So, you’ve brought a German Shepherd into your life? Prepare yourself for a journey filled with boundless energy, unwavering loyalty, and maybe a few chewed-up shoes along the way. German Shepherds are amazing dogs, but they come with unique needs and challenges. To help you navigate the exciting world of German Shepherd ownership, let’s dive into some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
1. Bringing Home a Puppy Too Early
Why it’s a mistake: The American Kennel Club recommends waiting until a puppy is eight to twelve weeks old before separating it from its mother and littermates. Those early weeks are crucial for socialization and learning essential canine behavior.
What to do instead: Be patient! Reputable breeders understand the importance of those first few weeks and won’t let puppies go home before they’re ready. Use this time to puppy-proof your home and gather essential supplies like a leash, collar, crate, food, and chew toys.
2. Ignoring the Nipping and Biting
Why it’s a mistake: German Shepherd puppies are notorious for their mouthiness. It’s cute when they’re tiny, but those needle-sharp teeth can do some damage as they grow. If you don’t address this behavior early on, it can escalate into a serious problem.
What to do instead: Teach your puppy that biting is not okay. Be consistent with this rule and redirect their chewing instincts onto appropriate chew toys. Providing plenty of chew toys is essential for teething puppies.
3. Neglecting Socialization
Why it’s a mistake: German Shepherds can be prone to dog aggression if not properly socialized. A lack of socialization can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression towards other dogs and people.
What to do instead: Socialize, socialize, socialize! Expose your puppy to a wide variety of sights, sounds, people, and other dogs from a young age. Puppy classes are a great way to start, but also take your dog to parks, on walks, and to other dog-friendly places.
4. Skipping Training
Why it’s a mistake: German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, but they need clear guidance and consistent training. Without it, they can become bored, destructive, and difficult to manage.
What to do instead: Start training immediately! Enroll in obedience classes or work with a professional trainer. Focus on positive reinforcement techniques and be consistent with your commands.
5. Allowing Resource Guarding
Why it’s a mistake: German Shepherds are naturally protective and can easily develop resource guarding behaviors. This means they may become possessive of their food, toys, or even their space, leading to aggression if someone approaches.
What to do instead: Never allow your puppy to guard anything. If they show signs of resource guarding (growling, snapping, etc.), seek professional help from a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist.
6. Inconsistent Routines
Why it’s a mistake: Puppies thrive on routine. A lack of schedule or an unpredictable environment can cause behavior problems, training setbacks, and potty-training accidents.
What to do instead: Stick to a realistic routine that includes predictable mealtimes, potty breaks, training time, naps, play time, and bedtime. Avoid unrealistic expectations, such as expecting a young puppy to go for long periods without potty breaks.
7. Insufficient Exercise
Why it’s a mistake: German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise. Without enough physical activity, they can become restless, destructive, and difficult to manage.
What to do instead: Provide your German Shepherd with at least an hour of exercise per day. This can include walks, runs, hikes, playing fetch, or participating in dog sports like agility or frisbee.
8. Neglecting Mental Stimulation
Why it’s a mistake: German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation to stay happy and engaged. Without it, they can become bored, destructive, and prone to problem behaviors.
What to do instead: Provide your German Shepherd with plenty of mental challenges. This can include puzzle toys, training exercises, scent work, or even learning new tricks.
9. Ignoring Grooming Needs
Why it’s a mistake: German Shepherds have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming. Neglecting grooming can lead to matting, skin problems, and excessive shedding.
What to do instead: Brush your German Shepherd several times a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Bathe them as needed and trim their nails regularly.
10. Overlooking Dental Health
Why it’s a mistake: Dental disease is a common problem in dogs, and German Shepherds are no exception. Neglecting dental health can lead to pain, infection, and even systemic health problems.
What to do instead: Brush your German Shepherd’s teeth daily with a dog-specific toothpaste. Provide them with dental chews and schedule regular professional dental cleanings with your veterinarian.
11. Not Being Prepared for Shedding
Why it’s a mistake: German Shepherds are notorious shedders. If you’re not prepared for the amount of hair they produce, you may find yourself constantly cleaning and vacuuming.
What to do instead: Invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner and be prepared to brush your German Shepherd regularly. You might also consider using a deshedding tool to help remove loose hair.
12. Expecting Perfection
Why it’s a mistake: No dog is perfect, and every German Shepherd is an individual. Expecting your dog to be perfectly behaved all the time is unrealistic and can lead to frustration.
What to do instead: Be patient, understanding, and forgiving. Focus on building a strong bond with your dog and celebrating their successes. Remember that training is an ongoing process and there will be good days and bad days.
13. Feeding Low-Quality Food
Why it’s a mistake: The food you feed your German Shepherd can have a big impact on their health and well-being. Feeding a low-quality food can lead to nutritional deficiencies, digestive problems, and other health issues.
What to do instead: Choose a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for German Shepherds or large-breed dogs. Look for a food that is made with real meat, whole grains, and without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
14. Not Researching the Breed
Why it’s a mistake: Every dog breed is different, and German Shepherds have specific needs and traits. Not understanding these can lead to challenges.
What to do instead: Research! Understand their exercise, training, and grooming needs. Knowing the breed will help you provide the best care.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set yourself up for a long and happy relationship with your German Shepherd. Remember, patience, consistency, and a whole lot of love are the keys to success!