Are German shepherds good for first time owners? German Shepherds are famous dogs because they are smart, loyal, and can do many different things. But if you’ve never had a dog before, you might wonder if you should stay away from the German Shepherd breed because you want a dog that’s friendly and easy to care for. German Shepherds are excellent pets for people who have never owned a dog because they are smart, friendly, loyal, protective, and easy to train. But they need plenty of exercise, shed a lot, and don’t like being alone for long periods, so make sure this breed suits your lifestyle before considering adopting one.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about German Shepherds’ traits, whether or not they make good family pets, and what first-time dog owners should think about before welcoming this breed into the family. So, let’s start and find out if the German Shepherd is an excellent first dog for you and how you can prevent some of the early problems I had.
Something to Know About “First-Time Owners”
Shot of a woman runner running with dog on country road in morningMany individuals advise novice dog owners against getting “difficult” with the assumption that they won’t be able to manage the dog because of their inexperience. While some of this is true, it is grossly exaggerated. The truth is that your lack of expertise is far less significant than your desire to invest time with your dog to learn how to train them unless you’re dealing with a dog that has substantial behavioral problems.
Even a total beginner may rapidly catch up if they want to since there is a ton of material on training dogs available online, most of it free, or at your local library. Additionally, many dog owners have kept dogs their whole lives but have no idea how to train them. They probably believe it’s a coincidence that each dog they’ve ever had has experienced problems with leaping, not responding to commands, and even aggression.
Remember that each dog is different and must be treated as such, even if certain breeds are noted for being more assertive than others. You could bring home Siberian Husky that will gladly follow your every order or a Labrador that won’t pay attention to anything you say.
A dog’s conduct will ultimately rely on your skills and commitment as a trainer. No of the breed, if you put in the time & effort, you’ll end up with a polite dog. However, your dog will become a threat if you ignore them or put up with their bad conduct, and you can’t blame the breed for that.
Reasons Why German Shepherds are Good For First-Time Owners
Poor owner training and socialization from puppyhood make a dog nasty. First-time dog owners may train certain breeds faster than others. It depends on your lifestyle and the breed. You reside in an apartment and are inactive. In such a situation, a toy dog like a chihuahua is better than a German Shepherd, which is loving and protective but needs a lot of activity!
Your dog must have enough exercise, play, and attention to avoid behavior issues like destructive chewing. What makes a good first dog? Excellent first dogs are simple to teach, clever, loyal, protective, and healthy. Here are some reasons why German Shepherds are good for first-time owners.
🐕Easy to Learn
While you shouldn’t want your new puppy to be completely housebroken and trained when you first bring him home, you do want a dog that will be relatively simple to teach. All dogs take a lot of time and work to teach, but certain breeds are far more receptive to new experiences than others.
The German Shepherd is regarded as being very bright and trainable. You need to consider the history of the GSD, which was created specifically to herd sheep and other types of animals. This was a talent that needed intellect, focus, endurance, and judgment. Most tasks may be taught to the German Shepherd breed. They are employed as police, search, rescue, military, & service dogs because of their great trainability, obedience, and strength.
🐕Minor Health Problems
As a first-time dog owner, the last thing you want to be concerned about is making frequent trips to the veterinarian and shelling out a ton of cash on procedures and medications, particularly if you need solid pet insurance coverage, which I always advise.
All breeds have certain health problems, but you may choose one with excellent overall health until it gets older. The German Shepherd is a breed that is typically fit and healthy, yet they might sometimes have sensitive stomachs. Though most of these stomach problems, such as minor vomiting and diarrhea, might be innocuous, you shouldn’t panic.
Due to improper breeding techniques, German Shepherds are particularly susceptible to certain hereditary health issues, including hip dysplasia. To prevent puppy farms and other commercial dog breeding operations, it is crucial to choose a reputable breeder. If you want to get a German Shepherd as your first dog, read our detailed buyer’s guide on purchasing a GSD, which is filled with useful information.
🐕Good to People and Dogs
Since you’ll be spending the most time with him, you should ensure he behaves properly among dogs and humans. Therefore, early socialization is crucial. A dog who guards you well is wonderful, but a kind and welcoming dog is much better under the appropriate circumstances!
When they initially feel your approval, German Shepherds are kind to strangers. My GSD is very guarding, but she is taught, so once she understands I’m cool with the visitor coming to the home, she fully relaxes and will be friendly to the visitor.
