Help Needed From German Shepherd Owners

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted By: MrMacleodand they are almost too friendly. I have two now, one is almost 3 years old and never met a stranger in his life..he loves everybody.

A well-bred German Shepherd is NOT friendly to everyone. They WILL accept attention from a stranger but should not go looking for it. They are NOT Labs or Goldens.

When Mauser was a puppy he loved everyone - as he should have. Now, at almost a year, he will accept attention from people but doesn't get all happy, waggy-tailed like he used to. And that is the correct response.

[SunCzarina]

Originally Posted By: Lauri & The GangWhen Mauser was a puppy he loved everyone - as he should have. Now, at almost a year, he will accept attention from people but doesn't get all happy, waggy-tailed like he used to. And that is the correct response.

My 16 month old is the same way, he doesn't go looking for attention from strangers like he did when he a younger pup. He happily accepts meeting new people, especially women but he doesn't go all googly eyed anymore.

Up the stars for barking. Both mine are talkers. We live in the city with a 1/8th acre yard so there's always something or someone around to talk to.

The yard size stars is a bit off too. With some creative landscape and good exercise, many dogs have been very happy in this yard.

Kid friendly, oh yes. My female goes to my kids' elementary school every school day. She's very aloof, even as GSDs go, but she loves to have random children pet her. Most of them don't ask, they do walk by head pets. She eats it up. If she sees a toddler who isn't chanting Doggie Doggie and pointing at her, she'll slow down, wag her tail and smile pretty as if to say Look at me, I'm a dog. You're a baby come over here and pet me.

[MrMacleod]

Originally Posted By: Lauri & The GangA well-bred German Shepherd is NOT friendly to everyone. They WILL accept attention from a stranger but should not go looking for it. They are NOT Labs or Goldens..

That's funny, Luc is about as well bred as you will find in the non show division (even then I would put him up against them!). Seriously, he is as friendly as any dog I've ever seen. He won't go looking for new friends, but if I am talking to somebody he has no problem coming up and introducing himself...of course I only talk to people I like so that could have something to do with it....haha

[jake]

Just my opinion -but when you are rating the GSD on whether it is "kid-pet-person friendly OR DANGEROUS" you are going way beyond anyone who is rating ANY breed of a companion dog should go.As far as other ratings on your site have no problem may be helpful to someone who is first time prospective dog owner.

[petstew]

Thanks to everyone for their replies, very helpful, more than I could have hoped for!

[Lola1969]

In your description you forgot to mention that they are the most awesome dogs out there!

[Jax08]

Originally Posted By: Lauri & The Gang

A well-bred German Shepherd is NOT friendly to everyone. They WILL accept attention from a stranger but should not go looking for it. They are NOT Labs or Goldens.

I'm with Lauri all the way on this one. Jax is very alert and looks like she wants attention because she's watching ppl with her tail wagging but as soon as a stranger walks over to her she turns her nose the other way and completely ignores them. They can pet her but her whole attitude is "I am allowing you to pet me while I am watching something else because you are no longer on my radar"

And she is NOT well bred. She's a pound puppy and we have no idea what her background is.

[Cassidy's Mom]

I've never had a GSD that hasn't been very social and friendly with people. Halo is only 10-1/2 months old so I know that could change, but we're still working on getting her to not jump up and give people kisses, so I'm not seeing any signs that she's headed in that direction yet.

[BJDimock]

Originally Posted By: Lauri & The Gang

A well-bred German Shepherd is NOT friendly to everyone. They WILL accept attention from a stranger but should not go looking for it. They are NOT Labs or Goldens.

When Mauser was a puppy he loved everyone - as he should have. Now, at almost a year, he will accept attention from people but doesn't get all happy, waggy-tailed like he used to. And that is the correct response.

My sheps become guide dogs. Please forgive them if they ignore you, or become watchful in your unexpected presence.
My girls will tolerate you on first meeting, but they won't love you. They are, at heart, herding dogs, who will protect their "flock."