If you have a German Shepherd, you know firsthand that they’re one of the most loyal, protective breeds around. There’s a reason why police departments often choose this dog to work in their K9 units. Not only are they highly intelligent, they’re brave, strong, and work well under pressure. They also have great stamina, able to work long hours without tiring easily.
Because they’re obedient and highly trainable, they make wonderful household pets as well. They’re actually the second-most popular dog in the US, behind only the Labrador Retriever. Germans are so intelligent that they can understand a new command with five repetitions or less. In fact, they obey the first command given 95% of the time. If you decide to get yourself a German Shepherd as a pet, make sure that you are ready to provide the things it’ll need such as food, shelter, grooming, pet boarding, etc.
If you find yourself captivated by the intelligence and loyalty of German Shepherds, you might consider delving deeper into the world of dog training. Becoming a dog trainer allows you to work closely with these remarkable animals, harnessing their innate talents to foster obedience, discipline, and mutual understanding. Whether you aspire to specialize in obedience training, behavior modification, or even service dog training, embarking on this journey requires dedication, patience, and a genuine love for canine companions.
Enrolling in a reputable dog training school can provide you with the essential knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to excel in this field. Through comprehensive coursework and practical training exercises, you’ll learn effective training techniques, behavioral theories, and how to tailor your approach to suit each dog’s unique personality and learning style. With dedication, patience, and the right education, you can turn your love for German Shepherds into a fulfilling career helping dogs and their owners thrive.
About German Shepherds
They’re also insanely beautiful dogs, coming in eleven different colors ranging from all-white to all-black. The most common coat for a German Shepherd is tan and black. Some are called “panda shepherds” due to their unusual coloring caused by a genetic mutation. Dogs with this color coat have white markings on their chest, collar, belly, tip of the tail, and muzzle. This gives them the appearance of a panda, hence the name.
In addition to their beauty and intelligence, their love of adventure makes them a great pet. They have a very inquisitive, energetic personality, so they love exploring new places. Since they also have a lot of endurance, they’re the ideal breed to take on long hikes or backpacking trips.
Mike, a German Shepherd owner living in Ontario, Canada, considers his dog Buddy his best friend. They do everything together, and record their friendship for the world to admire. We’ll tell you a little more about their endearing bond, and share some photos of them together.
This Canine Buddy Shows Why Dogs Really Are Man’s Best Friend
Buddy and Mike love going on long car rides together. Mike takes him everywhere, from the pet store to food runs to getting dog accessories like a Designer dog collar to everywhere in between. They just love exploring and adventuring together, seeing what the world has to offer. Buddy’s also had the pleasure of seeing Niagara Falls, making him one lucky pooch! Mike enjoys sightseeing, but it’s always better with his best friend tagging along.
“Buddy and I met when he was 5 weeks old. I was looking for a King Shepherd and found a litter online in Woodstock, Ontario,” Mike recounts. “I’m from Niagara Falls, Ontario, so I decided to get in the car and take the two hour drive to see the litter.”
When he got to the breeder’s house, the breeder had just let the puppies and mom out for a run. As he let the dogs out of their pen, the mom and all the puppies but one ran left. When Mike saw the last puppy running toward the right, he knew in that moment he wanted him.
From then on, they’ve been inseparable. In their videos, it’s clear they have a unique connection with one another. When Mike talks to Buddy, it seems he actually understands and listens intently to what Mike’s saying. He tilts his head left and right when Mike talks, as if he’s really trying to comprehend the conversation. Whether he knows what’s being said or not, it’s adorable to watch.
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In one clip, Mike asks him: “Do you remember when you were a puppy, I used to take you to the glen? The glen is that place with all the stairs we go to down by the Niagara River. Does Buddy want me to take him down there..and have a nice walk today?”
Buddy the German Shepherd Is the Best Friend Mike Could Ask For
The whole time Mike’s talking, Buddy tilts his head and turns all his attention toward him. When Mike’s finished, Buddy barks as if he’s saying “Yes!” It’s amazing how dogs seem to understand us, though we speak an entirely different language. When Mike makes videos in the car, Buddy makes these same gestures from the backseat, too.
“Some of the things we like to do are go for nice, long drives in the car – he loves to ride in the car. We actually look for puppies, and I point puppies out, he looks for them, and we have a lot of fun,” Mike says.
“I love taking him with me on vacation; we do road trips all the time, and he’s just a great traveling companion.”
Aside from driving, Buddy and Mike like to spend their time playing ball together. In one of their videos, Mike sets different colored balls out and asks Buddy to bring him the blue one. With almost no hesitation, he picks the right ball and carries it over to Mike. You can easily see the intelligence of this German Shepherd based on his keen understanding of commands.
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However, raising a dog doesn’t come without challenges and sacrifices. Anyone who wants to adopt a German Shepherd or any other animal should make sure they’re truly ready for one.
“My advice to anybody looking to rescue or adopt is, by all means, do so! But make sure you have the time, the patience and the means to take care of that pet, because they truly need to be taken care of like you would your own child,” Mike says.
However, if you put in the effort, having a pet is extremely rewarding and comforting.
Final Thoughts: German Shepherd Buddy and Mike Are Two Peas in a Pod
Buddy undoubtedly makes life more fulfilling and joyful for Mike. He’s changed his life for the better as well as his mom’s.
“Not only does Buddy bring positivity into my life, he brings positivity into my family’s life, and especially my mom who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. He has a healing power with her that is just absolutely amazing. She could be in the worst mood or not remembering things, and when Buddy comes around, she’s a different person.”
“The more you love your pet, the more your pet’s going to love you. The more you talk to your pet, the more your pet’s going to try to listen and understand, and for me, that’s by far the most rewarding.”
