Prepare well for adoption

Preparing well for adopting your German Shepherd also means thinking in practical and material terms!

Adopting a German Shepherd isn't a matter of catching a glimpse of a photo. It's a process of reflection, a commitment spanning more than ten years.

You need to anticipate changes in your lifestyle, know what you expect from your future companion, but also what you can actually offer him. To feel good about himself, this dog needs a relationship built day after day.

Kennel at the Des Crocs Véritables breeding farm

In terms of material needs, he is undemanding and requires only the bare minimum., You will not compensate for the lack of interaction (with you or another animal) with plush toys or artificial aids.

To properly prepare for adoption and get started, we recommend:

Inside the house:

•  if he lives outside, a kennel with an insulated kennel and/or a covered area with free access (garage, tack room, shed, etc.) to shelter from the elements whenever he wishes
• If it lives in the house, a place with a basket or mat where it can isolate itself if it wishes…
• A Vari Kennel Size 6 type crate can be considered, particularly for potty training and to avoid destroying the house, but the dog should never be confined in it all day, as this risks developing anxiety disorders.
• We advise against letting the puppy sleep in your bed or on the sofa; the puppy grows into an adult.

For travel

•  a nylon collar adjustable from 30 to 50 cm, it should be able to accompany you until the puppy is 12 months old, then a leather or fabric or stainless steel collar adapted to the adult size of the dog
• a good 1m leather leash that will last the dog's entire life,
• 1 5 m leash or 5 m retractable leash
• 1 harness adapted to the size if you plan to have him pull (bike or other, but be aware that these activities will begin and will be practiced with real intensity after 15-18 months)

• In the car, several options are available: a modified trunk, a carrier, between your legs in the front, and secured on the back seats… Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For the return trip from the farm and for short journeys, it's ideal to keep the dog close to you; for longer journeys and for safety, a carrier is generally the best option.
• For a young puppy, a size 3 Vari Kennel type crate is sufficient, for an adult size 5 or 6 will offer the necessary comfort.

For food and games:

• 2 stainless steel bowls of 4l,
• a pierced ball with rope,
• a black Kong size L or equivalent for adults, a light blue one for puppies and/or tug/chew ropes.
• We strongly advise against all buffalo hide bones and other industrial treats. You can ask your butcher a kneecap or a piece of beef tibia/femur to keep him occupied in the garden and help him teethe