Thorough and Research

[Riopool24]

Let me know if the topic placed under training is incorrect.

Before getting any German Shepherd Dog, breeder, shelter, rescue. No need to be hasty and rash. Think before taking action through, overthinking if you have to. 5 stars may seem reliable and responsible, but dig deeper read the pedigrees. Ask breeders, shelters, rescues why are you match for this particular dog? Just because German Shepherd breed is a fit, does not mean every individual German Shepherd Dog is. A big commitment for 10-12 years, may be shorter if you are not prepared. Don't leave the dog around like a couch potato and wonder why your dog has reactivity issues down the road. Requirements get out of the house walk the dog. A happy dog is a tired dog. Remember they're 2 year old or (3) intelligent raptors. No German Shepherd owner won't get much sleep if you don't take care of them properly.

 

[Malakai The Great]

This is solid advice overall. The biggest mistake people make is falling in love with “the breed” and not doing the unsexy homework on the individual dog and the source.

I’d only tweak one line: “a happy dog is a tired dog” is sometimes true, but with shepherds you can accidentally build a super-athlete that never turns off. I think the goal is a dog that’s fulfilled with outlets for drives, structure, training, and learning how to settle.

But yeah… rushing into a GSD because you like the idea of one is how you end up with a stressed handler and a dog making “choices.” Do the research, ask hard questions, and match the dog to the life you actually live.

 

[Riopool24]

This is solid advice overall. The biggest mistake people make is falling in love with “the breed” and not doing the unsexy homework on the individual dog and the source.

I’d only tweak one line: “a happy dog is a tired dog” is sometimes true, but with shepherds you can accidentally build a super-athlete that never turns off. I think the goal is a dog that’s fulfilled with outlets for drives, structure, training, and learning how to settle.

But yeah… rushing into a GSD because you like the idea of one is how you end up with a stressed handler and a dog making “choices.” Do the research, ask hard questions, and match the dog to the life you actually live.

Yes spot on. Actually a lot of energetic dogs are surrendered back to shelters/rescues/breeders, because the dog still doesn't relax after 2/5 mile hike/walk. Not giving the dog any chances. Not just German Shepherds