German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds that had no problem stealing our heart forever. They are large-sized dogs, pretty heavy, and at the least to say, muscular and powerful.
They were bred to be one of the best, ultimate working dogs that will have the ability to be flexible and adaptable to any kind of working environment and condition, and to perform well, no matter the job you give to them.
However, prior to owning a German Shepherd dog, many people have some interesting questions that they want to ask someone who already owns a GSD.
All of these questions have been answered by my colleagues from our team who already own a German Shepherd dog; therefore, you will get the best possible answer.
There are many benefits of owning a German Shepherd dog; however, there are some questions that arise whenever the topic of owning one of these comes around.
Let’s be clear – these dogs DO need a certain type of owner, and just so you know, if you are a person who enjoys being lazy all the time, or at least enjoys having a lazy Sunday, you can forget about it as soon as you get a German Shepherd puppy.
Let’s Go Through Some Of The Most Popular Questions About German Shepherds
I won’t bother you with my boring introduction anymore; therefore, we will dive straight into discussing some of the most popular questions about German Shepherds in order to read for fun, and get some useful information!
1. Will My German Shepherd Ever Let Me Go Alone To The Bathroom?
Well, nope. German Shepherds are known for their guard dog abilities; therefore, they will feel the need to always stick by your side and protect you from dangers that might lie ahead.
Even if you live in the most secure neighborhood in the state, you might need protection from a scary mosquito… Right?
Also, one of the ways to explain this behavior is by understanding the fact that dogs are pack animals. They find going potty and having a meal as two of the most vulnerable states that one can be in.
Therefore, they will feel the need to protect you when you do these activities, and will need to feel your protection when they do.
2. Will I Ever Be Able To Have Some Alone Time?
Again, no. Especially if your German Shepherd lives with you in your apartment, you won’t be able to make a single step without being followed by your beloved pet.
Alone time, for them, is an unknown concept. They love to be around you, and to be around as many people and animals as possible; therefore, they assume that you like that, too.
You won’t have as much alone time as you previously had, and this isn’t a bad thing at all. Having a loyal dog by your side at all times is one of the best things you can experience.
The love and loyalty that a German Shepherd will provide you with is one of the purest experiences.
3. Will My German Shepherd Ever Stop Following Me Around?
Your German Shepherd will probably never, ever, EVER stop following you around. May it be because they expect an unexpected treat to be given to them or because they want you to be safe, they won’t leave your side.
German Shepherds are clingy by nature, and when they are not following you around because they are affectionate, they are following you around because they want you to be safe.
They love being included in everything that you do, no matter if it is going to the bathroom, preparing your or their meal, or sleeping.
4. Will I Ever Have A Lazy Sunday Again?
Honestly, you probably won’t have a relaxed day ever again. But, not in a bad way! The better perspective is that you won’t have a single dull moment ever again.
These dogs need to be exercised – mentally and physically stimulated every day for at least a few hours. And, if you don’t provide that, they might become obnoxious!
5. When Will My German Shepherd Stop Nibbling On My Shoes?
Don’t you worry about this because this behavior is a puppy phase, and sometimes a teenager phase when they are discovering new smells, tastes, and textures.
They find everything you do interesting, literally – everything you wear and use on a daily basis; therefore, shoes are no different.
However, if your German Shepherd continues to do this even when he becomes an adult, and you cannot find a way to stop him, the best thing you can do is consult with a dog behaviorist or a vet.
6. What About Mealtime? Will I Ever Eat Alone Again?
Again, this is a no go. Your German Shepherd won’t bother with manners and etiquette, and will be the one that stares at every bite and every chew you make.
You are probably going to have a hard time resisting giving him a bite of your own food because of his huge, watery, begging eyes.
There is a high possibility that your dog won’t even bother eating whenever you are not home, which is a common behavior in German Shepherds.
Here is the German Shepherd feeding chart if you wish to learn more about the best way to feed our beloved GSD dogs.
7. Are German Shepherds One Of The Best Guard Dogs?
They can sense danger, and they can act accordingly. Your GSD will act on its own even before you speak or give it a command since they were bred to be intelligent enough to sense danger ahead, and to use their own head to think.
Most definitely, German Shepherds are among the most popular and the best guard dogs out there. They are seen as powerful, intelligent, and agile dogs, which makes them a highly desirable security-guard type of dog.
They are highly protective of their territory and their family, which means that you will never have to be afraid of unwanted intruders. They will handle the situation easily, and you will at least be warned that there is something wrong by their powerful bark.
8. How Much Do German Shepherds Shed?
One thing is for sure… German Shepherds shed a lot, especially during the shedding season, when you will have to brush them a few times a day to remove the excess dead hair.
