Hazards In The Garden
Another factor in helping you reconsider leaving your German Shepherd outside is your garden.
If you leave your curious dog unattended, they might ingest something in your garden. Some of these things can be very dangerous for them.
Toxic Fertilizers and Other Garden Substances
Some ingredients in fertilizers, compost, pesticides, and additives might be toxic to dogs when ingested.
If you see signs of drooling, diarrhea, or vomiting, consult your vet immediately.
Toxic Plants
Much like specific foods, several plants and flowers are toxic to German Shepherds.
If you dont secure your garden, your dog can dig up and eat your plants. Some might cause gastrointestinal discomfort, while others might induce seizures or comas.
Some examples of plants you shouldnt let your dogs come into contact with include:
- Tomato plants
The German Shepherd is an adaptable breed. Once acclimated, they can tolerate and do well in both hot and cold climates. So its up to you to pay very close attention to your dog and to understand when its time to either warm your GSD up or cool it down.
Can German shepherds live in cold weather? German Shepherds do great in cold weather as long as they have the standard stock coat and are appropriately acclimated to the weather. Our dogs are outside with us even when its -10 degrees. Tolerates Hot Weather?
Read Also: How Much Are Akc German Shepherd Puppies
How Much Space Does A German Shepherd Needexactly
German Shepherds are one of the most robust yet lovable breeds out there. However, this is one breed that lives to have an active lifestyle. That is the reason why dog parents often wonder if they need a big yard for this energetic dog. In fact, if you are getting home a German Shepherd, one of the most significant factors that you need to consider and think about is space. This is because these dogs are full of charm, wisdom, and wit, but there are also full of energy. Hence, they need a decent amount of space to run around and play around.
However, if you ask how much space exactly would it need? The answer is simple ENOUGH space to burn its energies and carry out routine physical activities. Having enough space certainly does not mean that a German Shepherd sure-shot needs big yards only. As long as your German Shepherd is able to burn its energy well and run and play around well, your GDS will be fit as a flea. This certainly does not mean that a German Shepherd cannot survive without big yards.
But does it mean that they can make do with apartments and places where they mostly have to be indoor?
How Much Does A German Shepherd Puppy Cost
So you have done your research and finally decided that your first dog will be a German Shepherd.
Now you will need to consider the cost of buying and taking care of a big dog and make sure you are financially equipped for it.
On average, adopting a GSD from a shelter will cost you around $150-$500, while purchasing a new puppy from a reputable breeder will cost you between $800-$2500.
In your puppys first year, you will incur expenses on high-quality food, vaccinations, veterinary care, supplements, training materials, crates, toys, and preventative medications.
These expenses will cost you around $2000 to $7000 a year .
Of course, this is only an estimate and your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle and preferences.
You dont have to spend on luxurious items for your GSD. The important thing to remember is, if you want to keep your dog well-maintained and healthy, you will have to shell out some money. Its just part of responsible pet ownership.
For a complete breakdown of the costs associated with buying a German Shepherd puppy, be sure to read the comprehensive post below:
Also Check: What Is The Difference Between A German Shepherd And Alsatian
Types Of German Shepherds
There are five types of German Shepherds that each have unique characteristics and breeding standards. The American Show Line is bred primarily for showing, hence the name. This type generally requires less exercise since they are bred primarily for appearance and not for work. This type also has a more pronounced angulation to their hindquarters. The West German Show Line is bred entirely for beauty and requires a strict healthy report before they can be bred. The West German Working Line is bred for work efficiency. They can be trained to do a number of working jobs and will excel at them. They are the modern representation of the original breed created by Max Von Stephanitz. Finally, the East German Working Lines is rugged, with dark coat pigmentation, a large and muscular figure, and stamina. Due to strict regulations by the government following World War II, this line has developed into quite the powerhouse. They require a great deal of work and are not recommended for the inexperienced dog owner.
Requires A Significant Portion Of Your Time
These dogs find the best comfort when theyre in the presence of their owner it would also take a lot of patience and effort from you to have them become the excellent dog you wish them to be. If youre a hands-on dog owner, this wont occur to you as a problem, but just an extra challenge. German Shepherds are destined to go under training whether you plan on keeping one as a police dog or only as a family pet. They need the right guidance for whatever role you try to place them theres no lie that it can be tiring, but the reward comes right after.
