If you have not yet brought a German shepherd puppy yet and are thinking of doing so, do yourself a favour and get referred to a good GSD breeder.
This will go a long way towards making sure your puppy will be of healthy genes and good overall temperament.
The easiest way to find good referrals are by visiting a good veterinary, a kennel club or a dog training club.
Right off the bat, the people who will point you in the right direction, will not only know what they are talking about but will have genuine passion about the subject.
Pet stores may offer little more knowledge than a Saturday kid with a hangover and an attitude.
When you buy your German shepherd puppy and take on the task of training him or her, don't think it is something that can be achieved in a week or so and don't think it is a part time affair that you can dip in and out of when the mood takes you.
German shepherds are one of the most loyal, tolerant and disciplined of the dog breeds.
However, they are also one of the most needed to be provided with training.
Without it, they will become something you wish you hadn't brought into your home.
They are not small; a full grown German shepherd is around 75 - 95 pounds in weight and will grow to this size while they are still in puppy stage.
A dog of that size with no discipline and unbounded enthusiasm will cause havoc in your home.
Whether it means to or not.
Do not go into your relationship lightly with a GSD, thinking they are a cuddly novelty.
They are the dog of choice for the police force the world over, if that is not a high recommendation or sign of an elite canine then who knows what is.
The trouble is, people buy GSD's thinking they can take them for the occasional walk, throw them a biscuit and pat their head when they don't go to toilet in the lounge.
In reality, they require far more training than say, a Labrador or a spaniel.
The different aspects of training are equally as important, social integration, house training, pack hierarchy, dog biting.
The list goes on and because of this level of demand, you should always be certain before you buy a German shepherd as a puppy.