Are German Shepherds for Beginners? Everything You Need to Know
German Shepherds are one of the most preferred breeds in the world today. These are; Intelligent, loyal, and versatile animals. These animals are employed for police duties, as guides for the disabled, and as family companions as well as pets in German Shepherd homes all over the world.
While this breed is excellent for those who have dog experience, many individuals are concerned when the dogs are appropriate for first-time owners.
In this article, you will learn what it means to have a German Shepherd, and will discuss whether this breed is suitable for the first-time owner, if they can be left alone, and if they pose any threat to the house.
Is Owning a German Shepherd Hard?
Highly breed German Shepherd black and tan dog or any other type of German Shepherd a person may have is generally a good thing but not without some trials. The first thing that may be taken into consideration is whether the children are big or small and if they tire easily or not.
German Shepherds are a muscular, sturdy, and intelligent breed which entails being active and undertaking lots of exercises as well as being mentally stimulated. They are not a breed that will be very happy just staying at home all day and being a lap dog.
If no adequate physical activity is provided for them, they can be bored and even hike up to becoming destructive. The other is their intelligence which most of them are gifted though some of them may not excel in their groups or levels for one reason or the other they perform very poorly.
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and you will find them able to take in new commands and procedures without much effort. However, this intelligence also renders them to require frequent training and challenges that sharpen their brain.
The seeming problems can be developmental, that is, stemming from lack of adequate training, apparent through things like barking, chewing, aggression,, and the rest. To first-time dog owners, this amounts to being overwhelming.
Also, German Shepherds are heavy shedders, and even the brown German Shepherd sheds intensively. This breed is said to have two layers of fur hence they can shed at any time of the year but with more intensity during the change of seasons; spring and autumn.
Grooming becomes essential to tiger cubs so that they can groom themselves properly to shed skin and layer their coat properly.
The Emotional Needs of German Shepherds
In essence, besides their physical activities, German Shepherds like any other dogs have emotional requirements as well. They are social animals that need close communication with the members of the human family.
Children also have emotions; if their emotion is not well attended to, they will display disorderly behaviors. The interaction with the dog has to be good meaning that you should play, train, or even just be with the dog.
The Commitment to Owning a German Shepherd
Becoming a German Shepherd owner is a decision that one has to make with a view to the long term. Given that they are dogs, these can live between 10-14 years, or more in some cases.
At this age, they will need constant care, training, and supervision both as dogs and puppies. This is a responsibility that may go on for years before the dog passes on, hence, one needs to be sure when manning a German Shepherd.
Who Should Not Own a German Shepherd?
Hence, while the German Shepherds are wonderful dogs they may not be ideal for any home. Here are some scenarios where a black and tan German Shepherd dog or any different type of German Shepherd might not be the best choice:
1. Inactive Lifestyles: If you are a couch potato who does not want to exercise then maybe this is not the right dog for you if you will not be able to exercise regularly. These dogs are strictly indoor dogs that need a lot of exercise to maintain their health.
2. Lack of Time: German Shepherds are not a breed that should be left alone all day long or thrown into company all day long. Presently, animals need to be trained, and socialized, and mostly need a companion.
It is costly, time-consuming, and requires dedication, and working people cannot often provide their dogs; thus, they choose a different breed.
3. Inexperience with Dogs: Although not completely out of reach, it will be hard, especially for first-time pet parents who own a German Shepherd.
They are intelligent dogs and have plenty of energy, the handling of which must be confident and with prior experience.
4. Allergies: One disadvantage to note is that they shed a lot; this is not suitable if any of the family members have dog fur allergies.
5. Small Living Spaces: They are German Shepherds which are large dogs that need some space to be active within the home. Living in a small apartment may not afford the space that they wish they had to afford their comfort.
In order to understand better must read What are the skills of a German Shepherd? also check out German Shepherds: Understanding Their Weaknesses to get a better understanding of the breed
Is a German Shepherd Safe for Home?
1. Protective Nature
German Shepherds are often beautiful and practical dogs because they are protective by nature and thus, agreeable watchdogs. They are awake and capable of responding to any invader, thus assisting in keeping the home secure.
2. Loyal and Devoted
These are loyal dogs and will stick to their families or people. This is very often because they are loyal and get quite attached to their owners; which also plays on the side of protection.
