having a German Shepherd.
Excitedly, I delved into researching everything about this magnificent breed, undeterred by the potential challenges. I didn’t fully grasp the implications of walking such a large dog or the financial responsibilities that came with it, like the cost of food and vet bills. However, over the course of the next nine years, I gained invaluable insights and experiences while raising my German Shepherd.
So I have put together this guide in the hopes you will make the right decision on your choice of breed.
A fully grown male shepherd comes in at an enormous 45–50 kgs and females 30–40 kgs, this may seem intimidating at first, but there is an extremely soft and lovable nature under all that fur.
With dedication and love, you can become a proud owner of a wonderful companion.
Advice for picking your pup
In order to have the best chance of getting a healthy German Shepherd, selecting a reputable breeder is a no-brainer, but how do you know who’s best?
Ask these questions first and foremost:
What is Mum and Dad’s hip score? Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is common in many large breeds, with a 19% chance in GSDs, scores are 0–3 with 0 being excellent. The pup’s parents should have been x-rayed prior to pregnancy.
Are Puppies Up To Date With Vaccinations And Vet Care? By the time your pup is ready to be picked up, they should have had worming treatment, initial vaccinations, health screening and checkups like any other breed of puppy.
Can I meet both parents? You should always be able to meet the parents of your puppy upon choosing your pup or collecting them. Meeting the parents provides valuable insight into the temperament of your potential pup. The temperament of a dog is influenced by genetics, and observing the parents can give you an idea of what to expect in terms of behaviour, personality, and potential challenges.
Things you will need:
Apart from the usual items, you would buy for a puppy such as bowls, toys and food, there are some extra things to consider buying to give your pup the best start and make it easier on you.
- A large crate- preferably metal, the pup may look small and cute but those teeth will soon be put to work on those bars so avoid plastic!
A crate’s purpose is to train your dog to be comfortable without your presence while also protecting your home. Make sure it is big enough for him to stand up and move around, line one half with newspaper for accidents and one half for a blanket or bed.
- Strong collars and leads- Thick nylon webbing or leather is best to ensure your soon-to-be very big animal is safely kept in line on walks.
Walking such a big strong dog it’s best to use strong materials in the event of pulling on walks. The halti or gentle leader is a great option to keep complete control over them, the gentle leader straps around the back of your dog’s head and around the muzzle, gently guiding the dog’s head away from distractions.
- A good vacuum cleaner!
German Shepherds shed all year round, so be prepared and arm yourself with a vacuum with a pet hair removal tool.
What to expect from your pup
Behaviour- From ages, 0–4 can require a lot of patience.
Because of their large stature, a boisterous Shepherd can be a handful at any age, so it’s important to keep them amused and busy.
A bored Shepherd can easily become destructive due to their high level of intelligence, they require challenges and like to have a ‘job’, even if that means letting them patrol the garden for intruders.
You may find that when out with your shepherd, other people’s attitudes about the breed can cause discouragement. So although people will make you feel like you should, you do not need to muzzle your shepherd, if you have correctly socialised them as a pup you should have a very friendly sociable dog. However, if you have noticed your dog is nervous or uncomfortable around other dogs, then by all means please do use one, your dog will feel more secure knowing he can’t bite.
The development cycle
5 weeks to 3 months old (socialisation period) This period of time is crucial for setting your dog up for social success, making sure you expose your dog to all types of social situations to boost their confidence.
3 months to 6 months (juvenile period) At this point, your dog will begin to lose his baby teeth and with that comes the teething stage. No rug corner or sock will be safe, so be sure to remove items you want to protect.
6 months to 24 months (adolescence period) This is the time when your German Shepherd’s personality will really begin to shine through, it’s also the time when you will need the most patience as your once sweet pup has now grown into a huge furry teenager. Hyperactivity will be the most common issue you will face during this period.
24 months+ (adulthood) At 2 years you now have a fully grown Shepherd, they still have some filling out to do physically but they are well on their way to being a well-behaved family member. Keep bad habits at bay with plenty of exercise and bonding time.
What are German Shepherds really like?
Despite their tough exterior, with care and attention, you will find yourself enjoying the company of a cuddly warm-natured friend for life. They are exceptionally great with children and a well-mannered housemate. They enjoy playing and lounging on the sofa, all while maintaining their reputation as chief security guard over your home.
Consider adopting ❗️
Alternatively, you can choose from many GSD rehoming centres across the country. Since the pandemic, dog rescue homes are full of dogs in need, as many people bought puppies and have not spent the time to train their dogs to their full potential.
Finally, my most important tip would be to enjoy your dog to the fullest.
Take him on family trips, have cuddles on the sofa and play with him when he asks you to.
He may be big, hairy, powerful, loud and expensive, but the pure joy these dogs can bring to your life is priceless.
