Firstly, obedience training is crucial, as powerful dogs, a German shepherd will very soon rule the roost if it does not learn its place in the pack hierarchy of your house hold. This may sound severe but as a pack animal, all dogs, not just yours, will instinctively try to climb to the top of the pack.
Find out more about German shepherd training – Click Here
German shepherds are a keenly intelligent breed; they learn fast and are one step ahead of the game. For this reason, don’t neglect your puppy’s potential and leave it to grow up doing little more than chewing toys.
It needs regular stimulation and exercise, would you leave you child to grow up with no exercise, leaving him to do nothing but watch TV (ironically a lot of people do).
They are powerful dogs even at an early age; don’t be surprised if they occasionally send things flying, including members of your household, be prepared for the inevitable. Try to keep valuables out of harms way.
Buy your German shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, find one through classifieds or get referred through a vet or kennel club. Superior genes will be a good stating point for the life of your GSD
Before you buy puppy, visit some German shepherd dog training clubs and speak to owners, this will give you a good idea of the sort of commitment needed in raising a GSD and will better help you decide if it is for you
Remember, German shepherds moult far heavier than most other dogs, be prepared to get your Hoover out more than you would have done.
Keep your GSD puppy well socialized, another very important aspect of healthy development for your dog. Locking it away from the world will only serve in making it aggressive when confronted with other dogs and people.
