before buying a puppy
Before you decide to buy a German Shepherd puppy, you should be aware of the commitment you will be making. There are a lot of things that can (and do) go wrong. This is about some of them, and what you can do to prevent them happening ... is a german shepherd the right dog for you? A German Shepherd is not a dog to be bought & left in the backyard to protect your home.It is not a wind-up toy. It is not a burglar alarm to be left in the "on" position. It is a highly intelligent, sensitive animal with social needs - the need to belong to a family or "pack", and to know who the pack leader is, (namely you) and to have confidence in you. The German Shepherd is also a dog with a complex temperament. While it has a fierce “guard dog” image, it can also be very sensitive, emotional and affectionate. Temperament can vary a lot from dog to dog. For example: how confident and outgoing the dog is, or how sensitive and timid, how human-oriented or how independent, how dominant or accepting of human authority, how aggressive or how friendly, how excitable or how calm. These characteristics can also vary a lot within the individual dog as it matures and develops. But equally importantly, they are affected by how you bring up your puppy, and what kind of environment you provide. A German Shepherd is a wonderful dog to train, but it is not the easiest dog to handle, especially if you are lacking in confidence. Consider the dog’s size and temperament, and think honestly about your physical capabilities and your strength of character. |