Do German Shepherds Make Good Pets?
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Do German Shepherds Make Good Pets? That’s a question on the minds of tons of folks looking to become first-time dog owners. People seem to gravitate toward German Shepherds for a host of reasons. For some, it may simply be because they like the look and nature of this breed. For others, it may be a matter of wanting personal protection for their family and property in what they perceive as an increasingly dangerous world.
Whatever each person’s reason may be, many people just want to know whether German Shepherds can be trusted as family pets. This article will answer the question, “do German Shepherds make good pets?”. I’ll present real information that you can use to determine if a
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Firstly, German Shepherds do make great pets. But, as a prospective German Shepherd owner, you need to be aware that factors like parentage, past injury or abuse, discipline issues, health (including congenital defects like Dysplasia), past care and training, temperament, or other concerns must be seriously considered.
If you’re buying from a reputable breeder, then all pedigree and treated health issues should be a matter of record. If you’re rescuing an unpapered
Understand that such an exam will probably cost you. But, this is better than the heartbreak of bad news after you’ve come to love the dog.
Secondly, does it matter whether the
Thirdly, what is it about German Shepherds that makes them good family pets? There are a host of good reasons why these dogs make fine family pets. Here’s five of them for starters:
- They are smart, quick to learn, and loyal to their adoptive human family.
- They are fun, “go with” dogs that love to ride, walk, run, and swim.
- They love to play and are usually gentle with kids and other pets.
- They are mindful, obedient and dedicated family guardians.
- They are highly trainable for a wide range of tasks
The Downsides
The bottom line is that there’s no such thing as the perfect dog breed. Each breed has its own set of pluses and minuses. German Shepherds are no exception to this rule. But, if you like high energy, lovable, mid-sized dogs then you’ll love the
Some Breed Downsides Are:
Time―They take lots of it! The
Stubbornness―Untrained and undisciplined German Shepherds can be real knotheads. In fact, they can be fairly unpredictable and may refuse to obey any commands. This can spell trouble in any household, especially one with children and other pets―especially cats or prey animals like rabbits or birds.
Training―Adult German Shepherds that have received K9 police or combat training may not be a good choice if other pets or kids are in the home. While these are typically very good dogs, they sometimes suffer from PTSD just like people. In certain situations this can cause them to be unpredictable, especially around loud, active children.
Conclusion
So, do German Shepherds make good pets? People generally love German shepherds as family pets. These dogs make very good pets because they are typically a lot of fun and great companions. But, with German Shepherds effective positive training at an early age with plenty of exercise is key to avoid boredom and unwanted aggressive tendencies.
If you plan to adopt an adult
If you are thinking of adopting a dog, this guide walks you step by step through the process, helping you to a create a happy gotcha day for your pup.
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