Best GSD Advice

[khurley]

The idea for our new weekly discussion topic was a recommendation from Vinnie (thanks, Vin )..

I think a big part of the reason we all love this board is the collective knowledge and advice to be found. I can think of few better resources for information on the German Shepherd Dog anywhere. That said... What's the best, most useful advice you've ever read or received regarding the GSD? This can come from anyone and anywhere.

[chris37]

The best advice I received and often give to new gsd owners is to socialize,socialize,socialize.

[SuzyE]

the advice that changed my skittish dog's life "don't coddle your dog for fears or say it's ok or it's alright because they think your saying it's ok to be scared" natural human response to try and sooth your dog for fears but it increases the fear.

[Prinzsalpha]

When mine was a wild pup, Val told me to put him on a lead in the house to help calm and teach manners. Best advice I got. Thanks Val!

[Timber1]

After having some concers about my dog being to aggressive I hired a GSD behavior specialist. Her advicefollows:

"You have a German Shepherd Dog bred along European lines, not a lab. Timber is defensive, not aggressive, and will always be like that. He is not a welcoming committee like some dogs are. German Shepherds do not like everyone, especially strangers."

[Liesje]

The best advice set me up with the right expectations: The GSD is not going to be bubbly and welcoming of strangers. It should NOT be overly defensive, shy, or too leery, but for someone used to labs your dog will seem quite indifferent at first. She will not approach strangers but there is NO reason they should not be able to approach her. The GSD is also a velcro dog!

Both of these have proven to be true to the millionth degree!! I grew up around labs so I'm glad I got this warning on what to expect. When I take my dog to the ice cream window, she just sits there very still and lets people pet her, but she's not jumping all over everyone and panting excitedly at their presence like the dogs I'm used to. Also, I cannot so much as go to the bathroom without her feeling "separated", lying outside the door until I'm done. She won't even sniff the ground without my approval first.

[chruby]

After my first GSD died I started my search for another one. She had been a rescue and I really didn't know anything about her background. She had bad hips so I wanted to stack the odds in my favor and go with a breeder.

Anyhow, I went on one of the boards and at that point didn't know anything about the different lines, etc.... After reading a bit I was a little nervous about the workinglines as I had read how they have so much energy, etc....I posted a general question about looking for breeders in my area and not being certain about what type I wanted but was leaning toward a W. German showline.

One of the board members pm'd me and said that maybe I should rethink looking at the workinglines and gave me a little education. That is what I did and now have 2 workingline females and am so pleased with their temps and drives and willingness to work. They are wonderful family companions as well.

That was the most valuable advice I have been given to date in regards to the GSD.

[Brightelf]

Chruby, same here. A board member here suggested Czech lines, even though I imagined workinglines to all be too drivey, aggressive, etc etc. My calm, bold-but-gentle, clearheaded 9 month old Czech puppy is sleeping next to me as I type this.

Lovely temperament, easy to live with for an active, involved, committed owner. Yes! Great advice to look within these lines.

[natalie559]

A tired dog is a good dog!

[khurley]

I can sum it up with one word..er..acronym...NILIF.