Is a German Shepherd right for my family? - Page 2

BlackPuppy · 02-12-2010, 03:51 PM

After giving your requirements some thought. Have you looked into an Airedale Terrier? I think they meet all your requirements. Yes, they have protective instinct, intelligence, the ability to care for and bond with the entire family. While they may shed a small amount, it's nothing like the GSD or Collies (also a great family dog). But, they do need to be groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. They have the type of coat that continues to grow (and mat) if not groomed.

I have a friend who has had these dogs, exclusively for over 30 years. She tells me the most wonderful stories of living with them and her children growing up with them. She does no training or sports at all with her dogs. The only exersize they get is running around the backyard, but their yard is much larger than yours, so you will have to take the dogs out. But that will be good for socialization, anyway. They are capable, and some people use them in the protection sports, esp, Schutzhund.

They are prone to hip dysplasia when poorly bred, so research breeders. Make sure parents have hip certifications. Get a breeder that will NOT let you choose a puppy, but will test the puppy's temperaments and choose a dog that fits your family.

The Airedale Terrier Club of America, Inc. Website.

Even though my friend does no training, I think it's always a good idea to have a well behaved dog. Airedales are the type of dogs that will not do well with a long repetitive training regime. They don't see the need for doing something again, if they did it once for you already. And don't forget to use positive marker training. No compulsion training stuff.

It sounds like you need to learn about dogs. You can do that here! Doesn't matter what breed you have, the principles are the same.

Best luck in your final choice.

BlackPuppy · 02-12-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allieg

I got a gun and permit instead, to be able to protect her..

fkeeley · 02-12-2010, 03:54 PM

Humm, I'm not sure if a GSD would be the right dog for your family. Mainly because you mentioned shedding. Yes, year round shedding and constant vaccuming!!!! Thank godness for Rumba (the robotic vaccum cleaner)-but "thumble weeds" are constantly found around my house (no matter how much I vaccum). I come to work and I always find "Thunder hair" on my coat, skirt, etc. But I'm also concerned about the protection thing. At least in my experience, my GSD is very protective of our family, but bonds the most with me. If you are looking for a dog that might connect with your 2yr old, not sure if it would be a GSD. I have a boy who grew up with Thunder and although they are friends, I'm his "buddy" sort of speak. They are still a family dog in the sense that they will protect (but I did not get him for that reason). I got my GSD because of the love, loyalty, intelligence that they demonstrate. They are definitely for the active family who can spend lots of time stimulating them physically and mentally. The rewards are GREAT!

nevada · 02-12-2010, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the advice so far. Yeah, I understand they shed alot. And we would prefer that our dog not shed tons -- the Doberman is better in that respect. I've lived with two great pyrenees at the same time before and a few mutts in my life that shed at least as much as a German Shepherd. I don't like it but it's not a deal killer. We do have all hard floors (the entire house has the same stone floor in every room) and wood or leather furniture. For me, the last couple paragraphs describe why I'm thinking the German Shepherd may be better for us than a Doberman. I wanted to confirm my reasoning on that but I also realize that a dog is a whole package and not just the sum of its breed's characteristics.

The last person mentioned a Rottie. I've cared for a Rottie before. His owners gave that dog zero but I'd take it for walks. What a meathead. Since he was a year old and totally left to believe he was in charge of himself I had a time with him. Walks seemed like 2-mile long shoving matches -- I didn't literally shove the dog but the battle of wills was something else and the Rottie had plenty of heft to enforce his way. I'm only about 130 lbs myself. Yeah, I know what a handful dogs become when you don't have time for them. That's why I haven't had one of my own perogative. I have had a lot of less demanding animals and I take the consideration to step up to a dog's requirements seriously.

I realize that any big working dog is going to have energy and need excercise but I value an honest account of what's really required. Like I wrote, an hour a day every day outside the house is easy for us and on the weekends we'd be out for a lot longer. Giving the dog 2 hours away from the house every day is more than we can do on weekdays. This is why I would never get a Border Collie like I had when I was on the ranch as a little boy. I would also gather that a GSD is better for us in this respect than say a Malinois, but I might need to evaluate whether another dog will thrive better with what we can offer. The Doberman is another big dog that needs action and excercise. More or less than the GSD?

Emoore · 02-12-2010, 04:08 PM

I'm a little confused with what you mean by "an hour a day outside the house." If you mean he'll get an hour of solo playtime in the yard, all he'll do is stand at the back door and whine for someone to come and play with him.

