If you are thinking of adopting a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to know all that you can about the breed before making the decision. A German Shepherd is a medium sized animal that is quite strong and is not for dog owners that tend to be apathetic, are sedentary, or are novice dog owners. The breed possesses superior intelligence and will take over as leader of the pack if given the chance. When choosing a German Shepherd puppy for your home, you must be ready to accept the responsibility that comes with the task.
Grooming
A German Shepherd puppy is a classic breed that comes in a variety of coat colors. Purebred German Shepherds can have coats of black and tan, black and silver, black and cream, solid black, and sable. These coats shed year round with the heaviest period of shedding occurring seasonally. Starting when the dog is a puppy and continuing throughout adulthood, the dog should be groomed on a regular basis to prevent the shedding hair from accumulating throughout the home. Daily brushing is recommended and bathing should occur only when necessary to keep the coat in excellent condition.
Training
A German Shepard puppy requires extensive training early in life to be suitable for a domestic lifestyle. When trained as a puppy, German shepherds are quick to learn and very obedient. If the owner waits too long to train their animal, they will find that the dog can be obstinate and may even refuse to listen to the trainer. The training must be conducted with respect, fairness, and consistency, as a German Shepherd puppy will not respond to harsh or heavy handed training methods. The use of rewards for compliance with commands is recommended, as German Shepherds tend to respond well to this method.
Personality
A German Shepherd puppy is inquisitive and very curious about their environment. They possess a large amount of energy and are very agile, which can cause problems if the pet owner is looking for a more docile companion. A German Shepherd puppy thrives on interaction with their human companions and does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Before training is complete, a German Shepherd that is left alone for long periods of time will do things to amuse themselves, such as destroying pillows or damaging furniture. Members of this breed are herders by nature and will instinctively try to herd anything that they come into contact with that moves. A German Shepherd puppy can have many peculiarities that any potential owner should be aware of before deciding to adopt one of these wonderful animals.
