Is a GSD for me???

BigMike19 · 06-03-2010, 03:46 PM

Hey everyone!

I've been reading through this forum ever since I stumbled upon it a week ago. My fiance and I are planning on getting a puppy soon and I wanted to get some opinions on whether or not a GSD would be a fit for us. First off I would like to say I am a long time lover of the breed and have tons of respect for the dog. I have grown up with labs and would like to try something a little more, well, smarter. I absolutely want a larger dog that loves to play, especially in water. Although there are a few roadblocks.

My fiance and I currently both work. So the dog would be left alone for a portion of the day. Crating would be necessary for the early months, but after we feel we can trust the dog, I believe it would be able to roam the house during the day. We would both be able to take the dog for a walk each in the morning as we get up at different times. Then after work would be free time. We do not have a huge fenced yard, but plenty of open land and forest preserves, dog parks, beaches within a short walk/drive. Am I crazy for wanting such a high maintenance dog and can it work with our schedule?

We plan on having kids in say the next 5 years. Is introducing babies to a 4-5 year old dog dangerous? Or is it better to wait to get the dog until the kids are older?

Another major item, is that my fiance thinks the breed is a vicious breed. I respect her opinion b/c there does seem to be a lot of biased information on GSD's out there in regards to aggression and bite tendencies. The way I see it, the dog will be a product of it's environment and traning. I plan on spending time to train and socialize so I am not worried but I can not seem to convince her otherwise. Is there any advice that can be shared on this point?

Any experiences/thoughts/criticisms would be greatly appreciated on this. Thank you very much

GSD MOM · 06-03-2010, 03:52 PM

Hello and welcome.
I myself once thought of the GSD being a mean and vicious breed. Now I don't know if I would ever own another breed of dog. I would try to expose her to adult GSD's. All breeds of pups are cute, but if you can find an adult dog that she can be around that is well mannered maybe it would change her mind. I'm not sure where your located but I think some exposure would help out a lot.

LARHAGE · 06-03-2010, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMike19

Hey everyone!

I've been reading through this forum ever since I stumbled upon it a week ago. My fiance and I are planning on getting a puppy soon and I wanted to get some opinions on whether or not a GSD would be a fit for us. First off I would like to say I am a long time lover of the breed and have tons of respect for the dog. I have grown up with labs and would like to try something a little more, well, smarter. I absolutely want a larger dog that loves to play, especially in water. Although there are a few roadblocks.

My fiance and I currently both work. So the dog would be left alone for a portion of the day. Crating would be necessary for the early months, but after we feel we can trust the dog, I believe it would be able to roam the house during the day. We would both be able to take the dog for a walk each in the morning as we get up at different times. Then after work would be free time. We do not have a huge fenced yard, but plenty of open land and forest preserves, dog parks, beaches within a short walk/drive. Am I crazy for wanting such a high maintenance dog and can it work with our schedule?

We plan on having kids in say the next 5 years. Is introducing babies to a 4-5 year old dog dangerous? Or is it better to wait to get the dog until the kids are older?

Another major item, is that my fiance thinks the breed is a vicious breed. I respect her opinion b/c there does seem to be a lot of biased information on GSD's out there in regards to aggression and bite tendencies. The way I see it, the dog will be a product of it's environment and traning. I plan on spending time to train and socialize so I am not worried but I can not seem to convince her otherwise. Is there any advice that can be shared on this point?

Any experiences/thoughts/criticisms would be greatly appreciated on this. Thank you very much

I think you would make an awesome owner of this breed, it sounds to me like it's going to be one lucky puppy, the breed needs to be socialized to be at it's best, I have grown up with Shepherds and think they are fantastic with kids. I suggest you do a lot of reading on the breed and if yu choose to buy a puppy, go with a reputable breeder who takes pride in their temperament and trainability, there are a lot of them out there.

Welcome to the boards.

JudynRich · 06-03-2010, 04:07 PM

The only advise I give anyone considering a GSD is that you be committed to training your dog. GDSs live to be trained-they are so smart they need the challenge and have pride in their abilities. I am partial to females-especially if you are going to have children. A book on shepherds will help too. Look for a breeder that socializes the pups w/ young children and when you get your pup, expose her/him to children as often as possible. We chose our breeder because every photo of the puppies had a two and four year old around (and they have a great reputation).

**JakodaCD OA** · 06-03-2010, 04:09 PM

I agree with the above. I just wanted to add and reiterate, if your fiance is really NOT on board with a german shepherd, I wouldn't get one, unless you can change her mind and she's comfortable with it.

To many times I"ve seen, even on this board, one spouse is great with the dog, the other wants it 'gone', especially when kids come on the scene.

The majority of them are not couch potatoes, tho they are out there

and require alot of training and socialization.

Right now I'm down to one gsd and two aussies,,my sister has always been the "lab" owner in the family (we don't live together

she has told me she could never live with any of my dogs, to high maintenance for her and she does EVERYTHING with her dogs, agility, obed, hunting tests, that type of thing.