RELATED: Do German Shepherds Smell? All On Bad Odor And How To Help
Even when the shedding season is over, you will be required to brush them at least once or twice a week in order to make sure their coat is maintained and well groomed.
Don’t be scared about the hair fallout during the shedding season because we know that many novice German Shepherd owners find it overwhelming.
There will be a whole lot of dead hair flying around, and if you think that you can’t manage all of it by yourself, the best thing that you can do is visit a professional dog groomer.
9. Are German Shepherds Related To Wolves?
Many people think that German Shepherds are the closest a dog can get to a wolf, and the least genetically-manipulated dog breed after wolves were tamed.
Some people claim that they still exhibit some wolf-like behavior regarding their views when it comes to hierarchy of the pack, and the relationship between the alpha and the rest of the so-called pack.
You can read more about this fascinating relationship between wolves and German Shepherds here.
10. Are They Recommended For First-Time Owners?
German Shepherds make great first-time pets for active owners. They are excellent companions for solitary owners and families because they are highly clever, devoted, and affectionate dogs that are simple to train. However, they do need a lot of time and work to train them.
In addition to being obedient, this breed is also incredibly bright and compassionate.
As beautiful as they are, German Shepherds do demand the correct lifestyle for them. Due to their size, they are very active dogs that need daily exercise, so you must be prepared to devote many hours throughout the day to walking them and spending lots of time with them.
You must first carefully consider your habits and decide if you should truly get a German Shepherd in the first place before you can determine whether one will fit in with you as a novice owner.
11. Do German Shepherds Get Along With Cats?
Well, right off the bat, if you bring a cat into a household with an adult GSD, there are two possible scenarios: they might be chasing the cat around because of their high prey drive, or they might be scared of it.
Read Also: 8 Answers To Why Is My German Shepherd Scared Of Everything
However, the first scenario is more likely to happen.
The only way German Shepherds can get along with cats is if they are raised together since they were babies, so they get used to each other.
Otherwise, GSDs are not the best choice when it comes to introducing a new cat into their territory.
12. Are German Shepherds Good Family Dogs?
They tend not to make quick friends with strangers since they are naturally distrustful of everyone, and have a protective temperament when it concerns their household and territory.
They shouldn’t have any aggressive behaviors present if they are adequately socialized and schooled.
But, it’s not all dire business. They definitely enjoy playing games and have a mischievous sense of humor. They are a kind, wise, and happy family member that will provide you joy and love for the rest of your life.
They are great family dogs that are always ready to play with you and happy to be involved in anything that you are doing. They are really gentle with children, and the two of them will love enjoying long hours of playtime together.
13. Can I Use My German Shepherd To Work At My Farm?
These beautiful dogs can be trained to do literally anything, including working on a farm with livestock.
They were originally mostly used as herding dogs; therefore, this won’t be a problem at all for them. They should be instructed from a young age, and socialized, and off you go – you will get a great, hard-working farm dog!
14. Do You Recommend German Shepherds For Apartment Living?
The easy response to the dilemma of whether German Shepherds should live in an apartment is probably yes, but that is not the comprehensive response. No, this does not imply that you should disregard the side that needs to be discussed beforehand.
Your dog has to have a lot of conditions met in order to live happily and contentedly in an apartment.
All of those elements are solely dependent upon you and the amount of time and work you are willing to invest in order to have a large dog live alongside you in an apartment.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend a German Shepherd dog for apartment living because they would not be as free and happy as they would be in a house with a big garden, or on a beautiful farm.
They need a whole bunch of exercise, which would be complicated if you live in an apartment.
15. How Much Exercise Do GSDs Need?
The very first activity that might be regarded as exercise is starting to take them for really long walks. This breed should be taken on walks that are nearly long enough to qualify as trekking.
These dogs require a lot of activity, so a short walk each day is insufficient for them. Some off-leash activities are required. A nice way to keep them busy is to take them to a dog park in which they can explore and roam around unrestrainedly.
Depending on what kind of exercise you give them, these working dogs may require even more than 2 hours of activity each day. You will risk having a destructive dog if you don’t give them adequate physical activity.
Final Word
I hope that you have learned something new from our 15 popular questions about German Shepherds; or, at least, that this made you smile.
To sum up… these dogs are self-assured, composed, confident in their talents, and only become excited when forced to take action.
It’s crucial to go back to where they came from because they do have a strong hunting drive because they were bred to be herding dogs.
No other relationship compares, according to some owners, to the one a German Shepherd has with their family. Inside the house, a soft, adoring, and simply loving fluff ball takes the place of their stern and cold-hearted exterior.
They’ll treat the kids like their own, and voluntarily take on the role of house guardian.
