So, You Want A German Shepherd?

German Shepherds are a wonderful breed. They are smart, great athletes and loyal companions. They make a great pet for an owner and families who are aware of their needs and strengths. However, for those who may not be as familiar with the breed they can be too smart and too energetic!

If you are looking for a happy go lucky retriever type dog, a couch potato or a dog who is easy to outsmart you won’t be happy with a German Shepherd. German Shepherds need training, exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. They also need to be part of the family to fulfill their potential.

The German Shepherd is a medium to large sized dog, averaging about 70 pounds and 25 inches to the shoulders, males are usually larger than females. They are bred for both a short and long coat variety and have a thick double coat, which means that they’re terrific shedders and will need frequent grooming — something to keep in mind if you’re a neat freak.

Be aware that a German shepherd is protective by nature. It is because of that and their fearlessness they are often employed in guard dog roles or police and military work. Because German Shepherds are so loyal and attentive to their families, it is important that you socialize them as soon as they enter your household. Introduce them to as many people, places and things as you can early on and continue to socialize them for the rest of their lives.

Training is essential for a German Shepherd dog. German Shepherds love the challenge and mental stimulation they get from obedience training. Their high energy and high intelligence make training fun and rewarding for anyone who has worked with the breed. You’ll find that the time spent training your German Shepherd is the perfect time to build and strengthen a strong lifelong bond with your dog. If you are inexperienced with this strong, smart breed it can also be frustrating if you accidentally teach them behaviors you don’t want. Because they learn so quickly, it can be difficult to unteach them behaviors that you don’t want.

In addition to obedience training, other forms of mental stimulation are important for German Shepherds. Some examples are agility, Rally Obedience, tracking and herding. Other ideas are walking, hiking, swimming and playing fetch or Frisbee. Food puzzles are also a good way to keep you German Shepherd busy when you want to give them their meal or a treat.

With daily exercise training and a lot of social interaction the German Shepherd can be a wonderful family pet. Be prepared to enroll in a basic obedience class and to continue obedience work long after the class is over. German Shepherds are far too intelligent to let hang around the house or yard with nothing to do. So, is the German Shepherd right for you?

If you would like help with training your German Shepherd please contact us at info@perfectpetdog.com or 803-210-9380.

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