Considering a german shepherd

[HMV]

I'm not saying it wont work, I'm just saying the picture might not turn out as Rosy as everyone is painting it. A baby and a dog require a lot of attention and the last thing the shelters need is another dog because someone under estimated how much time a dog requires.

Ah, Just seen your last post. I was assuming you planned on getting the dog, chickens and kid as soon as you had moved in more or less.

[_Remko_]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

Does Mexico have quarantine laws? I don't know, I would not want a pup to be quarantined ever! So you'd be limited to buying one in Mexico. From reading on the PedigreeDataBase good breeders are far and few between there.

Proper training won't have your pup herding the cats and children. The dog will adapt to the environment, so that shouldn't be a concern either. All dogs have teeth, a small breed bites, too! You just have to teach bite inhibition(littermates and mom do this if the pups stay together for the full 8 weeks), and supervise constantly.
A "bench" you mean a crate or kennel? Yes that would be best when unsupervised to get pup use to crate. For the dogs safety.

Small dogs bite too but a chihuaha bite is easier to manage (still not desired). With a bench I probably mean a crate.

Although we don't like taking the car across the border (especially in some areas) something not too far in the states is something we will have to consider. If anybody knows a good breeder in Mexico or close to the border I am all ears

[_Remko_]

Originally Posted by HMV

I'm not saying it wont work, I'm just saying the picture might not turn out as Rosy as everyone is painting it. A baby and a dog require a lot of attention and the last thing the shelters need is another dog because someone under estimated how much time a dog requires.

Ah, Just seen your last post. I was assuming you planned on getting the dog, chickens and kid as soon as you had moved in more or less.

Dear god, not everything at once :P The reason I am asking is because I expect it will require special attention and at some point it is will be a real scenario.

Just curious on what to consider in order to make it work, doesn't have to be rosy but knowing what to expect and proper preparation helps in making the right decision (go or no go) and prevents running into the unexpected (and a dog being shipped of to the shelter).

[Lilie]

You are off to a very good start! Gather as much information as you can, and then you can make the best decision for you and your family (even the future kiddos!)

I would suggest also that you speak with the GSD rescue groups. You might just find that your dream dog is waiting for you today......

[LARHAGE]

I have not lived a day in my life without dogs, and a lot of them were German Shepherds, they weren't " just dogs" they were more like sibblings, and in fact I cannot remember one day of my childhood, that the dog who lived with us is not an integral part of it, I would never raise children WITHOUT a dog.

[JudynRich]

I also recommend a puppy. We live in So. Calif and we have had frineds vacation in Mexico w/ their dogs. I would get the puppy after the coffee shop is opened so the coffee shop is part of the routine.

[_Remko_]

Thanks everybody again for the great responses so far. Another question that has been going through my mind and I havn't been able to find anywhere. What type of owner goes well with a german shepherd? Besides the obvious, plenty of excersize so someone who prefers the couch over a walk doesn't work too well. I am curious to read what type of personality would suit the dog? So would an owner have to have a dominant nature, be very strict, quiet type/extrovert etc..

Secondly I think reading a book on the breed would be a great place to start. Any sugestions? I can find tons of books but am having a hard time selecting one. Preferably one that contains the pro and cons as well as the kind of specific care it might need (grooming, excersize, training, diet etc...).

[_Remko_]

Originally Posted by JudynRich

I also recommend a puppy. We live in So. Calif and we have had frineds vacation in Mexico w/ their dogs. I would get the puppy after the coffee shop is opened so the coffee shop is part of the routine.

I expect that our business ventures will be slow paced, so not an instant all in shop. Since I will probably be anxious once I arive and have more time than I know what to do with. Perhaps proper socializing and taking him/her to other shops with plenty of strangers could do just as well?

[onyx'girl]

I don't think that a GSD needs an owner who is extra vigiliant on control...most of them need an owner who is active, but not egotistical and think that the breed is so powerful that they need to be "alpha" constantly. I see newbie posters here often who think they need to constantly control their puppies, then the pups are little rebels-they really just want to please their handlers, not constantly be powered into compliance.
My three are from very different circumstances, rescue, BYB and a great breeder...the temperaments vary accordingly.

I am active enough, practice NILIF and treat all equally according to their personalities. They get along very well.

If you go with a reputable breeder who matches the pup to what you are looking for, and has been breeding long enough for you to evaluate their program you should have no problem with a pup who will give you a lifetime full of unending joy.
If you do end up with a dog with issues, learn how to manage them, and the dog will still give you the same as above.
My fear aggressive, allergy ridden dog has taught me more than I'd ever imagined as far as training and health so she is truely a blessing in my life. If it weren't for her, I may have been lacadasial in my GSD ownership like I was with my border/goldenx that was on the boring side...not that I didn't love her, she was just not exciting enough for me!