Would like to get a first dog as GSD ...

[omnafees]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a first dog and am quite interested in the GSD because of its size and because its a natural guard/watchdog.

I have four boys, eldest 9 and youngest almost a year and we're pretty much an insanely active family.

Although I've got a busy day-job, I end up having a couple of hours free time daily that I'm thinking would be well spent training, taking care of and befriending a GSD. I'd definitely want my older two boys involved with the care. Further, we try and avoid TV/Movies as a family and so we want an additional rewarding activity to do in leisure time and a GSD is starting to look attractive because of the love one gets back.

I intend to keep the GSD in its own space in a kennel in the garage and on lead outside the home in the front or back. Don't want it to come inside the home too often, but will definitely spend time with it whenever possible. The boys and I, when not at work/school or doing homework/chores, are also mostly outside anyways so we'll get to see him often. I am thinking that GSD's are a good breed for this type of setup and comments from owners are welcome.


Some of the purposes I am planning on for the new member of our family :

1) Guard dog activity, on command and against suspicious behavior at night, though not barking senselessly at neighbors or harmless strangers.

2) Lots of action - games at the park, doing crazy exercises and just having a good time. Plan to get a treadmill, and wouldn't mind the GSD to get on it ... We also live near some hiking trails and the summers here in Waterloo, Ontario (and surrounding areas) are gorgeous !

3) One of my primary reasons is that its pretty apparent to me in the family that all of us, including my wife, tend to get into our own things and life and sometimes, despite having so many people around me, I get lonely and it seems that a GSD gives back that companionship at not too much cost (of time and money).

I would definitely consider formal training and classes, but we hope to train it ourselves as well.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks !

Omar

[sagelfn]

Originally Posted by omnafees

Some of the purposes I am planning on for the new member of our family :

1) Guard dog activity, on command and against suspicious behavior at night, though not barking senselessly at neighbors or harmless strangers.

2) Lots of action - games at the park, doing crazy exercises and just having a good time. Plan to get a treadmill, and wouldn't mind the GSD to get on it ... We also live near some hiking trails and the summers here in Waterloo, Ontario (and surrounding areas) are gorgeous !

3) One of my primary reasons is that its pretty apparent to me in the family that all of us, including my wife, tend to get into our own things and life and sometimes, despite having so many people around me, I get lonely and it seems that a GSD gives back that companionship at not too much cost (of time and money).

I would definitely consider formal training and classes, but we hope to train it ourselves as well.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks !

Omar

Most of us will advise against not having the dog live in the home. If you have never trained a dog before I strongly advise you to take some OB classes. Not only does it teach the dog, it teaches you. It is also an excellent way to socialize and train with distractions.

1) GSDs are not mentally mature until 2-3 yrs of age. Until then they are not capable of protection work. If you expect your GSD to do this you will also have to train it to protect which is a lifetime job. Not really a family pet type of dog.

2) Exercise is good mental exercise is great.

3) GSDs typically do bond strongly with their people. They are expensive. Quality food, training, toys, chew items, grooming, etc... They require a TON of work. A few hours a day will not cut it.

[GSD07]

Originally Posted by omnafees

...it seems that a GSD gives back that companionship at not too much cost (of time and money).

Here is where you got it wrong. GSD does not function well as companion that is taken out of the drawer only when needed. It won't work that way.

[sexyman]

Ageed. I would never leave mine outside because he became a really good friend and he needs constant attention and water. I can leave him out for a few hours. But they drink a lot of water. They also spill it a lot. They are alot like and been compared to a 5 year old child. They can be taught to be a good indoor dog.

[sagelfn]

Originally Posted by GSD07

Here is where you got it wrong. GSD does not function well as companion that is taken out of the drawer only when needed. It won't work that way.

Very well put

[W.Oliver]

A GSD is not like a typical dog.......

Our crate training nightmare. (Seeking moral support and advice)

Nothing is working to stop biting

Snarling and Biting - What to do?

...compound that with this being your first dog, followed by notion you can pull it off "at not too much cost (of time and money)"......

What you have brewing here is a recipe for disaster.

STOP! The worst thing you could do to yourself and your family, and a puppy at this juncture is allow yourself to make an impulse buy. Gratification of perceived immediate need is a mistake.

Take some time and research what a GSD is....what types are there, understand temperament, and what a GSD requires....how to shop for a breeder.....

When you can make an informed decision, you very well may decide on a Golden Retriever.

Best of luck.

[asja]

German Shepherds are not a good first dog, if you've never had a dog before. Just not. Try easier dogs. They don't do well locked in a garage away from their family. German Shepherds are great family dogs, but they want to live with their family, not separated in a garage. I can't stress that enough. Do not keep your dog in the garage, keep the dog in the house. You really turned me off by repeatedly calling dogs "it". Dogs are not an "it". If you want an "it" then buy a stuffed animal, not a live one. You'll never get a good dog if you separate the dog and only interact with him/her occasionally. That's how so many dogs end up in shelters.

[Danielle609]

I don't think that any family animal showed be segregated from the rest of the family. At that point it just makes them sound like a toy that you can just go grab off the shelf when you want to. Just my opinion. I know I couldn't do that to any animal of mine.

[sexyman]

Hey my fish do just fine. The cats keep them company. LOL

[omnafees]

Wow - I appreciate the responses. I was being totally honest and I am thankful the responses. Maybe a GSD isnt the right breed for us. We'll keep looking.

Any opinions on Doberman's ?

Thanks
Omar