My suggestion is, find yourself a good breeder, have your fiance meet their adult dogs, and go from there. If both parties are not on board, it won't make for a good relationship for anyone

jakeandrenee · 06-03-2010, 04:12 PM

I am a first time GSD owner with a 15 week old puppy. It is the most intense, difficult thing I have encountered. HOWEVER the rewards are even BIGGER. I can see that already and I am JUST beginning this journey. The people here are wonderful, don't think I could do it with out them. I am exhausted, I take Jake everywhere I legally can to socialize him, they grow so fast and learn at an incredible speed. I think like GSD MOM said you'll never want another breed again.

AbbyK9 · 06-03-2010, 04:27 PM

I think that you are off to a very good start because you are educating yourself about German Shepherds and you are here, asking these questions before you go out and buy a dog. That's excellent and, unfortunately, not a lot of people do it.

That said, with your limited dog experience and with both of you working, I would probably consider a young adult rescue dog rather than a puppy. If you work with a good rescue, they can find you an ideal "starter dog" that will introduce you to the breed and might have a temperament that will fit very well into your current situation.

It would also give you the additional support that you get from having a network of people at your rescue to ask questions and get help. When I volunteered with VGSR, we used to have a mailing list where we would answer people's questions and help them resolve problems with their adopted dogs. It's a great way to get started with a specific breed of dog or if you're new to owning and training.

BigMike19 · 06-03-2010, 04:35 PM

Wow thank you everyone for the quick responses!! Any more info on leaving the dog home alone would be greatly appreciated.

In regards to my fiance, I would absolutely not put her in a position to own a dog that made her uncomfortable. We are located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The closest breeder I have been researching is Mittelwest German Shepherds. They are only like 20-30 minutes away and look amazing. My fiance and I plan on visiting next week to see the facilities and meet some dogs. They do tons of onsite traning and shows it seems like. It looks like an amazing place. If anyone has any experience or feedback about Mittelwest please let me know. I am in no way affiliated with Mittlewest. If discussing this publicly breaks forum rules, please private message me to discuss, thank you. If we got a GSD, I would most likely attend training at Mittelwest, but nothing aggressive, mostly mind stimulating.

As far as socializing, I would pretty much take the dog everywhere I could. When I babysit friend's dogs, I take them in the car pretty much everywhere I go. We are a busy couple during the week, but have an aching for another companion in the household.

Thanks again

janisinsc · 06-03-2010, 05:17 PM

How many hours a day would the pup be crated? I have always followed the rule "no more hours than months old" . It will be hard for a small pup to stay crated without a break for a full work day plus it will make it harder to house train a dog that learns to soil in his "area". I was able to go home on days Gustav could not come to work with me when he was younger and give a mid-day break. But his first 6 weeks with us, my husband was home for the summer (school teacher). Now if he happens to stay home (which isn't often), he is fine (now he is two) but boy watch out on the pent up energy!! I understand that is not always possible to get home but maybe other options? I had a friend who couldn't technically take her pup to work but she got the pup in the cooler months and kept him crated in her car during the day. That was a safe place for him, comfortable, and she was able to give him several breaks duing the day.

codmaster · 06-03-2010, 06:21 PM

If you get a good GSD, best dog around ever! But if you get a poor one, one of the worst dog around. Choose the breeder carefully OR pick carefully among the rescue choices and you will love your choice!

It sounds like your dog will be one lucky fella (or girl!).

06-03-2010, 03:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
BigMike19 New Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 4	Is a GSD for me??? Hey everyone! I've been reading through this forum ever since I stumbled upon it a week ago. My fiance and I are planning on getting a puppy soon and I wanted to get some opinions on whether or not a GSD would be a fit for us. First off I would like to say I am a long time lover of the breed and have tons of respect for the dog. I have grown up with labs and would like to try something a little more, well, smarter. I absolutely want a larger dog that loves to play, especially in water. Although there are a few roadblocks. My fiance and I currently both work. So the dog would be left alone for a portion of the day. Crating would be necessary for the early months, but after we feel we can trust the dog, I believe it would be able to roam the house during the day. We would both be able to take the dog for a walk each in the morning as we get up at different times. Then after work would be free time. We do not have a huge fenced yard, but plenty of open land and forest preserves, dog parks, beaches within a short walk/drive. Am I crazy for wanting such a high maintenance dog and can it work with our schedule? We plan on having kids in say the next 5 years. Is introducing babies to a 4-5 year old dog dangerous? Or is it better to wait to get the dog until the kids are older? Another major item, is that my fiance thinks the breed is a vicious breed. I respect her opinion b/c there does seem to be a lot of biased information on GSD's out there in regards to aggression and bite tendencies. The way I see it, the dog will be a product of it's environment and traning. I plan on spending time to train and socialize so I am not worried but I can not seem to convince her otherwise. Is there any advice that can be shared on this point? Any experiences/thoughts/criticisms would be greatly appreciated on this. Thank you very much

