German Shepherds are good first dogs as they are easy to train, obedient, intelligent, friendly, affectionate, loyal, and good with kids. They make an
excellent dog
for
first-time owners
, whether families or single owners. However, they need a lot of exercise, shed a lot, and don’t like to be left alone.
How old should a German Shepherd be before you start training?
Training a German Shepherd Puppy. Begin your
training attempts
at around eight weeks old Although any German Shepherd dog is trainable, they are very strong and powerful animals. If you start out with a puppy, you have the opportunity to shape and mold its personality and develop your relationship early.
Are German Shepherd dogs easy to train?
#7 German Shepherds are obedient and easy to train German Shepherds are obedient, making them easier to train compared to other dog breeds. Not only do German Shepherd perform well in task training, obedience training wouldn’t be any problem for them as well. They will listen and obey to your commands.
Can you train a German Shepherd on your own?
All while using positive techniques and fun, unique games to make learning interesting for both of you! German Shepherds are VERY smart dogs and do well with a training program that stimulates their minds and can help you succeed at training your dog on your own.
Why German Shepherds are not good pets?
German Shepherds are bad as they shed a lot, are high-energy, and can become aggressive if not socialized They are prone to separation anxiety, don’t do well in apartments, may try to dominate you, and are expensive. Above all, they may develop medical conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis.
At what age do German Shepherds get aggressive?
What Age Does a German Shepherd Become Aggressive? A German Shepherd becomes aggressive at around 3 to 6 months old This escalates during the adolescent stage from 6 months to two
years old
as sexual maturity arises and hormones fluctuate.
How do you discipline a German Shepherd puppy?
- Use distractions when your German Shepherd is in the middle of a bad behavior.
-
Redirect their attention to a more
desirable behavior
. - Reward positive behavior with treats, affection, games, or playtime.
- Use short, but effective, calming timeouts.
How long does it take to bond with a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd puppy that was bred and reared in a healthy environment will bond quickly, generally in a few weeks or months, once they are settled in their new home. A German Shepherd that is adopted or rescued takes longer to form a bond. This time is generally 6 months to a few years.
Is it too late to train a 1 year old German Shepherd?
The good news is that it is never too late to start training an older German Shepherd , whether the dog is 6 months, one, two, three years old, or older. As long as an owner is dedicated, motivated, and patient, you can teach a dog of any age basic commands or new tricks.
Do German Shepherds attach to one person?
German Shepherds will generally attach themselves to one person in the family , but they can still be a good family dog. Although they have their fair share of behavioral issues, these generally stem from a lack of leadership on the part of their pet parents.
Can a German Shepherd be left alone during the day?
No. German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking.
What are the cons of having a German Shepherd?
One of the biggest issues facing the breed is hip dysplasia A lot of GSD owners have encountered this problem and it is a reoccurring theme with the breed. They are also susceptible to epilepsy. It is a common hereditary disease found in these working dogs and can result it seizures.
Are male or female German Shepherds easier to train?
Besides dominance, a female is easier to train and can tolerate other dogs and people more easily. Although still fiercely protective, she is not as possessive and will not mark her territory like the male. Overall, your GSD girl is sweeter. They are not aggressive unless protecting their families.
How long should I walk my German Shepherd?
Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety.
At what age do German Shepherds calm down?
When do German Shepherd puppies calm down? When a German Shepherd reaches the one year old, you should expect them to calm down a lot over the subsequent 6 to 12 months Although your German Shepherd may continue to be hyper after two years, it will never be to the same extent of them in their adolescent age.
What to Know Before owning a German Shepherd?
- They are smart
- They can have high-energy needs
- They require mental stimulation
- They’re cuddle bugs at home but aloof in public
- German shepherds are natural guard dogs
- They are excellent listeners.
Are German Shepherds high maintenance?
Are German Shepherds High Maintenance? Although German Shepherds are fairly low maintenance in regards to haircuts, working off leash, and encouraging obedience, this breed can be high maintenance in terms of shedding, activity requirements, and separation anxiety.
Does German Shepherd bark a lot?
Honestly, yes. German Shepherds do tend to bark more than some of the other large dog breeds Even with lots of training and socialization, it isn’t uncommon for them to be more vocal.
What’s the easiest dog to train?
- Poodle. There’s a reason standard, miniature and toy Poodles excel at dog shows
- German Shepherd. At its core, the German shepherd is a protector
- Pumi
- Papillon
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Golden Retriever
- Collie
- Labrador Retriever.
Do German Shepherds like to cuddle?
Are they cuddly and affectionate dogs? German Shepherds can absolutely be loving and affectionate dogs that are down for a good cuddle.
Do German Shepherds like to be petted?
German Shepherds tend to be quite affectionate with their human companions and will tolerate being petted However, each dog has a different personality and will react differently to physical affection, so it is not uncommon for a German Shepherd to dislike being petted.
Why do German Shepherd puppies bite so much?
German Shepherd puppies bite mostly because they simply want to play However, they do also bite for other reasons, such as curiosity and wanting your attention. Keep in mind that these dogs have a high prey drive and are instinctual herders, and these traits can also lead to biting.
