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

- 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 🙂
- Be prepared for some mis-behaving – even a ‘tantrum’
- They are very sensitive to your feelings and emotions
- 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
- Get used to stepping over them – they do get under your feet
- Keep yummy things to the back of your counter tops. So much nose to smell treats and snacks with!
- They have E N E R G Y they need to walk out every day, ideally twice a day
- They give and expect a lot of love
- Surely we don’t need to tell you they are highly intelligent
- They are addictive – who can stop at just one German Shepherd

- You will never be alone – they’ll follow you everywhere
- They need both tough love and big hugs too
- Give them plenty of mental exercise as well as physical exercise
- If they’re allowed up on the bed they’ll take over – be warned!
- They can be protective and territorial
- 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
- They are very athletic – you’ll need some high fences – 6 ft minimum – if you need to keep them in the yard
- Lots of toys will stop them tearing up your furniture
- They love to chew your shoes – especially those new trainers….
- They love your smelly socks too

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