In this blog, we’re going to tell you seven reasons why most people can’t handle a German Shepherds dog. Sure, anybody can own a German Shepherd, but can you own a German Shepherd and have them be happy, healthy, and thriving like this dog breed should be? In this blog, we’ll tell you seven reasons. Why most people just flat out cannot handle this magnificent breed, the
1. Reason People Can’t Handle a German Shepherd
Because they are incredibly intelligent :
until you own one of these dogs. You have no idea how smart they are and how quickly they pick things up. The owner is the only person who can hold back a German Shepherd’s abilities if they teach it.
They’ll learn it and they’ll run with it and have it forever, so most people can’t handle this dog because they don’t give it enough to do they don’t give it a job they don’t work its brain hard enough this dog wants to be worked wants to be trained and is craving that from its owner.
So, if you don’t provide this to your German Shepherd, they can have anxiety act out in different ways and just won’t be thriving like they truly can. A German Shepherd is incredibly smart, So, if you own one of these dogs, make sure you take full advantage of that because that’s what they want the
2. Reason why the German Shepherd Is Too Much For Most People
Because they are intensely loyal :
This dog has a legendary reputation for trying to please their owner to the best of their abilities.
They’ll lay down their life for their owner, they’ll follow you everywhere, they never want you out of their sight, they’ll greet you when you get home like no other dog. It’s an intense loyalty that most people have never experienced until they own a German Shepherd.
So, if you’ve never owned this dog, know that they’ve got one special person in particular that they never want to leave their side. They want to know where they’re at all times, so this dog can be a lot for you. If you’ve never had a dog like a German Shepherd, that’s intensely loyal and is always by your side.
3. Why Owning a German Shepherd Is Harder Than You Think
Because of their shedding :
If you think you’ve seen shedding, wait till you meet a German Shepherd. They’ve earned the nickname ‘German shedder.
For a reason, they have a thick double coat that sheds almost oppressively. You’ll have hair everywhere on your furniture, clothes, floor, you name it, there’ll be hair everywhere. So, if you’re not used to this or you’ve never had a dog that sheds before, get ready for a German Shepherd to shed like crazy.
It’s an adjustment, and it’s up to the owner to give their dog a brushing at least once a week, if not every day, to help manage this. It can be a lot and overwhelming. If you’ve never owned a German Shepherd before.
4. Reason That Most People Can’t Handle German Shepherds
This is because German Shepherds crave exercise :
As Cesar Milan once said, birds fly, fish swim, and dogs walk. It’s what they do, it’s what they need to do, and especially for a classic breed like the German Shepherd, they need exercise, and they want to do this with their owner.
It’s not enough to just let your dog out in the backyard; that’s not exercising. When you’re with your dog working them hiking, walking, exercising, playing, and building that bond together, German Shepherds want this, they need this, and it’s part of their mental and physical stimulation.
That’s so important, so if you don’t take a German Shepherd for a walk, they’re not going to thrive, they’re not going to do well, and it’s not what they’re meant to do, so make sure you get your German Shepherd out and exercise as much as you possibly can.
5. Reason That German Shepherds Can Be Too Much For Most People
Because they can get separation anxiety :
If you’re going to get a German Shepherd, you need to be around this dog quite a bit. It’s very important, like we talked about, they have an uncanny ability to be incredibly loyal and especially to one single person.
So if you have this dog and you’re gone at work a lot or you travel a lot, it’s just not going to be a great fit for a German Shepherd
So, a person who owns a German Shepherd needs to be someone who’s around quite often, either works from home retired someone who can spend a lot of time with a German Shepherd, and that’s just hard on most people, and most people just can’t do this.
So if you have a German Shepherd, make sure you’re around a lot because they crave that relationship with that one person, their pet parent.
6. Reasons Why German Shepherds Are Too Much For Most People
It is because they need a job :
They look to their owner to give them a job and give them responsibilities.So, they can prove their place in the family and show they’re capable of handling responsibilities.
German Shepherds have evolved as working dogs; they want to put the work in, and they want to be part of the family and prove that no matter what the job is, they can get it done and please the owner
So you can have them go get the mail, have them ride in the car to go pick up the kids, anything where they’re involved, and they feel like they’re helping accomplish something for the family. This will go a long way in their physical and mental health and help them.
Thrive, but most people just can’t do this, or they don’t think of it, and they hold their German Shepherd back, so if you’re going to get this done, make sure that’s something that’s a priority, which is giving them a job.
The Final Reason German Shepherds Are Hard for Most People to Handle
Because German Shepherds need a strong leader :
To be a strong leader, you need to be calm, confident, and make sure that your dog knows that they are safe and protected from That’s when respect is gained between the dog and the pet parent; you’ll have an outstanding relationship
German Shepherds want to be part of the pack, and they want you to be the leader. If you’re the leader, they’ll fall right in line, and they’ll be happy, healthy, and thriving.
So if you’re going to own this dog, make sure that you’re a strong leader, you have great energy, calm, confident, and this beautiful dog will follow right in line. We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog: All about the German Shepherd, and we’ll see you on the next one.
FAQ’s
Can a German Shepherd adjust to life in a busy city?
Yes, but only if you’re able to give them daily walks, playtime, and enough space to move around. They’re not couch dogs; they need stimulation.
How much time do I need to spend exercising a German Shepherd?
Ideally, at least 90 minutes a day. That could include long walks, fetch, obedience training, or anything that challenges their body and brain.
Is a German Shepherd a good choice for someone who’s never owned a dog?
Not really. They’re incredibly smart and loyal, but they need firm guidance. If you’re new to dogs, they might feel overwhelming at times.
Do German Shepherds bark too much for apartment living?
They can, especially if bored or under-exercised. Early training and enough activity can help keep barking under control.
What happens if I leave my German Shepherd home alone all day?
They may become anxious, chew things, or bark excessively. This breed does best with company, structure, and a clear routine.
How bad is the shedding with a German Shepherd?
It’s serious. You’ll find fur on your clothes, furniture, and probably places you didn’t expect. Regular brushing is the only way to stay ahead of it.
Are German Shepherds naturally friendly with kids and other pets?
They can be, but it depends on how they’re raised. Socialization from a young age is key if you want them to be calm and trustworthy around others.
What’s something people often overlook before getting a German Shepherd?
The commitment. These dogs need time, leadership, and patience. Without that, even a well-bred shepherd can become difficult to manage.
Can I keep a German Shepherd in an apartment or a small house?
Yes, but only if you’re committed to taking them out several times a day for exercise. Otherwise, they can get restless and destructive.
How expensive is it to care for a German Shepherd month-to-month?
Depending on your lifestyle, food, grooming, and vet visits, you might spend anywhere between $100 and $200 a month.