“I’m Your Friend, Your Partner, Your Defender, Your German Shepherd”

Maybe you’re a dog lover living in the UAE with one or two Chihuahuas who would want to own a German Shepherd but don’t have the right environment. Perhaps you have never had a dog throughout your entire life, but you met a friend who has a German Shepherd and fell in love with the dog, and you now want one. Regardless of why you think a German Shepherd would be the perfect addition to your family, you’ll soon discover that there’s a lot more to this regal-looking K-nine than meets the eye. This article has been compiled with the assistance of Sirwiss-affiliated dog trainers and veterinarians to assist you in determining whether a German shepherd is suited for you and, more importantly, if you can handle them as a first-time dog owner. 

Everything You Should Know Before Getting Your First German Shepherd 

As a first-time dog owner, there is a lot to learn about caring for a German shepherd. Owning a German shepherd is a matter of trial and error, since every dog has its own unique personality. First, we’ll go over the basics regarding the personality, habits, and requirements of a German shepherd. 

1. German Shepherd Quick Summary  

The German Shepherd is a large working dog that originated in Germany. This K-nine may reach a height of 25 inches, a weight of 55 to 88 pounds, and a lifespan of 13 years. Black, white, brown, tan, gray, red and black, tan and black are just some of the colors available in this double-coated variety. German shepherds are very protective of their families and are known for their intelligence and obedience. Although German shepherds are generally friendly and get along well with kids and other animals, they still require early socialization and constant training to earn their place in the household.  

2. Personality and Temperament of the German Shepherd 

A German shepherd is a clever, obedient, and inquisitive dog. It may take longer for a German shepherd to form a connection with a person than with another dog breed, but once that friendship is established, the dog is very devoted. The German shepherd is a sensitive breed that hates being left alone. German shepherds, when anxious or disturbed, may scratch or bite at furniture. Because of their loud, threatening bark, German shepherds are not a good choice as a family pet for households with young children or those who are easily frightened. Families with teenagers or retired adults who can devote a lot of time to their pet are ideal for German shepherds. 

Tips for Choosing Your GSD 

There is no easy way to choose a favorite among the adorable pups. Whether you get your puppy from a breeder or a shelter, there are a few telltale signals that may help you predict how it will behave once you bring it home.  

1. Keep an eye out for warning signs of abuse and neglect. You may consider whether the puppy has been abused or neglected, since you don’t want to welcome a traumatized animal into your house. Have a look at the puppy’s previous residence and the breeder before deciding to bring it. The best course of action is to search elsewhere if anything raises any concerns.  

2. Ensure the Puppy Is Engaged in Play Inquire about the puppy’s activity level in comparison to the rest of its littermates and observe whether it seems to be physically capable of keeping up. Confirm if the puppy seems to enjoy playing with you. If the puppy withdraws and resists being handled or shown love, you may want to look for another pet. An unlovable puppy is more likely to mature into an unlovable grownup. 

How to Raise a Happy and Healthy German Shepherd 

In this world there are only a few things more tempting than a German Shepherd puppy, but you shouldn’t give in to temptation and bring one home without careful consideration. This must be deliberate action. Welcoming a new puppy into your house is like welcoming a new kid into your family, but German Shepherd puppies grow up much faster. German Shepherds need a lot of work, but the companionship they provide is priceless. 

1. They Need a Lot of Physical Activity 

Getting a German shepherd lots of exercise is crucial. It’s recommended that you take them out for at least one hour every day, ideally without a leash. They need more than simply a means of locomotion, though. An active lifestyle that includes swimming, jogging, playing fetch, and interacting with other dogs is crucial to the health of a German shepherd, says the vicenarian experts collaborating with Sirwiss. Taking your German Shepherd for walks with other dogs is something they’ll really like, but if you can’t do it yourself, you can always hire a Sirwiss-dog training professional to do it for you. Lack of daily exercise might lead to excessive German shepherd energy expenditure around the house (which often results in things being broken). 

2. Mental Stimulation Is Key 

If you want a happy and healthy German shepherd, you need to work on more than just their physical fitness. To avoid boredom, German shepherds require a lot of mental exercise. Training, games, toys, and new experiences all fall within this category. Keep in mind that German shepherds are very smart dogs, and as such, you should do all in your power to stimulate their intellect. One silver lining is that they can be easily trained by someone with a powerful enough attitude. 

Thinking of Effectively Training Your German Shepherd? 