Is raising a German Shepherd hard?
Conclusion. German Shepherds are the type of dogs that thrive in an environment with structure, attentiveness, and high energy. In fact, if you can give your dog playful adventures and activities to take part in, their life and relationship with you will be much more positive. Training will even come as easy as pie.
How do you train a German Shepherd not to bite?
- Use Special Toys for Play
- Say OUCH! .
- Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates
- Offer Them Frozen Kongs
- Use Redirections
- Use Daily Leadership Skills
- Take the Quiet Approach
- Engage in Structured Exercise.
Are German Shepherds hard to raise?
German Shepherds love to work and are extremely trainable. They are incredibly loyal and have strong (but fun) personalities. They often feel a strong bond with one person. It takes a village to raise a dog though , so try your best to get the whole family involved in training.
Are female or male German Shepherd better?
Research shows that males German Shepherds are more aggressive than female German Shepherds This means that a family should consider choosing a female for a companion over a male. Males tend to perform better for roles in protection and guarding and could do well in a home without children and the proper training.
Do German Shepherds bite?
Among dog breeds, German Shepherds have one of the strongest bite forces Though it can be a bit difficult to measure given different locations in a dog’s mouth and jaw, most place the bite force of a typical German Shepherd at around 238 psi.
Why do German Shepherds bite their owners?
A well-trained German Shepherd will rarely turn on or bite his owner. However, if the dog is scared or sick, he may bite to defend himself if provoked A dog may also bite if he has a history of being abused or neglected.
How do you assert dominance over a German Shepherd?
- Hold the first position.
- Raise your standards regarding behavior.
- Use verbal corrections in a timely manner.
- Do not be nervous around your German Shepherd.
- Discourage domination by short effective timeouts.
What should I expect from my 1 year old German Shepherd?
A 1-year-old German Shepherd may still show many puppylike behaviors, but also have behavior you find troubling in other ways He might test his independence and show undesirable behaviors, or has never been given proper training to understand how to live in a home.
How do I stop my German Shepherd puppy from biting and jumping?
Fold your arms and turn away You can also use an “off” command when you turn. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward.
Why does my German Shepherd not listen to me?
When your dog doesn’t listen they’re letting you know they don’t’ understand you , whatever the reason. Maybe they’re not being stubborn, but need more training with better communication. German Shepherds are adept at reading body language and are more prone to listen when you have a reward at hand.
How do I get my German Shepherd to listen?
Use a phrase like ‘look at me’ or ‘focus’ as soon as you have your dog’s attention This command will later be used to get his attention at any time. Offer the treat as soon as your dog looks at you. It should be an immediate reward, not a second too late.
Are male or female German Shepherds more affectionate?
Since females are naturally more maternal, they can also be more reactive than males. Males tend to be more possessive. Many German shepherd owners will also say that their males are more affectionate and goofy while their females are more reserved.
How do you tell if a German Shepherd likes you?
- 1) They can’t help but kiss or lick you
- 2) They like staying close to you
- 3) They often snuggle or cuddle
- 4) They lean on you
- 5) They allow you to hug them
- 6) They ask for rubs
- 7) They’re always happy to see you
- 8) They keep wanting to play.
What makes German Shepherds happy?
The best way to keep a German Shepherd happy is to provide for their intellectual, physical, and emotional needs Make sure your German Shepherd has healthy foods, the right amount of exercise, fun mental stimulation, and lots of affection and love.
How do I tell my dog no?
As you close your hand, say “No!”. Let him lick and sniff, but do not give him the treat. When he finally gives up and backs away, praise him and give him the treat. Repeat the above step several times until your pup figures out he gets the treat only when he obeys the ‘no’ command.
What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd is an amazing dog with tons of excellent qualities. They have a lifespan of 9-13 years which is average for most dogs. There are several factors that can affect how long they live. It is important to recognize these factors and hopefully extend their lives as much as possible.
How do you teach a German Shepherd basic commands?
- Always be consistent. Use the same words each time.
- We can’t expect our dogs to know what we want without teaching them first.
- Keep your commands short and simple.
- Do regular short refresher training sessions to avoid a decline in your dog’s response.
Why do German Shepherds tilt their head?
The Root of the Behavior Noises which are far out of reach of the human ear are easily discernible to a German Shepherd’s auditory senses. If they hear something which they don’t recognize or can’t decipher, they will try to tune into the sound more by tilting their heads Think of it as directional sound capturing.
Do GSD like water?
German Shepherd But since they are naturally athletic and courageous dogs, they are more likely to love water and become strong swimmers.
How long do German Shepherds sleep in a day?
Once fully grown, a German Shepherd will sleep around 12 or 14 hours a day. Though this may seem like a lot, it’s not a continuous, restful sleep like a human’s 8 hours a night. German Shepherds will take naps throughout the day, then sleep while their human sleeps for 6 or 8 hours.
Sources
https://www.shepherdsense.com/stubborn-german-shepherd/