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Myth 1: I Have Small Children, So I Want a Puppy.

Many people think a puppy is perfect for kids, but they often underestimate the challenges. Puppies bite with sharp teeth, scratch with their nails, and tend to chew on everything—including your child's toys. They need constant supervision, and as they grow, they can quickly outsize small children. While puppies and children can live together successfully, a calmer, adult dog is usually a better fit for families with young kids.

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Myth 2: It’s Better to Get a Puppy, You Never Know What You’re Getting With an Older Dog.

Actually, you know more about an older dog than a puppy. While puppies are cute and friendly, their true personality often doesn't appear until they’re older. With an adult dog, you already know their temperament and behavior. This can prevent surprises like aggression or anxiety that may surface in a growing puppy.

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Myth 3: If You Train Your Dog Right, He’ll Stay in the Yard Without a Fence.

Even the best-trained dog can run into danger if left unfenced. They may chase cars, get into toxic substances, or be stolen. Especially for rescue dogs, who may have been strays or surrendered, a fence or leash is a must to keep them safe.

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Myth 4: When I Was Growing Up, We Had the Perfect German Shepherd.

The 'perfect' dog you remember from childhood probably wasn't perfect—just like memories, we tend to romanticize the past. Even the best dogs have moments of mischief or trouble. Dogs aren't perfect, but they can be perfect for you with time and patience.

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Myth 5: German Shepherds Stop Being Puppies Around a Year Old.

Nope. Many German Shepherds don’t settle down until they’re 2, 3, or even 4 years old. That vision of a calm, mature shepherd on a hill? It’s more likely to be a 9-year-old dog.

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Myth 6: I Want a Dog Without Dominance Issues, So I Want a Female.

Gender doesn’t determine dominance in dogs. Some females are as assertive as males, and many males are mellow, especially after being neutered. It’s the individual dog's personality that matters most.

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Myth 7: White German Shepherds Are Mutants.

White German Shepherds are not mutants. Though the AKC doesn’t yet recognize them, other organizations like the UKC do. They are just as healthy and capable as other German Shepherds.

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Myth 8: My 8-Month-Old German Shepherd Is Biting People. I Can’t Keep an Aggressive Dog.

This is likely a case of mouthing, a herding instinct common in German Shepherds. It's a behavior that needs correction, but it's not aggression. With training and guidance, it can be resolved.

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Myth 9: I’m Worried a Rescue Dog Won’t Bond With Me.

On the contrary, rescue dogs often form incredibly strong bonds with their new owners. After experiencing neglect or abandonment, they tend to cling to their new family. GSDs, in particular, thrive on human connection and will likely follow you everywhere once they’ve settled in.

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Myth 10: I Don’t Want to Spay or Neuter My Dog. It’s Not Natural.

Spaying or neutering your dog is essential for their health and well-being. Neutered dogs tend to roam less, are less aggressive, and are at lower risk for certain diseases. Spaying also avoids messy heat cycles and unwanted pregnancies. The reality of pet overpopulation means many dogs are euthanized each year—spaying and neutering help prevent that.