GSDinfo

The German Shepherd Dog... Is this the breed for you?

Our love for the German Shepherd Dog, is not equally shared among all. This page is intended to help you make an informed decision as to whether this is the right breed for you & your family.

First and foremost, the GSD is a tremendously loyal and devoted breed. Normally they will get along well with everyone in the family, but they generally pick one person that they bond with the most. This is usually the primary care taker.

In order to assure that your GSD doesn't become wary of strangers and new situations, it must be socialized properly. GSD's have the tendancy to become overly aggressive toward other dogs and new people when they are not taught at a young age that new people and situations are not to be feared.

While the GSD won't need a bath too often, it will need to be brushed a few times weekly. They shed a lot.

GSD's need regular exercise and mental stimulation in order to grow up happy and healthy. GSD's don't mature until 2-3 years old. They can keep much of their puppy energy & mind set until that time.

GSD's can become destructive if left alone too frequently. If you are away from your home a great deal, this will have an impact on your puppy or dog.

I hope you aren't lacking any. If you are raising an 8 week old puppy, you'll need lots of it. You will be responsible for housebreaking, crate training, socializing, obedience training, exercising and teaching this puppy how to behave as part of your family. This is a process that takes a great deal of time, energy and patience.

Can you discipline? A GSD can be quite independent & head strong. This breed requires a pack leader, YOU.

Many people make an impulse decision to purchase a puppy. We don't want our puppies to go to someone who has not taken the time to think things through. Raising a dog from puppyhood can be a very rewarding process if you have realistic expectations. Or, on the other hand it can be frustrating when you don't know what to expect.

Our GSD's are wonderful with children. All of our puppies are raised around 4 young children. However the children and dogs must be taught to respect one another. This means the dog must be taught to be gentle and calm around little ones, and that children must know how to behave as well. This means supervision!

No problem w/ commitment? Great!!GSD's live on average 11-14 years. We do NOT want any of our puppies to end up at an Animal Shelter or Dog Pound.These dogs are capable of adapting to new homes, but it is best for them that they remain with the same family that chose to take them home. Realize this is a commitment to love and care for this puppy and provide it a Forever Home!

Are all members of the household agreeable to a GSD puppy? If so, great. If not, in all fairness to everyone concerned including the puppy you'd better hold off on it.

Links to sites w/ more information on German Shepherd Dog ownership, care and training.