Geman Shepherds’ devotion, obedience, intelligence, and even appearance may draw you in. Alternatively, you feel that GSD is appropriate for you based on what you have read or heard. I get that. But are German Shepherds suitable for new owners if you intend to get a dog?
A person’s willingness to put the dog’s needs ahead of his or her own depends more on whether a German Shepherd is suitable for new owners. A German Shepherd will suit you as a first-time owner if you can meet its requirements for socialization, training, exercise, grooming, and potential veterinary care. Table of Contents.
Reasons Why German Shepherds Make Good First Dogs
The many characteristics of German Shepherds make them an excellent breed for novice dog owners. Despite the fact that every dog is an individual with their own distinct personality, there are a few general qualities that make GSDs a good first dog:
German Shepherds are remarkably intelligent. Training them is not just enjoyable but also incredibly rewarding. They quickly pick up on lessons and can progress to more difficult commands. This has many benefits, including making it simple to remember your house rules.
GSDs are always eager to please their humans. This is a trait that makes them very obedient dogs. When they have mastered a command, they almost always follow happily. This helps foster peaceful coexistence with you and your family.
Dog ownership in general will help keep you active. But if you already have an active lifestyle, you can count on the German Shepherd breed to keep your pace.
They enjoy challenging exercise and will gladly accompany you on your runs or hikes.
A German Shepherd that has received proper training and socialization can make a great family pet. They are kind to kids and can develop close relationships with them thanks to their sweet and playful nature. As long as they are socialized and introduced to other dogs and even cats properly, they can get along with them.
German Shepherds are frequently intimidating enough to deter any uninvited stranger. Additionally, they will be unaggressively protective of their home and loved ones.
When unfamiliar people approach, they bark to scare them away and may even engage if they feel it is necessary. That makes them great guard dogs.
Don’t let their massive size and powerful bark fool you. German Shepherds are actually very affectionate.
They are happiest when they spend time with their humans. They will let you know how much they missed you whether you were gone for days or just a few minutes. And while they enjoy being active outside, they also value regular cuddling time.
Provide ample mental stimulation
GSDs require assistance in learning how to make use of their intelligence. Otherwise, they will develop their own solutions, which might not always be in your best interests.
Give them plenty of opportunities to stimulate their minds, whether it be through a job or by giving them some mental exercises.
Do German Shepherds Require Lots of Exercise?
German Shepherds need a lot of exercise, and by that we don’t just mean quick trips outside to go potty.
German Shepherds need to engage in a variety of activities, including long walks lasting 30 to 60 minutes, to keep their minds and bodies stimulated.
German Shepherds are large dogs, so daily exercise is essential to keep them from gaining weight and developing hip and joint problems.
Because it stimulates their brains and gives them something to do, exercise also helps to prevent boredom. Due to their heritage as herding dogs, German Shepherds prefer to be active most of the time.
In light of this, you should be ready to exercise your dog.
If you already lead an active lifestyle, this shouldn’t be a problem for you. Your GSD will be your perfect exercise companion.
However, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, this responsibility may be too much for you.
On the other hand, you can use this chance to start being more active yourself. However, if you suffer from a condition that will prevent you from being physically active, getting a breed that doesn’t require much exercise might be advantageous.
GSD puppies typically need less exercise than adults. Ideally, your puppy should exercise for at least two sessions per day, lasting five minutes each for every month of age. For instance, a 3-month-old puppy needs two sessions of 15 minutes each per day.
Considering that your puppy’s bones are still growing, take care not to overstress them. Stay away from extremely long walks and physically demanding activities like weight-pulling. Introduce them to more challenging exercises once they are 1 to 2 years old.
The American Kennel Club advises giving adult German shepherds at least two hours per day of exercise.
Although this may seem excessive, many veterinarians advise giving them at least an hour of exercise daily. Your GSD should exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, at the very least.
There’s a chance your GSD might get bored with repeated activity, which is why it helps to introduce other types of exercise.
You can try other options like teaching new tricks, fetch in the backyard, hiking, and swimming.
You could also try exercising your dog in various parks or other locations.
But make sure to always start out by keeping your dog on a leash, especially if you’re playing in a crowded area. Even the best-behaved dogs can become distracted at any time.
FAQ
Is owning a German Shepherd hard?
Owners of German Shepherd Dogs should be ready to deal with an active dog who needs a job. Even though your GSD will be a pet, they were bred to work, so they will need a way to channel their enthusiasm and drive. Remember that your dog will require daily, intense physical and mental exercise from you.
What breed is a good first dog?
- shih tzu.
- whippet.
- first puppy.
- boxer.
- labrador retriever.
- poodle.
- cavalier king charles spaniel.
- papillon.
Do German Shepherds pick one owner?
German Shepherds typically form close relationships with just one member of the family, but they make excellent family pets. Although they do experience some behavioral problems, these are typically the result of their pet parents’ lack of leadership.
Is German Shepherd easy to train?
Due to their high intelligence and obedience, German Shepherds are simple to train with the right information and a risk-free environment. Some people believe they are even simpler to train than other breeds because they pick up information quickly and remember it easily.