Hayes Haus Dog Training

    In order to answer this question you need to ask yourself a few others:  Why do I want a German Shepherd puppy?  Can I afford a German Shepherd puppy/dog?  Do I have the time for a puppy/dog?
    Lets start with why you want a German Shepherd puppy because it is the least clear-cut of all the questions and your answer, in my opinion, doesn't matter all that much provided you treat the dog humanely (and this doesn't mean like a child).  Below are some answers I have gotten:

   1. "I've always loved German Shepherd, since I was a kid."
   2. "I've always had German Shepherds/My last dog was a German Shepherd."
   3. "I've heard they are the smartest dog."
   4. "My last dog just died and I need to replace him/her."
   5. "I like how they look."

    While these are not the best reasons and there are, of course, many more reasons for getting a puppy; ultimately it is a big decision, so think it through.  Just be prepared to share yourself with your dog 100%.  I'd like to add however, any reason, as long as it's humane, for wanting a dog is fine by me.  I personally think no family is complete without a dog and even a stupid reason for getting one, for instance "Because I like the way their breath smells in the morning," is okay as long as you are willing and able to provide everything that a puppy/dog will need for the rest of its life.

Can I afford a puppy/dog?  (Financial Commitment)
    There are articles all over the place about how much it costs to own a dog, search the web if you please, you'll find dozens. Here's my opinion of many of the more important information from these places.

   1. The dog: $50 - $2,500 (Expect to spend 1,200 to 2,500 on a German Shepherd puppy from a respectable breeder.)
   2. Food: $200 - $800/yr (Buy a high quality food, it'll save you in the long run)
   3. The vet: $100 - $500/yr (Closer to the high end in year one, this includes preventative medicines.)
   4. Training: $150 - thousands (Depending on what you want and what issues the dog develops).
   5. Crates: $50 - $300 (A must have for all dogs. Prices depend on size and model.)
   6. Grooming: $25 - $500/yr (Buy a nice brush and some nail clippers and you'll be fine.)
   7. Boarding: $280 - $700/yr (Based on 2 weeks of vacation a year, without your dog:  $20-$50 per day.)
   8. Leash(es): $5 - $250 (Buy a nice leather leash, 6 feet long, it should last forever and cost -$25-50 dollars.)
   9. Collar: $5 - $250 (Buy a nice collar and be done.)
  10. Toys: $0 - $1000
  11. Treats: $0 - $200
  12. Beds: $0 - $150

    The above expenditures are common ones.  You may need to spend more if you end up needing a fence, you need to make an emergency vet visit. Life is not predictable, in a humans or a dogs.

Cost Break Down:
Cost for year one: $885 - $8,650 (Low for a $50 dog, minimal care and only must have items.)
Cost per year after: $775 - $4,000
Cost per month:  $65 - $415
Lifetime dog cost if the dog lives to be 13 years of age: $10,185 - $56,650

What I expect to spend on a new puppy/dog:
My cost for year one: $4000
My cost per year after: $1,650
My cost per month: $137.50
My lifetime cost to 13 years: $23,800

Do I have the time/energy for a puppy/dog?  (Mental and Emotional Commitment)
    A dog's physical and mental health depends on the time you are able to commit to him/her.  Once you buy a dog you make an oath to him/her that you will fulfill these aspects of its life.  In the first year of a puppy's life, remember you will need to train, socialize and house-break him/her.  I'm going to make this very short and sweet: a dog can take up 1-5 hours a day of your time!  One hour is the low end and five of course is pretty high.  But at the very least you need to feed, water, walk, and allow him/her to go to the bathroom everyday.  And in the case of high energy dogs, the time spent doing physical and mental activities needs to be even greater.
    German Shepherds are a high energy, highly intelligent breed of dog that requires much physical and mental stimulation to remain fit.  If you are not willing to give your dog 100% of the time, energy, love, and money that he/she requires please refrain from purchasing a puppy.

Time Break Down:
Time per day: 1 - 5 hours
Time per week: 7 - 35 hours
Time per month: 30 - 150 hours
Time per year: 15 - 76 days (24 hour periods)

    That's not to say this time and money wouldn't be spent on something similar anyway.  For example if you walk one hour per day to keep in shape, you simply bring the dog with you, so in all reality it's not any extra time spent on the dog.
    I hope this article informs you about your puppy costs instead of dissuading you, but either way, be happy you read it and are now more prepared to make an educated decision.