My gf has one, they are extremely clever. They’ll take to one owner and they are known for being one owner dogs, they are very loyal, very protective and they need a lot of stimulate in their life. Reason my gf got one was to excercise, you'll have no idea how many walks these dogs need.... Three hours min.!!
They do not like sitting around for long periods of time, they are like Border Collies, and they need tasks. Walking them, and giving them sticks means they see this as work, and they love it. They’ll walk with a lead if you train them correctly, and if you let them off the lead, they’ll mostly never run too far from you, in fact they tend to figure eight you, as in run in front, and then run behind you. It’s a protection thing, they will bark at the door, garden fences and if they feel threaten will defend…
You’ll know this, as they stand firm, and their back hair stands right up. They can also be very protective of their food, and they eat very well, and are not picky on the food they receive.
If you can, try and get you and your gf to feed a germen shep pup, otherwise they’ll see the one that feeds as the one who is master. They are very alert and know exactly what time it is. If you forget to feed they tend to nudge you at the times they tend to be fed. Sometimes even bringing the food bowl to you.
Teach the pup to NOT jump on the bed, or sofa, trust me… These are big dogs, you’ll be thankful in years to come…Give them PLENTY of toys, and a big water bowl, they love water, and love to swim as well. The toys are for chewing, or they’ll wreck your home – trust me on this… give them large bones if you can get them. Vets do not say this is a good idea, but they are such big dogs, they love to chew on them.
Be firm, do not show any weakness with the pup, they love orders and a firm voice. They respect this, show weakness and it’ll just walk all over you.
As said, clever, loyal, protective working dogs that need lots of exercise but are wonderful dogs.
I’d say you’ll be fine, and yes take your pup to puppy parties etc… Local vets can organise these, great way to get them to interact, might save behavioural issues in the future. They also do not like other dogs, its just in their make up. They’ll bark and if anything like my gf’s will stand by your side as to say to other dogs “get away, this master is mine” type of thing…..
They are also VERY quick runners, so if they do bolt, you’ll stand next to no chance of catching up, so do not let of the lead until you are 100% sure it’ll come back to you….. My gf did this, and we spent the whole night looking for her, thankfully some kind gentleman found her and brought her home, as she had a dog tag with the address on her….