3. Good with Children
Although considered sensitive to commands and have great patience, German Shepherds, without the right training, can pose a threat to children. They are normally tamed and when young can turn out to be wonderful friends and security for the children in a home.
4. Need for Proper Training
This makes German Shepherds very protective and hence should be well-trained and socialized. Otherwise, they may turn too defensive and even aggressive towards unknown people, which could be a serious issue.
5. Compatibility with Other Pets
German Shepherds are good with other pets when introduced and trained appropriately on how to behave around other pets. However, due to their Prey drive may sometimes be an issue of conflict over smaller animals.
6. Supervision Required
Over her head is something that should be watched for especially when around kids or strangers as with any large breed of dog. This assures safe interactions with the individuals hence fostering and encouraging positive social relationships.
Can German Shepherds Be Left Alone
Equally crucial for potential owners’ decision-making process is whether German Shepherds can be left alone. As with all dogs, German Shepherds also like companionship and can develop serious issues with loneliness.
This breed appreciates bonding with their family and becomes anxious when left alone or separated from their family.
However, in case you have to leave your German Shepherd alone, the least you can do is enrich their environment mentally and physically.
Some activities that may be helpful include; toys, puzzles, and any other items that will enable them to play and hence be occupied safely.
However, if left alone for a long time it becomes a regular thing the dog can start displaying some of the following behaviors such as chewing, barking, or even trying to escape.
If you spend most of your time at work, you can hire someone to take your black and tan German Shepherd dog to doggy daycare or hire someone to take it out for a walk. Another possibility is a family member or a friend of the patient can come by during the day.
Training and Socialization
German Shepherds need special training and they are required to be socialized well. This breed is highly intelligent and very keen to obey meaning that their training is relatively easy.
However, they must be trained with frequently positive training methods such as the reward training methodology. Socialization is also relevant at this stage to ensure that the dogs are properly developed to be good dogs.
Socializing your black and tan German Shepherd dog with the surrounding environments and other people and animals at a tender age will help avoid the development of fear and aggression in the dog’s later years. Getting puppy classes and other exposures can be useful.
Health and Nutrition
This breed of dogs is believed to be of sound health, but like any other breed, they are vulnerable to some diseases. Hip and elbow dysplasia, gastrointestinal problems, and skin allergies are some of the issues.
They can adopt proper exercise regime, proper diet, and frequent check-ups with the veterinarian in order to keep them healthy.
When feeding a German Shepherd, one must consider the special nutritional requirements that this breed of dog has.
Their diet is crucial and should comprise high-quality dog foods that will adequately feed your dog’s nutritional needs. Their diets should also be observed since this breed is susceptible to obesity, which worsens joint diseases.
Grooming for German Shephard
Earlier it was discussed that German Shepherds are heavy shedders. They do shed and thus require routine grooming in order to maintain the quality of their coats.
It is recommended to brush the body at least several times a week, and during periodical shedding – every day. Bathing should be as required, and their ears should be checked and nails trimmed occasionally.
Conclusion
Overall, a German Shepherd can be a pet suitable for first-time owners but it will not be without a lot of responsibility. They are intelligent, full of energy, and protective; traits which make them excellent pets but at the same time difficult.
Regardless of the color like the Black and tan German Shepherd, brown German Shepherd, white German Shepherd, or any of the varieties of German Shepherd, there are certain requirements that need to be met.
Therefore, any first-time dog owners who desire to own a German Shepherd should be prepared for either the merits or demerits of having the breed. A German shepherd is an intelligent and loyal dog that makes a good companion to the family only if well-trained, socialized,, and cared for.
FAQs
1. What are the different types of German Shepherds?
Some of the common varieties include the black and tan German Shepherd, German Shepherd with brown fur, and German Shepherd with white fur. Every type of them has its peculiarities.
2. Can German Shepherds be left alone?
They can be left for a short while without supervision and though they do not like to be alone, they may suffer from this if left alone for long periods.
3. Is it Ok to have a German shepherd for families?
Yes, they are good family dogs when well-trained, and socialized and these breeds are good watch dogs though they are not very aggressive.
4. Do German Shepherds require a lot of exercise?
Yes, if they are left idle or with little to do, they will engage in destructive activities as a way of getting their energy out.
5. To which category of people should not own a German Shepherd?
To keep German Shepherds, one may need sufficient time, a large living space, or no allergy to dog fur due to the fact that some people may lead sedentary lives.
