WHAT TO EXPECT

What is included with your adoption fee?

Vaccines

Your puppy will receive their first set of vaccines at 6 weeks, and the next set will follow after 3 weeks. They'll continue to receive shots every 3 weeks, until they reach 16 weeks of age.

Nutrition

We are currently feeding them twice per day and we give them about 1 cup of food. You have to judge your puppy based on it's physical activity level if it needs a little more food.

Accessories

Each puppy comes with their own collar, leash, toys and some food to get you started.

We recommend you prepare a space or room for the puppy.

Records

Paperwork, shot records, a copy of our contract, as well as, registration information and your microchip information.
The microchip information will have to be added by you!

Is a German Shepherd right for me?

Do you have the time necessary to devote to a GSD?

Dogs are dependent creatures and depend totally upon you for their care and well being. There are many elements necessary for your GSD to be a happy and healthy pet, all requiring YOUR time and effort.

General care - much like any dog, GSDs require regular grooming including bathing, brushing (coat and teeth), administering monthly heartworm and flea preventative and annual trips to the vet.

Exercise - do not expect that your GSD will give himself enough exercise wandering around in the backyard by himself. GSDs require regular daily exercise. Otherwise they will become bored and destructive, jumping fences and digging holes, etc.

Training - do not expect a GSD to learn how to properly behave in a home without training. GSD's are BIG dogs with high energy and prey drive.

Training, along with proper socialization, is absolutely essential to ensure a well behaved GSD.

Family Time - it's important to take the time to make your GSD part of your family. Snuggle with him, include him on family outings, give him the attention he deserves.

Did you choose a GSD for the right reasons? Are you looking strictly for a guard dog? While GSDs do make excellent watchdogs this is the WRONG reason to own a dog! If you intend to keep your GSD chained in the yard with little human interaction, please do not own one. Dogs are social animals and require love and attention just as humans do. Otherwise you will end up with a broken, miserable animal. All dogs deserve a better fate.

Are you looking for a companion or playmate for your children? This alone is not a good reason to own a GSD or any dog. While GSDs can be great with children given proper training, do not expect to leave a GSD with small children unsupervised. GSDs are large, powerful dogs and children under 12 have not yet developed the judgment necessary to treat animals respectfully. If you have small children, expect to watch all dog/child interactions very closely. Also, it is unfair to expect a small child to take on the responsibility of caring for a dog. It may be a great learning experience for a child to HELP with caring for a dog, but the ultimate responsibility remains with YOU.

Are you looking for a loyal companion and beloved family member? The very best reason to own a GSD! Bringing a GSD into your heart and home can be a truly rewarding experience for your entire family.

Are you able to make a long term commitment to a GSD? This is an important consideration before deciding to own ANY dog. GSDs have a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Be prepared to honor a commitment to the dog for the remainder of its life. The unconditional love and devotion you will receive deserves nothing less.

Does your long term housing situation make it viable to own a GSD? Is your current housing situation stable enough for a GSD? Do you own your home? If not, does your landlord agree to allow a big dog such as a GSD share your living quarters? Do you have adequate space, including a completely fenced yard for a large dog such as a GSD? What about your neighbors? Will they tolerate a large dog with a large bark?

Do you anticipate a move in the coming years? "We're moving" is a common reason dogs are dumped in shelters. If you are expecting a move, please give serious consideration to getting a dog, unless you are certain you will be able to take your dog with you.

Are you a strong leader? Do NOT expect a GSD to respond to your commands if you are a weak leader. A strong minded dog can end up running your household if you do not use patient and fair discipline.

Are you looking for a dog that will be gentle with all living creatures? GSDs have hunting instincts, and squirrels, rabbits and cats fall into the category of "things to be hunted for fun", if not trained to the contrary.

Are you comfortable with a little dog hair? GSDs shed heavily, particularly in the summer months. If you are a meticulous housekeeper consider if you want to spend a little more time vacuuming or dealing with fur bunnies.

If you answered 'no' to any of these questions, you should reconsider your decision to own a German Shepherd Dog. Maybe this just isn't the right time in your life for a dog, or maybe another breed would be more suitable for you. You owe it to yourself and the dog to make the right decision, the RESPONSIBLE decision.

DID YOU KNOW?

Originally, German Shepherds were tasked with watching over flocks of sheep and herding them from field to field. That job required lightning-fast reflexes and an ability to run at top speed when needed. This breed proved perfect for the job.

German Shepherds can reach speeds of up to 32 miles per hour at full sprint. However, when herding, they trot rather than run, clocking in at around 20 miles per hour. They became the go-to-dog for herding sheep – but there was so much more this breed would come to excel at.

At some point, a German Cavalry officer noticed this impressive work dog and its wolflike appearance. He purchased a dog for himself and the official history of this breed began.