As far as what you're describing in terms of personality traits, you're going to need to either find a very good breeder that knows their breeding dogs very well that can help you choose a pup, or go with an adolescent or adult dog so you can tell what his/her personality is like. There is so much variation within the breed as far as nerve, intelligence, dominance/submissiveness, biddiblity, etc.

fkeeley · 02-12-2010, 04:10 PM

I'm just so happy to hear that you are considering and not just getting one. So many people don't do their homework and that's how these beautiful animals end up in the shelter. I'm sure whatever breed you decide on, it will be under careful consideration. Good luck to you! And seriously, if you do decide on a GSD, consider a roomba at the same time! It has been a lifesaver in my house. And Thunder doesn't care about it either. Just lets that thing vaccum around!

nevada · 02-12-2010, 04:10 PM

Thanks for the advice on protection. I realize a dog is not likely to actually attack or bite "the bad guy" without training in bitework. I also realize that bite sports like Schutzhund are just that -- games to demonstrate dog's and trainer's ability to do bitework in a competitive and not-real scenario. Even if a dog was titled in Schutzhund, I wouldn't depend on him to bite in a real world situation. I know some people train their dogs for bitework in real world situations but I am skeptical of even this kind of training with hidden bite sleeves and off the sports field so long as the dog is working in prey drive. Frankly, I can't see how one could train the dog in defense and fight drive without ever putting the hurt on the dog because in the real world of danger, that happens. Police and MWD's usually don't go with families and that's not my plan. My dog's job will be in his head more than in reality. It's good enough because most bad guys can be beat with a head game anyway.

allieg · 02-12-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevada

Thanks for the advice on protection. I realize a dog is not likely to actually attack or bite "the bad guy" without training in bitework. I also realize that bite sports like Schutzhund are just that -- games to demonstrate dog's and trainer's ability to do bitework in a competitive and not-real scenario. Even if a dog was titled in Schutzhund, I wouldn't depend on him to bite in a real world situation. I know some people train their dogs for bitework in real world situations but I am skeptical of even this kind of training with hidden bite sleeves and off the sports field so long as the dog is working in prey drive. Frankly, I can't see how one could train the dog in defense and fight drive without ever putting the hurt on the dog because in the real world of danger, that happens. Police and MWD's usually don't go with families and that's not my plan. My dog's job will be in his head more than in reality. It's good enough because most bad guys can be beat with a head game anyway.

That's not necessarily true.A trained dog you will have more control over and would then be less of a liability.Most good bred GSD will protect there owners till the end without professional training.

Mandalay · 02-12-2010, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevada

the battle of wills was something else

You'll get this with a GSD as well. My 7yo DD and my 2yo GSD still have battles if my DD lets down her guard. My GSD is about as stubborn as can be. Which means I have to be more stubborn and har headed. This is not a problem for me (just ask my husband, lol) so I don't mind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevada

The Doberman is another big dog that needs action and excercise. More or less than the GSD?

Again, not trying to push a Dobie, but in my experience with the one I had (and I only had ONE) was that she did not need as much excercise as my GSD. I walked her everyday, but sometimes only for 20 minutes or so.

Have you looked into adopting a Greyhound? They may not have the protective streak you are seeking (I have never had one, so I am not sure) but from what I have been told, the retired racers are actually big couch potatoes and good with kids. My parents had a Soft Coated Wheaton that was good with my kids and I don't recall her shedding too much.

I really think that your best bet is going to be to go to the local animal shelter and maybe look for a dog that is 4 years old or so. Mixed breeds tend to get the best pf all the breeds they are made up of, tend to have less health problems overall and make great pets. If you get one that is around 4 years old, its personality will already be set and the shelter would know how well the dog would do with your kids. They would also know better what its required excercise is.

Bridget · 02-12-2010, 04:25 PM

You know, you may want to think about NOT getting a dog from working lines. Everyone thinks they want a real working dog (I did too), but sometimes dogs from working lines are harder to train and live with for regular families. Not always the case, but it may be something to check on with breeders.

02-12-2010, 03:51 PM	#11 (permalink)
BlackPuppy Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 4,370	After giving your requirements some thought. Have you looked into an Airedale Terrier? I think they meet all your requirements. Yes, they have protective instinct, intelligence, the ability to care for and bond with the entire family. While they may shed a small amount, it's nothing like the GSD or Collies (also a great family dog). But, they do need to be groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. They have the type of coat that continues to grow (and mat) if not groomed. I have a friend who has had these dogs, exclusively for over 30 years. She tells me the most wonderful stories of living with them and her children growing up with them. She does no training or sports at all with her dogs. The only exersize they get is running around the backyard, but their yard is much larger than yours, so you will have to take the dogs out. But that will be good for socialization, anyway. They are capable, and some people use them in the protection sports, esp, Schutzhund. They are prone to hip dysplasia when poorly bred, so research breeders. Make sure parents have hip certifications. Get a breeder that will NOT let you choose a puppy, but will test the puppy's temperaments and choose a dog that fits your family. The Airedale Terrier Club of America, Inc. Website. Even though my friend does no training, I think it's always a good idea to have a well behaved dog. Airedales are the type of dogs that will not do well with a long repetitive training regime. They don't see the need for doing something again, if they did it once for you already. And don't forget to use positive marker training. No compulsion training stuff. It sounds like you need to learn about dogs. You can do that here! Doesn't matter what breed you have, the principles are the same. Best luck in your final choice. __________________ Carole http://clgoetz.8m.com/dogs/ Ciana - Belgian Malinois (Jan 2005) RN Balto - Belgian Laekenois (Jun 2007) URO3 CD RAE CGC TT Boaz - Dutch Shepherd (Jan 2010) URO1 CH IntCH CGC Doerak - DS/GSD mix - at the bridge RN CGC CL1-R