German Shepherds get along well with children, but only if they have had the right socialization. Due to their devoted and protective character, they are especially nice to the kids they have grown up with. Please read my post on the suitability of German Shepherds and infants if you have a baby or are considering starting a family.
🐕Adaptable
Do you want a dog who can handle a challenge and likes it? The German Shepherd breed as a whole is exceptionally resilient and versatile. They thrive in metropolitan settings, big houses, rural towns, and apartments. German Shepherds may be a favorite to bring along to crowded places like public parks and breweries with the right training and socialization.
They thrive in many canine activities and professions, love learning new things, and generally get along well with their families.
German Shepherds Are Excellent First Dogs
There are a few things to consider before choosing a German Shepherd as your first dog to ensure they would be the greatest match for you and your family.
➣Lifestyle
Due to their gregarious nature, German Shepherds need a lot of engagement and input from their owners. They thrive when spending time with family and struggle if left alone for an extended period. They want your whereabouts! German Shepherds may thrive at daycare facilities, but they thrive most when their owners have the time to spend with them, play with them, and teach them.
German Shepherds are well recognized for their devotion, making them a suitable choice for owners seeking a “Velcro dog” who is both playful and obedient. They do very well in dog sports, including obedience competitions, rallies, nose work, agility, & Schutzhund, because of their high energy and passion for activities.
German Shepherds are excellent canine companions for anybody who enjoys outdoor pursuits like hiking. German Shepherds love to swim and are excellent dogs to take to the lake as well as a camping vacation, even though they aren’t often thought of as water dogs.
➣Living Environment
German Shepherds are categorized as big breed dogs and, depending on the breeding, may weigh anywhere between 40 and 90 pounds. Despite their size, they may live happily in apartments and adapt to smaller settings if they get regular exercise and have all of their psychological and physical requirements addressed.
They like being around their owners & family members constantly. They might get anxious if they are kept away from the fun of a family gathering for an extended time or left outdoors alone.
You should also confirm if German Shepherds are even permitted where you live if you’re considering acquiring one. You live in an apartment building, housing development, military installation, or another place with more stringent pet laws. German Shepherds often fall under breed limits in other places, despite weight limitations that German Shepherds frequently surpass.
➣Time
German Shepherds are herding dogs, so they have a lot of energy. Therefore, their owners need to set aside time to be with them and ensure all of their demands are fulfilled. They do best with a job or, at the very least, in settings with high activity levels. They are also very clever dogs, so to completely exhaust them, their owners must provide them with games or toys that appeal to each of their senses.
German Shepherds are not the ideal dogs to put in cages for extended periods, and they might develop certain behavioral difficulties, like separation anxiety, if their owners don’t spend sufficient time with them. German Shepherds can perform well in crates, provided they are taught correctly.
➣Personality
Most personality types can work with German Shepherds, but they thrive with owners who will match their zeal and energy. These dogs may be sensitive to harsher corrections and tones emotionally. Still, they react well to rewarding training methods and patient owners willing to work with them through any problems they may face.
Additionally, German Shepherds have a reputation for being a loud breed. So, if you reside in an apartment or a busy area, consider working with a trainer to determine why your dog may be barking excessively and what you can do to help remedy it. The ideal owner for a German Shepherd is someone who doesn’t mind having a dog connected to them at all times since they have a tendency to be clingy and may develop separation anxiety.
➣Finances
German Shepherds need a lot of food and attention because of their size and activity level. The German Shepherd does inherit a reputation of being more prone to certain hereditary disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia, which may add to possible veterinary bills. As with any dog breed, unforeseen medical expenses must also be considered.
Costs associated with your German Shepherd’s equipment, grooming, and training should also be considered.
Tips for First-Time German Shepherd Owners
Owning a new puppy comes with many responsibilities regardless of where you buy your German Shepherd. Here are some pointers to assist you in getting ready to welcome your new German Shepherd home:
👉Care
No matter their age, German Shepherds have a lot of activity, so be sure to prepare properly! Use snuffle mats, puzzle toys, or any enrichment activities to give your German Shepherd many opportunities for cerebral exercise in addition to adjusting their physical activity and exercise to their age & physical condition.
While German Shepherds do not need to go to the groomer often for a haircut, they need frequent brushing and will significantly lose their undercoat once or twice a year. The volume of hair lost during such seasons is enough to give the impression that you have one additional German Shepherd!
👉Training
Depending on the new puppy’s age, training must begin as soon as they have settled in, met everyone in the house, and had a chance to unwind from the thrill of moving.
