German Shepherds

[mimififi]

Hi There,

I recently posted asking for advice about whether to go for a puppy, or a rescue dog when we decide to get a dog.

I have done some breed research, and I really really like GSD's.  In fact, I have fallen in love with them.  Their characterstics of protecting, loyalty, fun and energetic really fit in with what I want.

I intend to take the dog (and we will probably get a young-ish one, the man at our nearest GSD rescue centre had one that he thougth might suit, a 12 month old bitch, lived with kids all her life) to dog obedience classes and later to agility if she likes it, and we walk twice a day anyway, even without the dog.

My question:  GSD's have had a bit of a bad rap in the past.  Is it a bad a idea going for a GSD?  I know no dog is 100% trust worthy, but am I running to meet trouble?  I have 5 children, 3 or whom are under 5.

Any GSD anecodotes readingly appreciated.

[Clanad]

We've had three over the years... as with any intelligent dog they need a firm hand.  They are quite territorial and soon come to the point of  "owning" the family.  They are super with the kids to the point that, when my youngest was only 4 or 5, I was rough housing with him and pretended I was going to hold him down and tickle him when the dog appeared out of nowhere and had my arm in a gentle but firm hold... I was quite impressed.  One major fault is the tendency towards hip dysplasia... Even dogs who's lineage can be confirmed can be subject to this.  It usually strikes after the dog is about 8 to 10 years old and often becomes painfully debilitating.  We had to put two of the dogs down for their own good, so be prepared and don't let it go too long if the dog experiences it.

They do have to be watched when strangers come to the house due to their territoriality... just use common sense and don't be afraid to let them know who's boss... very important, in my opinion.  Good luck!

[mimififi]

Cool, thanks Clanad, that sounds great.  My husband is often away and we walk along the beach and in the woods at the extreme times of day (me and the kids) often earlyin the morning and late in the afternoon, about 5ish, and sometimes it can be very lonely.  I'm not always happy with being on my own with the kids not meeting anyone for a long time.  That protective instinct is what attracts me the most.  I don't know many people even men, who'd take on an unknown GSD. 

As said, I do plan to do the dog obedience classes and maybe an agility class too, I really want the dog to be absolutely trained, and am prepared to be really dedicated in this.  I want to know that if I say "down!" from 300 yards away, the dog will drop like a stone. My mum, always trained her dogs to such a high standard and the last dog she had she trained with sign language aswell, (really useful now the dog is nearly completely deaf).  Frankly it is the responsible thing to do with any dog, but I know GSDs will like the stimulation.

I'm so glad you feel so positively towards them.  Thank's for responding.

[libertie]

We also had a GSD as a family pet when my sons were young and he was a wonderful dog.  I have'nt had another dog since he died about 15 years ago but if I do decide ever again to get one I would'nt hesitate in having another GSD!

[bubbles40]

Get to know dogs past history,have owned german sheps 40 years, never had a bad one,very loyal loving companions.Try Canine lifeline uk very helpfull lots of lovely dogs needing forever homes,you can get to know dog and owner.

Every success in your serch.

regards Bubbles.

[shaneystar]

Not much help as I have a GSD cross. But he's more GSD than anything else. He was a rescue dog. A stray that I took on at 18 months old.He is now 10 and a wonderful dog. It is nice to see someone who is concerned about what type of dog to get etc and who goes into it all throughly first.
The rescue centre will advise you on any dog that you choose.
You CAN teach an old dog new tricks and a dog is only what it's owner makes it.Good luck and I hope you soon find a suitable doggy companion.

[shivvy]

I also have a GSD cross from a rescue centre.  We got her when she was 6 months old and she is 11 years old now.  She has been the most gentle, loving and loyal dog that I have ever known.

When we only had her a few months I was out walking with her in a secluded park alone.  A man jumped out of bushes towards me.  From the other side of the park she was at my side in seconds and got the man to back off by showing her teeth and growling.  It scared me a little and made me wonder if I had made a mistake in going for a GSD but she only ever did it one other time (when a really weird guy came to our door a number of years ago) I now reaslise that she was completely defending me.

She is also extremely protective of children and pups.  She tends to 'herd' them away from danger.  She won't let them go too close to the road and turns into a bit of a collie by taking a big loop around them and herding them back to safety!  On a number of occasions I have also seen her lift her paw and 'slap' puppys for being naughty!!  Like Clanad, my dog does not like people playing roughly with children and will run to their defence.

She is amazingly intelligent and was extremely easy to train.  She enjoyed being trained and likes to know what 'the rules' are.

Overall though she is a true companion.  We often joke about the invisible string that attaches her nose to the back of my knee, as she is always by my side.

I would not hesitate in recommending that you get a female GSD - particularly from a rescue centre.  She will be a loyal and obedient member of your family in no time. 

[simont]

shivvy, that is excellent news, how lovely, what a special friend you have. It has been exactly what I had hoped to hear in the posts that I have had here. I have no doubt in my mind now that a GSD will be a good idea. I have spoken to the chap at the rescue centre, and am waiting for time for them to do our 'home visit'. he said that he does have a gsd that might suit us, it is 4 months old and crossed they a pretyy sure with a Lab. I am really excited now about getting a GSD. My children and I were out at the beach last night around 5.30 walking and having tea, and it can be quite lonely at that time. Two lads walked past, skin heads and with what seemed like mothing to do and were standing fairly close to us. I felt a bit spooked and I ended up bundling the under fives into my double buggy and power walking back to the car park. I was sad that I have felt so vulnerable and that we had not been able to enjoy our walk out. I don't thinnk i will feel as vulnerable again when out walking wih my fully grown GSD!
Thank you everyone for taking the time to give me your advice and your stories. Much appreciated. I shall post again when I am 'with dog!'....

[simont]

Mimi,

Please use your own account to post messages on answerbank.    Thanks.

Simon (Your husband)

p.s Thanks to all those who have replied to Mimi.  The whole family is very excited about homing a loving GSD.  We can't wait!

[mimififi]

Well, really, you cheeky monkey! Nothing for you tonight, no sireeee.
Couch, I think...!

[coinops]

unless you can kennel the dog, or supervise the dog all the time then I would say don't do it. you never know what the kids are going to do to the dog and even a 100% sound dog will bite it provoked enough, and it won't be the dogs fault. I know this from having two GSD's, a doberman and a belgium malinois. The doberman is inside the house, and although very patient and stable she will growl at my 4 year old when she has had enough of him, to give him a warning.The others are kenneled outside. Also if she is that good why is she at a rescue centre? I also believe that big dogs like that need to be worked properly, they were not bred to be 'just pets'. Have you looked at doing schutzhund or something?      Have a look at the british schuzhund association website.