Well, let’s sit down and chat about this for a moment.
Do you know what you’re getting yourself in to?
I hope you’ll do your research before taking the plunge. Far too many GSDs are surrendered every year because people thought they were getting a black/red Golden Retriever.
Let’s talk about some things that you need to know.
German Shepherds are a Working Breed
They were bred to work all day every day and have energy left over at the end of the day. They were bred to trot for miles, if needs be, on a daily basis. They were bred to defend a flock. They were bred to protect the herder and his family. These traits work well for police dogs and protection dogs as well.
As a working breed, they have energy. Within the breed, we call this “drive.” Instead of chasing sheep, they now chase tennis balls, thrown sticks (not recommended), children, other pets, and other livestock. They may nip a person’s ankles or pant leg. The misinformed may call these actions “aggression.” That’s absurd when you know the breed and what they were bred to do.
They were bred to be the opposite of aggressive.
GSDs were bred to be trusted: with the flock, with the children, and with the shepherd. Poor breeding has permitted aggression within some bloodlines, but that’s an energetic topic that we’ll try to abstain from for the moment.
German Shepherd genetics are everything to this breed!
Within this breed – as so many others – genetics are very important. The genes of a dog (and all other species) tell it when to mature, what color it is going to be, how active or inactive it will be, how to reproduce, how often, its coat type, shedding aptitude, confidence or shyness, healthy or unhealthy, etc.
Obviously how a pup/dog is raised and interacted with will affect some of these items as well.
Let us save you a lot of time, money, and frustration by telling you to pick a GSD from a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders are not commercial breeders. They are not backyard hobby breeders. They are not one-litter-and-done breeders. They have a multi-generational approach to breeding. They are committed to their pups for life. They health-test the parents prior to breeding – for all concerns common to the breed. They create a genetic “package” that will serve future generations well. They provide a strong, sound, skeletal structure that can support the activity that is common within the breed. They do not breed mutant (faulty) colors (hint: they are “rare” for a reason). They desire to improve the breed not pad the wallet. They breed as closely as possible to the breed standard not their own whims. Don’t accept excuses. If the breeder cannot answer intelligent questions, move on to someone else. No one knows it all, but a reputable breeder should be an expert in his breed – knowing the strengths and weaknesses, working to sustain the strengths and working to strengthen the weaknesses.
Let us give you another hint
At the risk of making some people upset.
But it will save you time and money in the long run.
Get a GSD from a working dog breeder. GSDs are working dogs. Anything other than this weakens the breed. Those who take the time and make the effort can easily discover this on their own. Hint: we did. Through our own evolution from where we were 30 years ago to where our GSDs are today has been a very clear, positive, and powerful transition. Yes, we breed working GSDs so some people will think we’re biased by saying only to get a working dog. Let me let you in on a little secret
We don’t tell you to get a working-line GSD because we breed them.
We breed working-line GSDs because we’ve have been utterly disappointed by the other types (sad, sick substitutes) of the breed.
In a nutshell, stay away from the contemporary timid imitation of a “GSD” that can barely walk, can’t jump, has multiple health concerns, and is scared of its own shadow.
German Shepherds are Territorial
Again, they were bred to be this way. This is normal. Like with most protective dogs and many terriers, they have an innate intuition that tells them when something just isn’t right or someone strange is entering their territory; dog or human. Of course, this trait must be corralled and controlled but it will always be present in your GSD. In fact, he needs to be able to express this from time to time. If you can’t handle the dog barking every time a stranger enters your yard, get a Labrador or a pet goldfish.
GSDs will bark
They may growl
They may lunge
It’s a part of who they are.
But that brings us to the next point.
German Shepherds need Human Leadership
They are not guarding the sheep anymore. Therefore, they will need your help in learning how to integrate into human social settings. For example, a simply “easy” cue will help them tone done the growl or a simple “no” can stop the bark. If the pups nips, calmly correct – and give her something that is okay to nip/chew on.
In other words, they need your help to learn what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.
It is normal for him to bark when a stranger approaches. Let him. But then have a stop command. You can also have a command for when you want him to bark (it can be an effective deterrent to crime). In this way, he knows when it is acceptable to bark and when it is not.
All because you work with him in your cues.
That’s leadership.
All dogs crave it from you. GSDs especially need it.
Still think you want a German Shepherd?
If you still think you’re a good fit for this breed, proceed wisely. If you think this breed is going to be too much for you (as many people find out), please consider another breed or mix.
We do have an ongoing breeding program of solid GSDs: in health, temperament, impressive genetics, and working ability. If we can help you choose wisely, please consider us. Also, from time to time, we offer a seminar about German Shepherds to educate people about this amazing breed.
So, do your research and if you still think a GSD is for you, be prepared to get the best dog and best friend you’ve ever had!