You May Like: Can German Shepherds Eat Raw Eggs
Do German Shepherds Require Lots Of Exercise
The short answer is yes! German Shepherds require plenty of exercise, and by that we mean not just short trips outside for potty.
Exercise for German Shepherds means long walks for 30 minutes to an hour, and a variety of activities to provide new sources of stimulation.
Because German Shepherds are big dogs, it is only crucial to exercise them daily to prevent them from becoming overweight and developing hip and joint issues.
Exercise also helps to prevent boredom as it stimulates their brains and gives them something do. German Shepherds were bred as herding dogs, which is why they like to be on their feet most of the time.
That being said, you should be prepared to be active with your dog.
If you have an active lifestyle to begin with, this shouldnt be a problem. Your GSD will be your perfect exercise companion.
On the other hand, if you have a sedentary lifestyle, this responsibility can overwhelm you.
On another note, you can take advantage of this opportunity to start becoming more active yourself. However, if you have an illness that will limit you from being physically active, you may benefit from getting a breed that doesnt need exercise much.
As a rule of thumb, GSD puppies require less exercise than adults. Ideally, your puppy should get at least two sessions of exercise each day, with each session lasting for 5 minutes per month of age. For example, your 3-month old puppy should get two 15-minute sessions each day.
Different Types Of Dog Fences
Although there are a number of different fencing options that you can have installed, not all of them are suitable for dog-occupied yards. Some fences are designed just for good looks, while others, such as picket fences, lack the sturdiness needed to keep your shepherd in.
Heres the breakdown of different types of fencing options available to German shepherd owners:
Recommended Reading: Is The Furminator Good For German Shepherds
Is A German Shepherd The Right Breed For You
So you’re certain that you want nothing more than to invite a German Shepherd into your life.
You’ve taken everything into consideration and you’re ready to take the plunge.
The final step is to decide on which line of Shepherd you want. Check out my article that delves into each line of Shepherd. I hope it’ll be helpful on your journey to getting a German Shepherd.
Can German Shepherds Handle Cold Weather
Leaving your dog outdoors in low temperatures and windy weather could increase the risk of them becoming injured or sick. Older dogs and smaller breeds can especially feel the effects of below-freezing temps if left out for too long. Sarah Rosengard, Professional Dog TrainerTM, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist & Nutritionist.
You May Like: German Shepherd In Apartment
What Do German Shepherds Eat
It’s crucial that a German Shepherd dog doesn’t pile on the pounds, so don’t give them a single big bowl of food each day. They have a big appetite and they’ll simply wolf it down, in which case it is better to feed them twice a day and keep them healthy with a balanced, high-quality diet that is low on calories. Generally aim for between 1,740 to 2,100 calories a day depending on the age, health, and activity levels of the dog. And be aware that these are muscular dogs that need high-quality nutrition and the best dog food you can find.
A German Shepherd’s diet should include between 18% and 22% of protein found in whole meat, and they should also consume between 5% and 8% fat . It’s also totally fine to feed a German Shepherd with dry or wet food , and we’d recommend food by Royal Canin, which has a specific range for German Shepherds.
Potential For Weight Gain: Low
Husky German Shepherd Mix = Husky Shepherd
Learn more about the German Shepherd Husky Mix.
You May Like: German Shepherd In Costume
Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix = Chigerpherd
How To Handle Your German Shepherds Dominant Behavior
It may be overwhelming and frustrating when trying to correct and handle your dogs dominant behaviour without any help or information.
Still, it is crucial to assert your dominance so that your dog knows that you are in charge.
Some great tips on handling your dogs dominant behaviour are:
- When correcting your dogs behaviour, use commands such as stop, no, or stay in an authoritative tone.
- Leash train your dog to walk beside you instead of in front of you. If they do not listen when you try to make them walk beside you, stop walking, pull them to the side of you, and continue walking. If they continue to pull you, stop and repeat the steps mentioned until they obey you and walk beside you.
- Dont offer treats to your dog to distract them if they are barking or growling at someone as they associate treats with that behaviour.
- If they start to cry or bark at you when you try to correct them, walk away from them, do not engage them as engaging reinforces that their barking is correct.
