One gorgeous animal from the dog breed, without a doubt, is the German Shepherd. It is so beautiful that its big brown eyes and light-brown fur almost make it look like a teddy bear. Only that this is a breathing teddy bear!

If you should adopt this dog breed, you will soon discover that it has many-sided benefits. However, before you’ve decided to adopt one, there are some things you should know before bringing this dog home. Dogs like this require a high level of commitment whether you are parenting it or just having it as a friend.

So if you are not ready for the task ahead, you may as well take a bow. But if you are in, let’s get started! You can also read this article to learn how to adopt a dog.

Factors to Consider Before Adopting a German Shepherd

Here are a few things you should know before bringing this German canine home:

1. Is Your Home Spacious Enough?

A good note here before buying a dog is the size of your home, indoors and outdoors. Every dog needs space to operate but considering that this breed is large and active, you must create enough space for it. It is important to note that if you place this dog within a tiny space, it can get really temperamental and lethal.

Another reason you need enough space is due to the clumsiness of German Shepherds at their young ages. Their lanky legs can knock things over, especially within a small space. At least for their first year, you should create enough room for them by removing whatever heavy or light materials may obstruct their movement.

Your dog is also going to need potty training, and this takes up more space than usual. Well, gardens may be helpful here but if you don't have one, you may have to train with playpens, pee pads, and crates. Also, if possible, train it again the moment it grows up. If you love your dog flawlessly, you will create enough space for it to enjoy itself.

2. Can You Buy a German Shepherd?

Well, not everyone may consider this point. Adopting a dog may be relatively inexpensive; it could cost you around $500. But buying one would surely cost you more. A well-trained adult dog can cost you about $5,000 or more.

Of course, a well-trained German Shepherd from a reputable dog breeder must have undergone all the important health screenings possible. But that's not all! There would be expenses incurred monthly too. So you must be sure that you can handle it.

3. Can You Fix the Cost of Care and Maintenance?

You may as well be thinking about your monthly budget now. Besides, dogs are very costly to manage. And they get costlier to manage as they grow. Your dog will need things like crates, tug toys, beds, bowls, blankets, and even a little house if you love it that much! And not forgetting food, which is essential for all living things.

Never joke with the feeding of your German Shepherd because cheap foods will get you costly veterinary expenses. This breed is recognised for its special digestive organs and canine construction. Therefore, it is likely that you will subscribe to a special diet, which is not cheap. You can check out HungryBark.com to get professional nutritional advice for your furry friend.

Also, budget for regular vaccination sessions with the vet because these days their bills are higher due to the advanced treatments available. Surprisingly, there is no medical condition of dogs that vets cannot treat – thanks to improved medical science.

4. German Shepherds Are Very Energetic: Do You Have the Time And Energy for This?

Do you have the time and energy for your pet or do you dump yourself in the bed when you come back from work, forgetting your dog? So sad, this is the case for some people as they struggle to balance their work-life and puppy relationships. Unlike older dogs, if you have a puppy at home, it should not be left lonely.

Older dogs can fare better; however, it is still not a good idea for them to be left lonely. The challenge with lonely dogs is that they get anxious easily and end up ravaging your properties. They also develop wrong habits like barking irritably.

Therefore, it is best to avoid whatever complications may arise from keeping your dog lonely for a long period of time. You can either hire someone to walk your pet while you are at work or enroll it in a daycare specially designed for dogs. This is a win-win situation because you are happy and at rest and so is your dog.

If the two options above don't work as planned, you can get assistance from your neighbors, friends, or family members. This, however, should be the last alternative on your mind.

Furthermore, you need to allocate more resources into training your furry friend to make it stay fit. You can spend 30 minutes of your time every day exercising with your dog. This is because dogs need a lot of exercises to keep them active and missing a day or two is not advised. The moment they get bigger, you will have to dedicate more time to attend to them.

5. Can Your Lifestyle Accommodate a German Shepherd?

One too many ways exist to make sure your pet fits into your daily life. However, all indications show that people actually change their life's routine to fit into that of their pet. If you are always traveling or spending more time relaxing over the weekend, that normal routine of yours may have to change if you adopt a German Shepherd.

If you are pregnant or you have about three kids under 5 years old, it may not be a good time to get this dog breed. However, you can still make it work for you. But just know that if you can’t get the dog now, you can always get it later in life. You can visit https://dogtime.com/advocacy/dog-adoption/44707-ways-life-change-adopt-dog to see how your life will change when you get a dog.

Conclusion

Now that you've read through this guide, are you certain that what you want is nothing but a German Shepherd? There are different types of this breed, so before you get one, ensure you consult a vet or nutritionist to get an appropriate meal plan for it.