There are dog people. And then there are German Shepherd people.
It’s been said that a dog is man’s best friend, but a German Shepherd is man’s most loyal best friend. Anyone who owns one will tell you that they are an incredibly special dog.
German Shepherds are loving and loyal creatures who have the potential to be lifelong companions.
Adopting one could be one of the most remarkable experiences of your life.
But a German Shepherd is not for everyone, so if you’re thinking about adopting one, there are a few things to consider.
Loyalty Could Mean Jelousy
The loyalty of a German Shepherd is undeniable, and they take loyalty to their owners seriously.
Whether you’re going to the bathroom or crashing on the couch to watch television, expect that your German Shepherd will never be far from you.
In fact, your German shepherd will be a cuddle bug at home, although aloof in public.
Because German Shepherds are extremely loyal to their owner, this could be an issue if you own your dog before having children.
However, if properly trained and socialized, they are wonderful pets for a growing family.
Even if you adopt an older dog, it’s important to commit to proper training and socializing, especially if they had a negative past experience.
Easy to Train
German Shepherds are smart – really, really smart.
Because of their intelligence, they are easy to train. But be sure to have a strategy in place that provides enough activity for them, or they may become destructive as a result of boredom.
If you adopt a German Shepherd puppy, you will especially need to build structure and activity.
German Shepherds need a job to do, otherwise they grow bored and may chew whatever is available – your shoes, for example!
A great way to keep them mentally stimulated is playing a game of frisbee, tossing them a tennis ball, or playing tug of war with a rope toy.
Protective
German Shepherds are natural guard dogs.
When choosing a dog to adopt, one should be fully aware that German Shepherds could present a risk to guests and other dogs if they are not properly trained.
The brave personality of a German Shepherd makes anyone think twice before approaching your home or your family members. And although a shepherd is not prone to barking, when they do, their vocal sounds are very intimidating.
Playful and Energetic
German Shepherds are active dogs, so the need for lots of exercise is the fourth trait to consider.
You should plan on taking them for lots of walks and letting them run at full speed whenever the opportunity arises.
Even if you adopt an older Shepherd, they tend to need regular exercise well into their senior years.
They are playful, often preferring play over treats.
They love to play with other dogs, but since they are intensely loyal to their owners, they are just as happy if they are an only dog.
Be sure that they aren’t left alone for long hours at a time. Setting aside two hours a day to spend with them makes for a very happy dog.
Low Maintenance
German Shepherds do not require high maintenance when it comes to grooming.
A weekly brushing of their double coat and a monthly bath are all the grooming they’ll need. But that coat does shed – and shed, and shed!
If you find that these five common traits of a German Shepherd suit you and your lifestyle, you may find that adopting a German Shepherd will lead to owning one for the rest of your life.
Are You Ready to Adopt a German Shepherd?
Adopting a German Shepherd can be the first step on an amazing journey through pet parenthood.
If you’re the proud owner of a German Shepherd, share your favorite thing(s) about your pet in the comments section below.
