IS A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG RIGHT FOR YOU?

You need to spend a lot of time to educate yourself about what to expect from the German Shepherd Dog before you get one, and what you should do once you own one.  This is NOT the only thing to read on German Shepherd, search the internet, go to the library, and talk to Shepherd owners�. But do GET TO KNOW THE BREED! 

Suggested Information:

For information on The German Shepherd Dog Cub of America, write to Blanche Beisswenger, 17 West Ivy Lane, Englewood, New Jersey 07631.

Magazine

�The German Shepherd Review�, breed magazine published by the GSDC of America. Write to Lois Fryslin, 30 Far View Road, Chalfont, PA  18814

Books

Mother Knows Best, by Carol Benjamin

How to Be Your Dog�s Best Friend, by the Monks of New Skete

How to Have a Healthier Dog, by Wendell Belfield and Martin Zucker

The German Shepherd Today-Revised, by Winifred Strickland and James Moses

The New Complete German Shepherd Dog, by Jane Bennett

The Book of the German Shepherd, by Anna Katherine Nicholas

This is the German Shepherd, by William Goldbecker and Ernest Hart

The Total German Shepherd Dog, by Fred L Lanting

 The German Shepherd Dog is probably the most popular breed of dog in the world.  But that does not mean that it is the right breed for everyone.  Animal shelters euphonizes thousands of German Shepherd Dogs, as well as other breeds, every year because people have gotten the dog, and then realized that it was not suited to them and their lifestyle. 

Some of the excuses we hear are:

 �          I didn�t realize it would get so big.

 �         I didn�t realize how much energy they have.

 �          I can�t afford to feed the dog.

 �          I can�t afford to pay to keep the dog up on vet care.

 �          He is too destructive.

 �          He barks too much.

 �          He is too wild, and won�t listen to me.

 �          He sheds too much

 �          I�m having a baby.

 �          I�m allergic to him

 �          It was my husband�s/ wife�s dog.

 �          I�m getting married.

 �          I�m moving and can�t take the dog.

German Shepherds shed a lot.  If having dog hair flying around you house bothers you then, you definitely should not consider getting a German shepherd.  They shed continuously, as well as blow all their undercoat at least twice a year, spring and fall.  If you have an intact female (meaning one that has not been spayed), then she will also shed prior to her heat cycles twice a year, which is in addition to the spring/fall shed (Of course if you adopt from us your female will already be spayed or your contract will specify a time frame in which YOU are to get her spayed). To help with this, they should be brushed regularly, but this will still not stop the fur balls from collecting everywhere.

German Shepherd is a large breed, and a very energetic one. They require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy.  They do not do well confined to a dog run or yard on their own all day, every day.  They are very devoted to their family members, and much prefers to be with them every waking moment, rather than shut away on their own.

If you are going to be gone for long periods of time and do not have time for training and playing that the GSD needs, then please consider another breed of dog.  German Shepherd Dogs do NOT do well as outside dogs left in kennels with little or no attention, nor do they do well sitting out on a chain all day, just being fed twice a day, with little human contact.  They love people, and they want to be with people.  The more time you spend with your GSD, the better he will get.  A GSD left for long periods of time will quickly become a nuisance barker, digger and chewer.

A German Shepherd Dog is a very intelligent animal, and easily learns whatever you teach him. A determined German Shepherd Dog can open any door, lock you out, and open any cupboard, drawer, and garbage can to get what he wants when he wants it.

They require obedience training, basic commands and house manners.  German Shepherds are a very powerful breed, and unless taught to walk nicely on a lead, they can drag their owner on quite a tour of the neighborhood,  Obedience training should also include socialization, with other animals and with humans,  An unsocialized GSD can become very dog/animal and even human aggressive.

German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs, and require a firm handle. This does NOT mean an abusive handler but, rather, one that will confidently take his/her place as pack leader (there is a BIG difference).  German Shepherds need a job to do, and if left to their own devices too often, they will create their own enjoyment, which could be eating your furniture, digging up your back yard, or barking non-stop all day long. For more info on training check out our Certified Trainer Link on our HOME page.

Remember, the GSD is big dog, an active dog, a working dog, and a loyal dog.  So if you don�t mind a little extra vacuuming and extra time spent on your dog, then in return you will have a wonderful friend and companion.

BEFORE YOU ADOPT

�          Make sure you are ready to accept the responsibilities of sharing your home with a new pet that may be shy, rambunctious, vivacious, fearful and untrained.

�          Make sure you are willing to dedicate your time, your patience and your love to an animal that may have been abandoned, abused, lost or surrendered.

�          Make sure you want to adopt a rescue dog because you want to give Love to a companion animal that needs you.  You are prepared to persevere for the rest of you new pet�s life!

�          Keep in mind when adopting a rescue pet from any breed rescue group that it does not mean you are getting a pedigree pet at a discount price!

It means you are going to dedicate yourself and your home to a new family member! You will keep you new dog indoors, keep up with all medical needs, annual vaccinations, exercise, training and most of all lots and lots of love and companionship.