I understand, I understand… The title may seem somewhat severe, but the reality is not pretty: German Shepherds are not suitable for everyone. They do not align with every lifestyle or personality type.
Raising a German Shepherd and living alongside one for numerous years can prove to be quite demanding. They are certainly not low-maintenance.
Indeed, I concur… they are fantastic. However, prior to adopting a dog, it is essential to consider all facets of the breed. It’s not solely about whether a dog sheds or not. For some individuals, the lack of vigorous daily activities can be a dealbreaker.
There are numerous reasons to acquire a German Shepherd, and even more that suggest otherwise.
If you resemble the individual depicted in this narrative, then you ought to refrain from giving your heart to a GSD.
1. No Free Time At All
To start, I would like you to meet someone. His name is Billy. Billy is extremely occupied. He’s in his thirties, residing in a large city and frequently short on sleep. His hectic work commitments leave him little time for leisure activities.
However, recently, Billy began contemplating the idea of acquiring a dog. Living independently in a city without family can be rather challenging. Naturally, Billy desires a large dog, as he is a sizable individual. Plus, he requires a companion to oversee that elegant apartment he owns that overlooks the city center.
Well, Billy… you’ve made some significant blunders from the outset.
You lack time.
Individuals with no available free time should avoid obtaining a dog like a German Shepherd. This breed demands a great deal of attention, affection, and care.
German Shepherds are quite sociable. They cherish their humans deeply. They enjoy spending time with them. If you allocate all your hours away from home, your new GSD will undoubtedly feel isolated, eventually experiencing sadness, and severe heartbreak.
2. Lack Of Interest In Play Time
Billy thinks that dogs don’t require playtime once they mature, especially not robust breeds like German Shepherds.
Oh, Billy… you couldn’t be more mistaken.
As it happens, German Shepherds are dogs that necessitate daily physical activity and playtime. It’s not due to immaturity or puppy-like behavior. Each GSD needs regular exercise to alleviate accumulated energy.
Picture a large dog confined to a tiny space for days. He has nothing to engage with and no outlet for his energy, leading to issues with sleep.
German Shepherds are significant, powerful, and typically brimming with energy. After all, they were once enlisted as herding dogs.
Thus, Billy… if you cannot dedicate at least two hours daily to exercise, you should consider a different breed. Your prospective GSD would be far happier with someone who will genuinely take him to the park.
3. Loners Stay Away
As previously mentioned, German Shepherds are social creatures. They flourish when surrounded by people. A person who typically prefers solitude would not feel at ease with a German Shepherd.
If you tend to go for strolls or shopping by yourself, then you shouldn’t even contemplate this breed. German Shepherds relish doing everything alongside their humans. When adequately trained, they are remarkably intelligent and know how to behave in stores, on the street, in the park, etc.
No dog aims to see their owner unwinding on the sofa post a long day, sipping a drink, and not inviting the dog for a cuddle, especially not a GSD.
4. Ignoring Basic Training
All dogs require training. And, I’m not referring to amusing tricks or commands that ought to impress your friends.
I’m referring to fundamental obedience training. If your dog lacks training, what can you anticipate other than disobedience and mischief?
German Shepherds are recognized as exceedingly intelligent creatures. They’re ranked #2 among the most intelligent dog breeds.
However, even such clever canines require guidance.
The key to effective training begins with early socialization. Exposing a puppy to various people, animals, odors, and situations will teach them to react appropriately in new scenarios. Socialized puppies will not react with fear or aggression. |1|
Once the socialization phase has concluded, training can commence. Every dog trainer will inform you that it’s vital to establish authority over your dog. And, given that this is a German Shepherd in question, it is exceptionally crucial. GSDs are inherently dominant dogs.
At this point, you can either hire a professional to instruct your GSD to sit, stay, shake, etc., or you can explore training literature and train him independently.
Yet, all of this appears too perplexing for Billy. He lacks time to learn dog training methods. He also does not believe in professional training either. Billy ought to consider a goldfish instead… not a GSD.
5. Issues With Loose Hair
German Shedders… I mean, Shepherds, are dogs that shed considerably. This is not suitable for Billy as he has just acquired a brand new sofa that must not be adorned with dog hair.
Billy appreciates the notion of owning a remarkable GSD, yet he is unaware of the maintenance required for their beautiful coat.
German Shepherds shed profusely year-round. They possess a double coat and necessitate daily grooming. However, Billy cannot allocate time to brush his dog daily. Billy detests observing hair floating around, even landing in his morning coffee.
He prefers his home to be immaculate… spotless. And, that isn’t an environment or suitable for a German Shepherd.
6. Not Enjoying The Snuggles
Believe it or not, German Shepherds are big cuddlers. They frequently do not realize how large they are, so they attempt to squeeze into their humans’ laps and snuggle.
Who would’ve expected a tough-looking dog like a GSD could be such a darling?
Well, German Shepherds are filled with love. They adore demonstrating it to everyone. If you are someone like Billy, who doesn’t enjoy cuddling, then you should definitely choose another breed as a pet.
German Shepherds will insist on snuggles, praise, and cuddles every single day. It is their manner of expressing affection towards their humans. Despite appearing formidable and unapproachable, GSDs possess a heart of gold.
Unlike Billy, whose heart is as cold as stone.
7. Zero Level Of Understanding
German Shepherds are exceptional dogs. Such dogs necessitate a person who comprehends their nature.
Let’s take a moment to revisit the past and recognize their origins.
German Shepherds were deliberately bred to herd, assist, and safeguard. Over time, they have taken on roles as guardians, working canines, and special force members. |2| This breed is a fundamental presence in every police station or specialized agency.
This indicates that German Shepherds possess a robust work ethic, along with herding traits that have been ingrained in their DNA. Modern examples of the breed require owners who are capable of directing their energy and behavioral tendencies.
They do not require someone like Billy to scold them for chasing squirrels, barking at unknown individuals, and patrolling the household.
To Sum Up…
Indeed, Billy is quite… an unpleasant individual. He is undoubtedly not well-suited for a German Shepherd.
If I can speak candidly, he does not deserve any dog.
Perhaps Billy would be better suited to a goldfish.
Do not emulate Billy. Show understanding for this remarkable breed – the German Shepherd.
Sources:
|1| Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King & Pauleen C Bennett. Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. (2022). DOI
|2| Willis, M. B. The German Shepherd Dog. Its history, development and genetics. (1976). DOI