- If you notice your dogs body language negatively change, intervene and correct them by getting their attention with your vocal commands.
- When you first start training, train in 15-minute intervals to keep your dog engaged and focused on you.
- Create a schedule for their training and stick to it.
Also Check: How To Draw A German Shepherd Sitting
German Shepherds Were Bred To Do Specific Kinds Of Jobs
Also, German Shepherds have been bred to work in certain very specific types of jobs. Often, digging is a part of those jobs.
For instance, informal canine service work such as in the military, the police force, hunting, search, and rescue, or bomb detection, German Shepherds are sometimes even trained to dig strategically!
But are there some other reasons why your German Shepherd might be driven to dig? Lets take a look at this question now.
Are German Shepherds Good For Apartments
If you are living in an apartment or planning to transfer to one and thinking of getting a German Shepherd as your first dog, you should think twice whether a GSD is a good idea for apartment living.
Technically, a German Shepherd can adapt well to apartment-living, but it is not as simple as it may seem. There are important considerations to take before making this decision, as this is not easy work.
Also Check: Is A German Shepherd Stronger Than A Pitbull
What To Do If You Have A Small Or No Yard
The idea to have a big yard is to keep the German Shepherd healthy. But, if you do not have a big yard, you need not worry! All you need to do is make some changes in your apartment or house and engage the dog in some great activities, and you are good to go!
For such dog parents who do not have a yard but still want to get home a German Shepherd, such owners can also try mental stimulation for the dogs, as it will keep them busy and give them a task, which will ensure that they are healthy mentally and strong physically. Stuff like dog toys and dog puzzles would keep them mentally stimulated daily, which acts as an excellent thing for the dogs.
Also, make it a practice to take your dog for long walks and play with it occasionally in dog-friendly parks to keep them physically fit so that their cuteness, firmness, and vigor are maintained.
How To Keep A German Shepherd That Resides In An Enclosed Area Or Small Yard Stimulated
If your German shepherd lives in a small yard, you are not exempted from fulfilling its exercise needs. But, considering that the German Shepard is a big-boned dog, how can you keep it stimulated?
- Jogging when you have time, take your German shepherd for jogging sessions around your neighborhood. 20-30 minutes of lightweight jogging sessions will help burn any pent up energy
- Hiking- hiking is another way you can stimulate your German shepherd. You can go for hiking episodes weekly for great efficiency.
- Take your dog to a dogs park
A dog park is one place your German shepherd can play and socialize with other dogs. If you have a hostile GSD, ensure it is muzzled.
- Play hide seek with your dog
Playing hide seek with your dog is one great way to stimulate your dog
- Mental stimulation
Besides physical stimulation, you also need to stimulate your dog mentally.
- Look for puzzle toys- they are lots of toys found on amazon that can challenge your dogs way of thinking
- Train your GSD some commands- your GSD is an intelligent dog once per week, learn to train it a few commands and tricks to sharpen its brain.
- Enroll your dog for service training- you can also enroll your dog for service training- here, your dog can either become a hearing aid dog or an excellent guide dog.
Also Check: How To Grow Long Hair For German Shepherd
Do German Shepherds Dig 7 Possible Causes And Solutions
Do German Shepherds dig? In short, yes German Shepherds can dig and some dogs will do so frequently if they feel that it is in their best interests. But you cant determine why they are digging until you head out there and learn more. Check the holes for hidden items, watch their body language as they dig and try and find the best solution.
In this guide, you will learn more about the issue of German Shepherds digging. We will discuss some of the behavioral traits that cause these dogs to dig. This means looking out for tell-tale signs that will indicate the reason for this behavior. From there, we can look at some of the actions that you can take to try and stop your German Shephard digging. These solutions could be the positive proactive solution that you need. Finally, we will look at some of the things to avoid when training GSDs not to dig.
Theyre Good Whatever The Weather
German Shepherds can tolerate cold or hot weather as long as you provide them shade and shelter, especially when the weather starts to go extremely bad. Its essential to bathe your dog or provide it with water to keep it hydrated for hot and humid weather. While for cold rainy, or wintery weather, its best to keep your dog inside your home, warm and dry.
You May Like: Are German Shepherds Good Running Dogs