Envision how wonderful it would be to have total faith in your German Shepherd and never have to question whether or not they will behave themselves when you aren’t around them. Instead, you’ll rest easy knowing that your dog is well-behaved and that the limits you set for it will remain in place. Starting German Shepherd training immediately is the right approach if you haven’t done it before. The key to having an obedient and happy puppy is employing the correct training method, no matter what unwanted behavior your shepherd has. Dogs usually react more to the tone of your voice than to the words you use to command them. If your dog has problems understanding you, try some voice training.  

1. The Advantages of German Shepherd Training at Home 

German Shepherd training at home is crucial not only for your dog, but also for you and your family. Discipline teaches your dog how to achieve success both inside and outside the house. Hiring a professional dog trainer from the Sirwiss network enables you to observe and practice the training techniques as often as you like when it is convenient for you, among other fantastic perks. 

Benefits of obedience training:  

1. Guaranteed protection against harm outsiders  

2. Predictability, which makes it easier to adapt to novel circumstances 3 

3. Exciting and a sociable canine  

4. You and your dog will have a stronger relationship  

5. Boost pride of ownership  

You and your dog will be able to go forth with more confidence and independence. 

2. When Should A German Shepherd Puppy Be Trained? 

Without adequate training and exercise, a GSD may develop damaging behaviors like excessive chewing. Put out fires from the get-go with some fundamental training instructions. A German Shepherd puppy should begin training no later than the age of 8 weeks. As he matures, he learns to comply with basic commands like sit, stay, down, and come. Short sessions are effective due to their short attention span. Try not to get too hung up on perfection at first. Your dog’s intelligence will increase as he matures. Goal is 3–6 sessions each day, with each session lasting no more than 2–3 minutes for a small puppy and 3–5 minutes for an adult. You should modify the time according to your dog’s attention span and disposition.  

They’ll Always Need the Groomer 

There will be frequent shedding since German Shepherds have a double coat. Not only do they shed constantly, but twice a year they really “blow their coat out,” so to speak. Before winter and summer, they do this. For your GSD’s grooming, it’s best to enlist the help of a qualified and experienced dog groomer from Sirwiss network of dog groomers. 

Because of Their Susceptibility to Health Complications 

Dysplasia: You should be aware that German Shepherds have a higher likelihood of developing hip dysplasia before deciding to bring one into your home. That’s why it’s crucial to get your German shepherd plenty of exercise, feed them well, and get them from a reliable breeder. They still could get it due to their genes, even if we do all we can to prevent it.  

Elbow Dysplasia: it’s a disorder caused by improperly fitting elbow sockets. The symptoms are similar to those of hip dysplasia. Dogs with elbow dysplasia may hold their elbows at an abnormal angle or point their front paws outwards. Treatment options include dietary modifications and surgery. 

Questions to Ask Before Acquiring a German Shepherd 

1. Are You a First-Time Dog Owner?  

An important factor to consider is whether or not you are a first-time dog owner. If you are, German Shepherds may not be the ideal fit for you. Although German shepherds are reasonably simple to train, if you are not secure in your own abilities, they may wind up dominating you. Note that German Shepherds are naturally leaders, therefore there may be a power struggle in the beginning. If you’re not completely sure in your ability to lead, you’ll wind up with an extremely rowdy German Shepherd. 

2. Do you have a family?  

Another question to consider is if your family is a suitable match for a German Shepherd. This does not include children, but it does cover any other pets you may have, such as a cat. You should be especially cautious if you have small children, since they may be overly harsh with your German Shepherd. This may cause your dog to lash out. If you already have a dog or cat, they may not like a German Shepherd. Yet power disputes are not unusual in many circumstances. 

3. Do You Lead an Active Life?  

If you do not lead an active lifestyle, a German Shepherd may not be a suitable choice for you. They’re not the kind of dog you take out on a leash once a day and that’s it. To actually keep them happy and engage their minds, you must constantly take them on experiences. German Shepherds like the beach, hiking, and other forms of physical exercise. If this does not describe you, you may be better suited purchasing a dog that does not need these prerequisites.  

4. Are You Able to Afford One?  

Although you may have the initial funds to purchase a German Shepherd, the cost does not end there. You must be able to pay for everything they need, including a bed, food, new toys, insurance, and, most crucially, be prepared to pay if anything goes wrong. Although most young dogs aren’t likely to have any issues, as your German Shepherd grows older, they may have a slew of issues that may soon become prohibitively costly.