I know, I know… The title does sound a bit harsh, but the truth is ugly: German Shepherds are not dogs for everyone. They don’t fit all lifestyles or types of people.
Raising a German Shepherd and living with one for many years can be quite challenging. They’re not low-maintenance in any case.
Yes, I agree… they are wonderful. But, before adopting a dog, you should look into all aspects of the breed. It doesn’t always come down to whether a dog sheds or not. Some people actually find strenuous daily exercises a dealbreaker.
There are many reasons why you should get a German Shepherd, and even more of them that say otherwise.
If you’re anything like the person in this article, you should not give your heart to a GSD.
1. No Free Time At All
First, I want you to meet someone. His name is Billy. Billy is a very busy person. He’s in his thirties, living in a big city and often lacking time to sleep. His busy work schedule doesn’t allow him to do many things in his free time.
But, lately, Billy started thinking about getting a dog. Living alone in a city with no family can be quite tough. Naturally, Billy wants a big dog because he’s a big man. And, he needs someone to guard that fancy apartment he owns overlooking the city center.
Well, Billy… you’ve made some critical mistakes at the beginning.
You have no time.
People who have no free time should not get a dog like a German Shepherd. This breed requires lots of attention, love, and care.
German Shepherds are social animals. They love their hoomans dearly. They love spending time with them. If you spend all your time outside the home, your new GSD will definitely become lonely, eventually depressed, and severely heartbroken.
2. Lack Of Interest In Play Time
Billy believes dogs don’t need to play when they grow up, especially not tough dogs like German Shepherds.
Oh, Billy… you couldn’t be more wrong.
You see, German Shepherds are dogs that require daily exercise and play time. It’s not because they’re immature or behave like puppies. Every GSD needs to exercise regularly to relieve himself from built-up energy.
Imagine a big dog locked in a small space for days. He’s got nothing to do and nowhere to go. His energy is over the roof and it begins to manifest in trouble with sleeping.
German Shepherds are big, strong, and usually loaded with energy. After all, they were once used as herding dogs.
So, Billy… if you can’t commit to at least two hours a day of exercise, you should pick another breed. Your future GSD would be so much happier with someone who will actually take him to the park.
3. Loners Stay Away
As I said earlier, German Shepherds are social butterflies. They thrive when around people. A person who is usually a loner would not feel comfortable around a German Shepherd.
If you prefer going out for walks or shopping alone, then you shouldn’t even consider this breed. German Shepherds love doing everything together with their hoomans. When trained, they’re perfectly intelligent and know how to behave in stores, on the street, in the park, etc.
No dog would like to see his owner relaxing on the sofa after a long day, grabbing a drink, and not inviting the dog to join for a cuddle session, especially not a GSD.
4. Ignoring Basic Training
All dogs need to be trained. And, I’m not talking about fun tricks or commands that should amaze your friends.
I’m talking about basic obedience training. If you don’t have your dog trained, what can you expect other than disobedience and mischief?
German Shepherds are known as highly intelligent animals. They’re ranked as #2 on the scale of the most intelligent dogs.
But, even such intelligent dogs need guidance.
The base of every good training starts with early socialization. Introducing a puppy to different people, animals, smells, and situations will teach him to respond properly in new situations. Socialized puppies won’t respond in fear or aggression. |1|
Once the socialization period is over, training can begin. What every dog trainer will tell you is that you must establish dominance over your dog. And, since this is a German Shepherd in question, that’s highly important. GSDs are naturally dominant dogs.
Here’s where you can either pay a professional to teach your GSD to sit, stay, shake, etc. Or, you can read training books and teach him on your own.
But, all of this sounds too confusing to Billy. He’s got no time to learn how to train a dog. He doesn’t believe in professional training either. Billy should definitely get a goldfish… not a GSD.
5. Issues With Loose Hair
German Shedders… I mean, Shepherds, are dogs that shed a lot. That doesn’t work out for Billy because he just got a brand new sofa that must not be covered in dog hair.
Billy likes the idea of owning an impressive GSD, but he doesn’t know the cost of their luscious coat.
German Shepherds shed heavily year round. They’re double-coated dogs, and they need to be groomed daily. But, Billy doesn’t have time to brush his dog every day. Billy can’t stand to see hair flying around, ending up even in his morning coffee.
He likes his home nice and clean… spotless. And, that’s not a home or a person for a German Shepherd.
6. Not Enjoying The Snuggles
Believe it or not, German Shepherds are big snugglers. They often don’t see how big they are, so they try to squeeze into their hoomans’ lap and cuddle.
Who would’ve thought a tough looking dog like a GSD could be such a sweetheart.
Well, German Shepherds are made of love. They love showing it to everyone. If you’re a person like Billy, and you’re not a cuddler, then you should definitely pick another breed as a pet.
German Shepherds will demand cuddles, praises, and snuggles on a daily basis. It’s their way of telling their hoomans how much they love them. Despite looking all tough and unapproachable, GSDs have a heart of gold.
Unlike Billy, whose heart is stone cold.
7. Zero Level Of Understanding
German Shepherds are special dogs. Such dogs need someone to understand their nature.
Let’s go back to the past for a moment to remember where they came from.
German Shepherds were intentionally bred to herd, serve, and protect. Throughout history, they obtained roles of guardians, working dogs, and special force agents. |2| This breed is a staple for every police station or special agency.
This means that German Shepherds have strong work ethics, and even herding genes that have stuck in their DNA. Today’s specimens of the breed need owners who know how to channel their energy and everyday behavior.
They don’t need someone like Billy to yell at them for chasing squirrels, barking at unknown people, and patrolling around the house.
To Sum Up…
Yeah, Billy is a pretty… unpleasant person. He’s definitely not a good fit for a German Shepherd.
If I can be completely honest, he doesn’t deserve any dog.
Maybe Billy would be better off with a goldfish.
Don’t be like Billy. Show some understanding for the special breed – the German Shepherd.
Sources:
|1| Tiffani J Howell,Tammie King &Pauleen C Bennett. Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. (2022). DOI
|2| Willis, M. B. The German Shepherd Dog. Its history, development and genetics. (1976). DOI