Deciding to buy a German Shepherd can be a big investment of both money and time and also a personal commitment to a lifelong pal.

We pulled together a list of things that we thought you might need to know!

1. Can you guess why they’re called German Shedders!  Yes expect lots of hair!
2. They can be clingy – they need your love and attention
3. You need to project a calm authority in all situations
4. Get used to many other dog owners avoiding you, or putting their dog on a lead, or asking if your dog is OK
5. Consistency is key for training and behaviour
6. Feed the best quality feed you can
7. Correct bad behaviour straight away – they are too clever for you not to be on top of it
8. German Shepherds can be stubborn
9. They can talk back – OK maybe not talk – but they sure do vocalise
10. Start your training early – not just toilet training – your basic commands at a minimum

11. Get used to having no personal space – they will follow you everywhere – yes even into the toilet. And it doesn’t matter if you don’t all fit in, they’ll find room 🙂
12. Be prepared for some mis-behaving – even a ‘tantrum’
13. They are very sensitive to your feelings and emotions
14. Socialise early and keep it up. Note that GSDs can be a bit ‘stand-off’ ish – they are quite happy with their own company and their pack
15. Get used to stepping over them – they do get under your feet
16. Keep yummy things to the back of your counter tops. So much nose to smell treats and snacks with!
17. They have E N E R G Y they need to walk out every day, ideally twice a day
18. They give and expect a lot of love
19. Surely we don’t need to tell you they are highly intelligent
20. They are addictive – who can stop at just one German Shepherd

21. You will never be alone – they’ll follow you everywhere
22. They need both tough love and big hugs too
23. Give them plenty of mental exercise as well as physical exercise
24. If they’re allowed up on the bed they’ll take over – be warned!
25. They can be protective and territorial
26. Minimise their running, jumping and use of stairs in the first 18 months – it’s too much strain for their young joints, especially their hips
27. They are very athletic – you’ll need some high fences – 6 ft minimum – if you need to keep them in the yard
28. Lots of toys will stop them tearing up your furniture
29. They love to chew your shoes – especially those new trainers….
30. They love your smelly socks too

31. Get to two years and you have your friend and doggy soul mate for life
32. Got a great vacuum cleaner – better still have two – you’ll need a spare!
33. They do need some TLC, but hey don’t we all
34. Think of them as doggy Velcro
35. There’s no going back once you’ve had a GSD

Enjoy your German Shepherd