German Shepherds are high-maintenance dogs prone to severe health issues like hip/elbow dysplasia, bloat, and arthritis, with a relatively short 10–13 year lifespan. They require intense daily exercise (1-2 hours), consistent training, and shed heavily year-round. Without proper stimulation, they can develop destructive behaviors, separation anxiety, and territorial aggression.

What are the disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd?

Disadvantages of German Shepherd Dog: The dog has a large body odor and is easy to lose hair; The size of the dog is relatively large, which requires a certain amount of time, energy and money to raise and train the dog; The amount of exercise and feeding space required by the dog are relatively large.

Can a German Shepherd turn on its owner?

Will German Shepherds Attack Their Owners? Usually, German Shepherds are extremely loyal and will be friendly around their owners, sometimes even being overprotective. A German Shepherd's aggression will normally be aimed at strangers. However, there are also examples of German Shepherds attacking their owners.

Who should not own a German Shepherd?

German shepherds are super smart but they can't train themselves. They need lots of training, socialization, and guidance to be the good dog they were born to be. If you can't spend time training your dog every day, you should not own a German shepherd. German shepherds are working dogs.

Can German Shepherds be left alone for 8 hours?

While an adult German Shepherd can physically hold it for 8 hours, it's generally not recommended as a regular occurrence due to their high energy, intelligence, and need for mental stimulation, often leading to boredom, separation anxiety, and destructive behaviors like chewing or digging. For an 8-hour absence, providing vigorous exercise beforehand, arranging for a dog walker, ensuring enrichment (puzzle toys), and creating a safe, stimulating environment (crate or gated area with background noise) is crucial, with shorter periods being ideal, especially for puppies and seniors.

The Truth About GERMAN SHEPHERDS

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

How long can dogs hold their pee in German Shepherd?

A healthy adult dog can typically go 8 to 10 hours without urinating—but that doesn't mean they should. Holding it in for too long isn't ideal. In fact, consistently waiting that long can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of urinary tract issues.

Do German Shepherds pick one person?

German Shepherds will generally attach themselves to one person in the family, but they can still be a good family dog.

What dog turns on its owner the most?

While statistics show Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are frequently involved in severe or fatal dog attacks, it's crucial to remember that any dog can bite, with training, socialization, and environment being key factors, not just breed; however, pit bull-type dogs consistently appear at the top of fatality lists due to their powerful build and tendency for severe injury.

Do dogs warn before they bite?

Yes, dogs almost always give warnings before biting, but these signals are often subtle and easy to miss, like lip licking, yawning, freezing, or showing "whale eye" (white of the eyes), escalating to more obvious signs like growling, snarling, or snapping at the air before a bite, with bites without warning often indicating suppressed signals due to past punishment or sudden pain.
 

Why do people give up German Shepherds?

Many German Shepherds end up in shelters because their owners underestimate the breed's energy, training needs, or long-term commitment. Others are surrendered due to life changes such as financial struggles or housing issues. Sadly, overbreeding and irresponsible breeding also contribute to the problem.

What's more aggressive, a German Shepherd or a pitbull?

A report circulated by the American Animal Hospital Association revealed that Pit Bulls bite the most people, at 22.5%, followed by mixed breeds and German Shepherds. Many incidents involving dog bites or attacks are improperly labeled as pit bull attacks, even when the dog involved is not a purebred pit bull.

How often should a German Shepherd be walked?

Lack of exercise and stimulation can cause behavioural problems in any breed, but German Shepherds have a reputation for being especially highly strung so they need extra attention to make sure they're kept active. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day.

What dog breed to avoid?

Five dog breeds a vet claims you should not have as a pet are dachshund, French bulldog, Belgian malinois, border collie and labrador retriever.

Can German Shepherds turn on their owners?

It is unlikely that German shepherds will turn against their owners to attack. Although there could be rare instances where this can happen. Most often it's always due to prior abuse on the dog or lack of training. Also, harsh training methods may also warrant a german shepherd turning against its owner.

What I wish I knew before getting a German Shepherd?

These loyal and loving dogs can be prone to separation anxiety and typically don't like being left alone for hours on end. Crate training can help address this issue since it gives the dog a safe and comfortable retreat. However, a crate should never be used as punishment or for very long periods.

What is the 10 10 10 rule for dogs?

The "10 10 10 Rule" for dogs primarily refers to a puppy potty training method: 10 minutes outside in the designated spot, allowing 10 feet of space to sniff and circle, and staying for 10 minutes of supervision to reward them if they go, otherwise bringing them back inside to a crate for 10-20 minutes before trying again. It can also relate to nutrition (treats < 10% of calories) or general training discipline, but the potty training version is the most common interpretation.

What is the 21 second pee rule?

Because researchers find that all mammals that weigh more than six-and-a-half pounds or so take about the same time to pee: 21 seconds, plus or minus 13 seconds.

What helps dogs poop quickly?

To help your dog poop faster, increase their water and fiber (like canned pumpkin), encourage exercise and tummy rubs, and try gentle stimulation like a warm compress or cool water near the rump, but always consult a vet before adding supplements or if constipation is severe, as home remedies like olive oil or excessive laxatives can be harmful. 

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