02-12-2010, 04:08 PM	#15 (permalink)
Emoore Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North DFW, TX Posts: 7,612	I'm a little confused with what you mean by "an hour a day outside the house." If you mean he'll get an hour of solo playtime in the yard, all he'll do is stand at the back door and whine for someone to come and play with him. As far as what you're describing in terms of personality traits, you're going to need to either find a very good breeder that knows their breeding dogs very well that can help you choose a pup, or go with an adolescent or adult dog so you can tell what his/her personality is like. There is so much variation within the breed as far as nerve, intelligence, dominance/submissiveness, biddiblity, etc. __________________ Rocky- 10 year old old boss of everyone Kopper- 1 year old DDR 'gility dawg At the Bridge: Cashdog 2006-2010

02-12-2010, 04:10 PM	#17 (permalink)
nevada New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 4	Thanks for the advice on protection. I realize a dog is not likely to actually attack or bite "the bad guy" without training in bitework. I also realize that bite sports like Schutzhund are just that -- games to demonstrate dog's and trainer's ability to do bitework in a competitive and not-real scenario. Even if a dog was titled in Schutzhund, I wouldn't depend on him to bite in a real world situation. I know some people train their dogs for bitework in real world situations but I am skeptical of even this kind of training with hidden bite sleeves and off the sports field so long as the dog is working in prey drive. Frankly, I can't see how one could train the dog in defense and fight drive without ever putting the hurt on the dog because in the real world of danger, that happens. Police and MWD's usually don't go with families and that's not my plan. My dog's job will be in his head more than in reality. It's good enough because most bad guys can be beat with a head game anyway. Last edited by nevada; 02-12-2010 at 04:14 PM.

02-12-2010, 03:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
fkeeley Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 394	Humm, I'm not sure if a GSD would be the right dog for your family. Mainly because you mentioned shedding. Yes, year round shedding and constant vaccuming!!!! Thank godness for Rumba (the robotic vaccum cleaner)-but "thumble weeds" are constantly found around my house (no matter how much I vaccum). I come to work and I always find "Thunder hair" on my coat, skirt, etc. But I'm also concerned about the protection thing. At least in my experience, my GSD is very protective of our family, but bonds the most with me. If you are looking for a dog that might connect with your 2yr old, not sure if it would be a GSD. I have a boy who grew up with Thunder and although they are friends, I'm his "buddy" sort of speak. They are still a family dog in the sense that they will protect (but I did not get him for that reason). I got my GSD because of the love, loyalty, intelligence that they demonstrate. They are definitely for the active family who can spend lots of time stimulating them physically and mentally. The rewards are GREAT!

02-12-2010, 04:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
nevada New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 4	Thanks for the advice so far. Yeah, I understand they shed alot. And we would prefer that our dog not shed tons -- the Doberman is better in that respect. I've lived with two great pyrenees at the same time before and a few mutts in my life that shed at least as much as a German Shepherd. I don't like it but it's not a deal killer. We do have all hard floors (the entire house has the same stone floor in every room) and wood or leather furniture. For me, the last couple paragraphs describe why I'm thinking the German Shepherd may be better for us than a Doberman. I wanted to confirm my reasoning on that but I also realize that a dog is a whole package and not just the sum of its breed's characteristics. The last person mentioned a Rottie. I've cared for a Rottie before. His owners gave that dog zero but I'd take it for walks. What a meathead. Since he was a year old and totally left to believe he was in charge of himself I had a time with him. Walks seemed like 2-mile long shoving matches -- I didn't literally shove the dog but the battle of wills was something else and the Rottie had plenty of heft to enforce his way. I'm only about 130 lbs myself. Yeah, I know what a handful dogs become when you don't have time for them. That's why I haven't had one of my own perogative. I have had a lot of less demanding animals and I take the consideration to step up to a dog's requirements seriously. I realize that any big working dog is going to have energy and need excercise but I value an honest account of what's really required. Like I wrote, an hour a day every day outside the house is easy for us and on the weekends we'd be out for a lot longer. Giving the dog 2 hours away from the house every day is more than we can do on weekdays. This is why I would never get a Border Collie like I had when I was on the ranch as a little boy. I would also gather that a GSD is better for us in this respect than say a Malinois, but I might need to evaluate whether another dog will thrive better with what we can offer. The Doberman is another big dog that needs action and excercise. More or less than the GSD?

02-12-2010, 04:10 PM	#16 (permalink)
fkeeley Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 394	I'm just so happy to hear that you are considering and not just getting one. So many people don't do their homework and that's how these beautiful animals end up in the shelter. I'm sure whatever breed you decide on, it will be under careful consideration. Good luck to you! And seriously, if you do decide on a GSD, consider a roomba at the same time! It has been a lifesaver in my house. And Thunder doesn't care about it either. Just lets that thing vaccum around!

02-12-2010, 04:25 PM	#20 (permalink)
Bridget Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,358	You know, you may want to think about NOT getting a dog from working lines. Everyone thinks they want a real working dog (I did too), but sometimes dogs from working lines are harder to train and live with for regular families. Not always the case, but it may be something to check on with breeders.

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