I have always been a huge admirer of German Shepherds! My family had three of them during my lifetime, and each one was a fantastic companion.
However, back then, I lacked the maturity to comprehend the level of responsibility involved in owning a German Shepherd… not until I chose to get one for myself. I had been without a pet for a considerable duration and felt it was time to welcome a GSD.
For me, they are the perfect family companions, and their intelligence and loyalty are unmatched.
Upon seeing my dog at the shelter, I realized he would come with certain challenges. I was unconcerned. Raising a tiny pup is work, and I was prepared for it. Or was I just under the impression that I was?
I genuinely wish I had been aware of some factors I will share with you today before acquiring my GSD. No, these would not deter me from obtaining one; they would help me be better prepared!
I truly hope you’re adequately ready to introduce a German Shepherd into your life because once you do, they are there to stay!
1. They Require Ample Space
I understood that I was getting a large dog. There was nothing ambiguous about that. I recognized my charming GSD puppy would develop into a robust animal. However, I failed to consider one crucial aspect: At that moment, I was residing in a relatively small apartment.
There was no possibility for me to relocate, so we had to endure it for a while. Unsurprisingly, our living space was cramped, and we spent every possible moment outdoors in our local park. My dog seemed a bit confined, so I did everything in my power to ensure his comfort.
Once we transitioned to our new home, I felt as if my dog could finally breathe again. He adored the backyard, and to this day, he spends more time outside than indoors.
German Shepherds need a lot of room not only due to their size but also because they possess a wealth of pent-up energy. You cannot confine a dog like a GSD to a small area. Such a dog will suffer!
2. They Are Incredibly Clingy
To anyone who claims Dachshunds are clingy, I have just one thing to say: you haven’t encountered my German Shepherd!
I swear, if he could, he would follow me into the bathroom, but I’ve set some boundaries there.
And it’s not just me… my family feels the same! He stays close whenever we’re all indoors, yearning for attention. The instant someone sits on the couch, he’s there to snuggle and squeeze in.
You might assume a large, fierce German Shepherd wouldn’t exhibit any affection! Hah! I wish I’d known this sooner. Perhaps I would have selected a lap dog that could actually fit on my lap.
3. They Can Be Quite Costly
And no, I’m not referring to their initial acquisition cost. German Shepherds can be relatively inexpensive in that regard since their prices range from a few hundred to $1,000.
What I was talking about is the expense associated with their upbringing.
When I acquired my dog, I suspected the initial years would be the most challenging in terms of finances. It usually is. There are your routine veterinary visits, purchasing various pet supplies, trying out different kibble brands, among other things.
We spent approximately $2,000 in the first year of having our GSD. I didn’t complain. I aimed for nothing but the best for my dog, and quality comes at a cost.
However, the second year came and went, and our costs were nearly the same.
The primary reason for this was certainly our decision to feed our GSD a raw diet. Raw meat is quite costly nowadays, and preparing a meal from scratch every day can significantly deplete your finances.
Additionally, our dog required several vet tests and treatments due to minor health issues. He’s fine now, but that accumulated expenses as well.
When you tally everything up on paper, owning a German Shepherd is quite an expensive endeavor. Think carefully before deciding to take on this commitment.
4. Their Exercise Requirements Are Astonishing
I was taken aback at first, but I composed myself, recalling that German Shepherds are inherently active. Keep in mind that I hadn’t owned a dog for several years prior to my GSD. His activity level astonished me, but now I understand it was for the better.
We adopted our dog during the pandemic, so we were all working from home. My dog thrived! He couldn’t believe that we were with him constantly. It was nearly impossible for us to step outside without him.
Even when we did venture out, we often hiked in our local mountains.
This situation provided my dog with ample exercise and playtime. If the recommendation is that German Shepherds need two hours of exercise daily, our dog was getting three, sometimes even more. He was in fantastic shape, bright-eyed, and healthy.
We maintained this routine even after life returned to normal. Our days are still filled with hikes, walks, and playing in our yard. And I must say, I never witnessed my dog lacking energy at the end of the day. He always settles down or naps if we stay up late.
5. They Shed Profusely
I grew up alongside German Shepherds, but they lived outside. Our home was too compact for three GSDs to fit comfortably. I groomed them regularly and noticed they shed a fair amount, but that’s incomparable to living with a GSD.
Now I understand why they are nicknamed German Shedders!
I vacuum daily, and I still discover dog hair on my sofa (even though he’s not permitted there). I swear, if I skip a day of brushing him, we’d be inundated with fur.
Grooming a German Shepherd demands time. After all… beauty takes time, right? Please, don’t adopt a GSD if you’re only going to groom them sporadically. There’s nothing more disheartening than a scruffy dog.
6. They Require Training
Fortunately, I am knowledgeable about canine training! When not trained properly, German Shepherds can become quite problematic. I wouldn’t joke about this!
Everything commences at the breeder with early socialization and desensitization. Since my dog is a rescue puppy from the shelter, we faced numerous challenges in socializing him.
He was not kind around cats (still isn’t, but I presume he simply dislikes them), and he was awkward with other dogs as well.
My dog used to bark at everything and everyone. He was apprehensive of strangers, but now he approaches them cautiously. He was bothered by noise and unfamiliar places. My dog was quite comfortable in his own little bubble. However, I wasn’t. Socialization and fundamental training needed to be accomplished.
We began small… taking one baby step at a time. I did seek advice from a professional dog trainer in my vicinity, but only in terms of guidance. We trained and socialized our puppy at home independently, which makes me incredibly proud.
It wasn’t that difficult once we overcame the initial hurdle and my dog comprehended that we were in charge – not him. German Shepherds are strong and dominant breeds. They are natural leaders but also require a leader.
7. Their Prey Drive Needs to Be Managed
I will never own a cat. Not merely because I’m not fond of them but because my dog strongly dislikes them. He’s generally not fond of any small creatures. He tolerates petite dogs, but I suspect he wouldn’t enjoy living with one.
German Shepherds possess an exceptionally strong prey drive. I witness it whenever my dog is chasing after a ball or capturing a frisbee. Those are also effective methods to manage it.
If we redirect his attention towards something like a ball or a frisbee, he will pursue that instead of the animals around him, as that brings him joy.
Before adopting a German Shepherd, you should understand that they are friendly, loyal, and kind, but only to those people and creatures they choose to accept. There’s no guarantee that your GSD will warm up to cats. Considering their herding dog origins, that’s quite improbable.
In Conclusion…
Would I adopt another German Shepherd? Absolutely yes.
Would I approach anything differently or select another breed? Definitely not!
I only wish I had been aware of these 7 aspects prior to getting my GSD, so I would have been thoroughly prepared.
Sharing life with a German Shepherd is an experience. They will sweep you off your feet with their charm but can also drive you to the brink of insanity with some of their peculiarities. However, I suppose that’s the cost every GSD owner must bear to relish the companionship of these remarkable dogs.