Is A German Shepherd A Good Starter Dog?


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.

What is the

best age

to get a German Shepherd puppy?

The best age to buy a German Shepherd puppy is around 7 to 10 weeks old Most German Shepherd breeders release their puppies at about 7 or 8 weeks of age, while a few keep their puppies longer.

Can a 2

year old german shepherd

be trained?

German Shepherds are brilliant dogs and able to learn well throughout their lifetimes, even at 2 years old with the

right training

.

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.

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.

Should I get a boy or girl German Shepherd?

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.

Is it better to get a puppy at 8 weeks or 12 weeks?

One experienced dog trainer and expert on dog development suggested that the optimum age for a puppy to go to its new owner is about 8-to-9-weeks , when the pup is ready to develop a strong bond.

Can my puppy sleep with me the first night?

Should you leave your puppy alone on the first night? The short answer is no, please don’t leave your puppy alone on his first night The long answer is we set up our puppy’s crate next to our bed (where you’d normally find a nightstand). I sleep about a foot away from my puppy in my own bed, puppy in his crate.

Is a German Shepherd a wolf part?

German Shepherds are not part wolf but descended from the gray wolf. Despite sharing 99.9% of their DNA with wolves and being genetically very close, they are not wolves. All domesticated dogs are members of the Canidae family – 34 species, including wolves, coyotes, jackals, dingoes, and foxes.

At what age do German Shepherds start guarding?

At What Age Does a German Shepherd Start Guarding It’s not until German Shepherds reach adolescence that their guarding instincts come in full force. You might start to notice some of these symptoms as early as 12 weeks, but they really come in around 6 months.

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.

How do you punish a German Shepherd?

To discipline a German Shepherd, distract your GSD from

unwanted behavior

and redirect him by giving something interesting instead, such as a toy Use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. Don’t use physical punishment, yell, or encourage bad behavior.

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.

Are German Shepherds good off leash?

German Shepherd German Shepherds do best when given a job to perform, such as listening and following directions. Intelligent, obedient, and eager to please, this breed is great for off-leash fun.

Is it hard to raise a German Shepherd?

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.

Is it cruel to have a German Shepherd in an apartment?

So, can German Shepherds live in apartments? Yes, German Shepherds can live in apartments as long as the owner is responsible and provides the dog with the basic needs Many German Shepherds all over the world thrive in apartments.

Are GSD easy to train?

In fact, many GSD owners will find that this is one of the easiest breeds to housetrain , as long as constant supervision and consistency are provided.

How do you pick up a puppy?

The safest way to pick up a puppy or kitten, Downing says, is the one most comfortable for them. “ Slip one hand between the front legs from the front of the body, and slip the other hand between the rear legs from behind ,” she recommends. “Then lift them as a unit with their spine relatively straight.”.

How much should you pay for a German Shepherd puppy?

If you are buying a puppy from a breeder you can expect to pay anywhere from $600-$1500 The average price of a German Shepherd puppy is $1000. As a general rule reputable breeders tend to charge higher prices because they put more time, effort, and money into caring for their breeding dogs and puppies.

Can a puppy leave its mother at 6 weeks old?

Puppies can leave their mothers at 6 weeks old since they no longer depend on milk , but this doesn’t mean that they should. There are a lot of risks involved with early separation.

Are German Shepherds aggressive?

The German Shepherd breed is known for their aggressive behaviors and tendencies In fact, they are often touted for this behavior and it is utilized to make good, strong guard dogs. This does not mean that you want to encourage this aggressive behavior as it can be incredibly dangerous.

How long will a German Shepherd live?

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 long do German Shepherds sleep?

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.

What is the easiest dog to train?

  • Border Collie. Prized for its instincts and working ability, the Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent and easy to train dog
  • Poodle
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Labrador Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Bearded Collie.

Is it ever too late to socialize a German Shepherd?

There are truly not many disadvantages when it comes to training an older dog, and as long as the trainer has patience and dedication, an older German Shepherd can learn most commands and new skills – it is never too late for them to learn !.

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.

Can German Shepherds be left alone?

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.

Are German Shepherds good inside dogs?

The German Shepherd is happiest living indoors with the family , but with access to a large, fenced yard, where they can burn off some of their natural energy. You can find dogs of almost any breed, including German Shepherds, from your local shelter or breed specific rescue.

What is a German Shepherds favorite food?

German Shepherd Favorite Foods Although preferences vary from dog to dog most German Shepherds gravitate toward items containing beef, lamb, fish, and chicken Shepherds do like cheese, although this should be enjoyed in moderation, as it can cause gastrointestinal distress in these gentle companions.

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.

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.

How do I pick a good German Shepherd puppy?

A German Shepherd puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and exhibit affection without inhibition. Many times puppies will single out one of the litter to pick on.

Do police use female German Shepherds?

Males and females both make excellent police service dogs Do you neuter and/or spay police dogs? Females are normally always spayed because of their heat cycles and for medical benefits. Males may also often be neutered for medical or behavioral reasons.

Which German Shepherd is more protective male or female?

Unlike the male, a girl GSD is more gentle and friendly, in general. She is also more apt to be protective and attached to the entire family versus just one person. As her nature is typically more laid back, your German Shepherd is also not going to be as hard to handle as the male counterparts.

Should I wake my puppy up to pee at night?

Then the answer is YES. You should wake your puppy up to pee at night ! Once a puppy reaches 4-6 months old, they will have almost a full-sized bladder and are able to hold in their urine for longer. With proper potty training, you and your dog might get through the night without wet incidents.

HOW LONG CAN 8 week old puppy sleep at night?

But it’s important that you are aware of his limitations. A few new puppies can last six or seven hours at night without a wee But many cannot do this until they are around ten weeks old. If you crate your puppy at night, expect to get up in the middle night and take your puppy outside for a wee, for up to two weeks.

Where should my puppy sleep at night time?

Most puppies do best in a crate with a soft and suitable bed or bedding tucked inside Crates keep your little guy corralled and away from temptations and dangers while you get some shut-eye too.

Should I bathe my puppy when I bring her home?

Young puppies can’t regulate their own body temperature the way older puppies can, so the American Kennel Club recommends that you wait until they’re at least 8 weeks old before you give them their first bath.

What time should puppy go to bed?

Bedtime: A set bedtime makes his adjustment and house training easier for everyone. It doesn’t matter if it’s 8 p.m. or midnight , as long as it becomes a routine. Take him to his crate and help him settle down for the night.

Where should a puppy sleep when you first bring it home?

It’s best to keep your dog in a crate in your bedroom for the first few nights. This helps establish important boundaries while also letting your puppy know that you are nearby should they need you. Bringing a puppy home is so much fun but also so much responsibility.

Which dog has the most wolf DNA?

#1 – Shih Tzu Although this breed looks nothing similar to wolves and other wild canids, the Shih Tzu is genetically one of the domestic breeds most closely related to wolves. It is thought that this companion breed originated in China around 800 BC.

What dog is closest to a wolf?

  • Afghan Hound
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • Siberian Husky
  • Shih Tzu
  • Pekingese
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Shiba Inu. This Japanese breed may be small, but it is also very similar to the ancient wolf ancestors
  • Chow Chow. The Chow Chow is very similar looking to the wild ancestors of wolves.

References


https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/german-shepherd-growth-and-weight-chart/


https://www.shepherdsense.com/how-to-train-a-2-year-old-german-shepherd/


https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/young-german-shepherd-sitting-on.html

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