You may begin basic training at home and consider contacting a nearby dog trainer to enroll your German Shepherd in some group lessons or inquire about getting one-on-one assistance for certain challenges or concerns. You may start potty training small pups immediately, and you can concentrate on developing a proper potty-training routine to hasten the process.
👉Nutrition
You may have a slight stomach upset due to stress and adjustments to your new dog’s diet and feeding routine, whether you adopted an adult German Shepherd or took home a puppy. This is typical, but it may be reduced by gradually changing your diet and using a probiotic to ease the adjustment. Additionally, you’ll need to monitor your German Shepherd puppy’s development and ensure that you feed them appropriately to keep them at a healthy weight.
👉Future
First-time dog owners often overlook something crucial, namely what to do with their dog when they have it. Like any other breed of dog, German Shepherds need a lifetime commitment to address their requirements. If you spend a lot of time working outside the house or have planned travels or holidays where your dog cannot go with you, you’ll need to make preparations and arrangements for the new German Shepherd.
👉Supply
Ensure you have some essential materials before obtaining your new German Shepherd. This contains bowls, toys, a leash, and accessories of high quality. A crate, a bed, training treats, and any other items you believe are necessary to have on hand before introducing your new family member home are other goods to consider.
German Shepherd Common Health Issues
Although German Shepherds are mostly healthy dogs, they might be more susceptible to some health problems than other breeds. Careful breeding practices and good maintenance may lower the likelihood of these ailments. You need to know some health issues before adopting a German shepherd.
🔍Hip Dysplasia
The hip joint doesn’t fit correctly into the hip socket due to a hereditary issue, which causes discomfort and arthritis. Selective breeding, regular exercise, and keeping a healthy weight all contribute to reducing the risk.
🔍Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder affecting the elbow joint, much to hip dysplasia. Lameness and pain may result from it.
🔍Bloating
The stomach swells up with gas and may revolve, trapping food and gas within. This is a dangerous and potentially fatal illness. It needs emergency veterinarian care.
🔍Degenerative Myelopathy
DM is a degenerative neurological condition that affects the spinal cord and causes weakness and paralysis in the hind limbs.
🔍Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency
EPI is a condition that causes malnutrition and weight loss because the pancreas fails to generate adequate digestive enzymes.
🔍Panosteitis
This ailment, sometimes called “growing pains,” affects the long bones of young German Shepherds and results in lameness and discomfort.
🔍Allergies
Food, environmental factors, or other chemicals may cause allergies in German Shepherds, resulting in skin problems and pain.
🔍Cataracts
German Shepherds may be more prone to getting cataracts, which may cause visual issues.
🔍Hemangiosarcoma
The spleen is often affected by this malignant malignancy. However, it may also affect other organs.
🔍Von Willebrand Syndrome
This issue of blood clotting has the potential to cause excessive bleeding.
A balanced diet, adequate exercise, & maintaining a healthy lifestyle may all contribute to the happiness and health of your German Shepherd. If you’re considering obtaining a German Shepherd, deciding on a reputable breeder that does genetic health screenings will help reduce the likelihood that your dog will inherit certain problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German Shepherds Fit Well in Apartments?
Can a German shepherd live in apartment? Due to their size and the limited space in flats, German Shepherds are not recommended. GSDs are relatively large compared to other breeds. Therefore, they need plenty of room to move about. In apartments, there’s a chance that neighbors may protest because of the dogs’ loud barking sounds.
Do German Shepherds Get Along With Children?
Over time, German Shepherds get along well with children. However, you should educate your German Shepherd and evaluate the temperament if it’s your first time and you’ve decided to adopt a GSD. Unlike children, this breed is ideal for knowledgeable owners and adults.
How simple is it to keep a German Shepherd as a pet?
They are very obedient, smart, and love to stay busy, making them simple to teach. They are ideal for active homes since they need a lot of daily activity. German Shepherd are excellent pets for experienced and patient owners since, like other dogs, they may grow bored rapidly.
German Shepherds, are they energetic or calm?
The German Shepherds need more activity than some other breeds since they are noted for being energetic. When selecting the breed of your new furry buddy, be sure to keep this in mind.
Final Thoughts
You’ve decided to have a dog and wonder whether German Shepherds make suitable first dogs. Although German Shepherds are wonderful dogs with many admirable traits, there are better choices for new dog owners. German Shepherds need early socialization and training to develop excellent manners and live peacefully with humans and other animals. Otherwise, they’ll pick up negative behaviors that are difficult to break later. A German Shepherd must be fed properly, exercised, groomed, and taken to the vet regularly.