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German Shepherd Dogs - Why They Make the Ideal Family Pet

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German Shepherd Dogs - Why They Make the Ideal Family Pet

Some people may wonder why I state they make an ideal pet. Indeed, I am aware that many people have a fear of dogs, and of these unfortunate folk, a significant percentage are fearful of German Shepherds facts of german shepherd.

I feel strongly that there are very few bad dogs, but there are plenty of bad owners. Of course, this applies to all breeds, but the fact that German Shepherds are a relatively common breed make them an easy target. The same could be said of Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas etc but they tend to be less commonly owned breeds.

People who are fearful of dogs generally are unlikely to get a dog of any description as a family pet, but even if they do (as a result of pressure from children, for example), it is more likely to be a small non-threatening breed.

This article is aimed more at someone who is looking for a family pet but has some prejudice against the German Shepherd, based on stories they may have heard or read about in the past. It is undeniable that German Shepherds have bitten people, but so have many other breeds. I myself was dragged off a bicycle as a twelve year old by a Labrador, quite a shock I can tell you! I feel this prejudice is a terrible shame, as they are missing out on what is one of the most balanced and versatile breeds around.

My own experience of the breed, and that of my family, has been very positive. Indeed I have heard it said that after the ownership experience of a great German Shepherd, that many owners even forget that other breeds exist!

However, owning a German Shepherd requires significant commitment to the dog. The dog's needs must be foremost in the owner's mind, such as training when young to be biddable and obedient, ensuring adequate socialization with other people (and dogs), the necessity of regular exercise, proper nutrition and Veterinary care as appropriate.

Conversely, the rewards greatly outweigh these commitments. You will have a dog that acts as companion, family guardian, playmate, burglar alarm and would travel to the ends of the earth with you if you should require. They have a highly developed protective instinct. One of our previous dogs, Chandra, used to "herd" us as we walked along the beach. She would walk about 100 yards ahead and then sit to the right and wait for us to walk past. Once we had gone past by about 50 yards, she would circle round us to our left, pass us again at a brisk trot to our left and then take up position again to our right, around 100 yards ahead german shepherd facts. Once you are accepted by the German Shepherd as owner, you have a friend for life. With visitors to the house, once they are welcomed by the owner, again they are accepted into the "circle of trust".

A word of warning; if you are considering a GSD as a pet (and of course I would urge you to do so), 
MAKE SURE you purchase a puppy from a reputable source. Too many unscrupulous breeders take advantage of naive prospective owners. Try to see both parents if possible. Most importantly, word of mouth tends to be a good recommendation. Ask local vets, other GSD owners, obedience class and dog trainers. If you hear of the same names coming up, you are pretty safe.

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