06-03-2010, 03:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
GSD MOM Master Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Dayton Ohio Posts: 958	Hello and welcome. I myself once thought of the GSD being a mean and vicious breed. Now I don't know if I would ever own another breed of dog. I would try to expose her to adult GSD's. All breeds of pups are cute, but if you can find an adult dog that she can be around that is well mannered maybe it would change her mind. I'm not sure where your located but I think some exposure would help out a lot. __________________ -Jamie- No matter how bad my day has been.... coming home to them makes it all better. My Kids: Nellie -3 yr old GSD & Ace -2 yr old GSD

06-03-2010, 04:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
JakodaCD OA Moderator Join Date: May 2000 Location: Old Lyme, CT USA Posts: 14,237	I agree with the above. I just wanted to add and reiterate, if your fiance is really NOT on board with a german shepherd, I wouldn't get one, unless you can change her mind and she's comfortable with it. To many times I"ve seen, even on this board, one spouse is great with the dog, the other wants it 'gone', especially when kids come on the scene. The majority of them are not couch potatoes, tho they are out there and require alot of training and socialization. Right now I'm down to one gsd and two aussies,,my sister has always been the "lab" owner in the family (we don't live together she has told me she could never live with any of my dogs, to high maintenance for her and she does EVERYTHING with her dogs, agility, obed, hunting tests, that type of thing. My suggestion is, find yourself a good breeder, have your fiance meet their adult dogs, and go from there. If both parties are not on board, it won't make for a good relationship for anyone __________________ Diane Danger Danger vom Kleinen Hain aka Masi "Angel" Jakoda's Bewitchen Sami CD OA OAJ OAC NGC OJC RS-O GS-N JS-O TT HIC CGC "Angel" Steinwald's Four x Four CGC HIC TT Harmonyhill's Hy Jynx NA NAJ NAC NJC RS-N JS-N HIC Jakoda's Jagged Edge

06-03-2010, 04:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
AbbyK9 Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: North Country, NY Posts: 12,442	I think that you are off to a very good start because you are educating yourself about German Shepherds and you are here, asking these questions before you go out and buy a dog. That's excellent and, unfortunately, not a lot of people do it. That said, with your limited dog experience and with both of you working, I would probably consider a young adult rescue dog rather than a puppy. If you work with a good rescue, they can find you an ideal "starter dog" that will introduce you to the breed and might have a temperament that will fit very well into your current situation. It would also give you the additional support that you get from having a network of people at your rescue to ask questions and get help. When I volunteered with VGSR, we used to have a mailing list where we would answer people's questions and help them resolve problems with their adopted dogs. It's a great way to get started with a specific breed of dog or if you're new to owning and training. __________________ Malinois Ronja - fastest K-9 in VT =^^= Finn, Ratchet & Ollie Blog - Facebook - Store

06-03-2010, 04:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
JudynRich Master Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles Area Posts: 537	The only advise I give anyone considering a GSD is that you be committed to training your dog. GDSs live to be trained-they are so smart they need the challenge and have pride in their abilities. I am partial to females-especially if you are going to have children. A book on shepherds will help too. Look for a breeder that socializes the pups w/ young children and when you get your pup, expose her/him to children as often as possible. We chose our breeder because every photo of the puppies had a two and four year old around (and they have a great reputation).

06-03-2010, 04:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
jakeandrenee Knighted Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Huntsville Alabama Posts: 3,103	I am a first time GSD owner with a 15 week old puppy. It is the most intense, difficult thing I have encountered. HOWEVER the rewards are even BIGGER. I can see that already and I am JUST beginning this journey. The people here are wonderful, don't think I could do it with out them. I am exhausted, I take Jake everywhere I legally can to socialize him, they grow so fast and learn at an incredible speed. I think like GSD MOM said you'll never want another breed again.

06-03-2010, 04:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
BigMike19 New Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 4	Wow thank you everyone for the quick responses!! Any more info on leaving the dog home alone would be greatly appreciated. In regards to my fiance, I would absolutely not put her in a position to own a dog that made her uncomfortable. We are located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The closest breeder I have been researching is Mittelwest German Shepherds. They are only like 20-30 minutes away and look amazing. My fiance and I plan on visiting next week to see the facilities and meet some dogs. They do tons of onsite traning and shows it seems like. It looks like an amazing place. If anyone has any experience or feedback about Mittelwest please let me know. I am in no way affiliated with Mittlewest. If discussing this publicly breaks forum rules, please private message me to discuss, thank you. If we got a GSD, I would most likely attend training at Mittelwest, but nothing aggressive, mostly mind stimulating. As far as socializing, I would pretty much take the dog everywhere I could. When I babysit friend's dogs, I take them in the car pretty much everywhere I go. We are a busy couple during the week, but have an aching for another companion in the household. Thanks again

06-03-2010, 05:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
janisinsc Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: south carolina Posts: 92	How many hours a day would the pup be crated? I have always followed the rule "no more hours than months old" . It will be hard for a small pup to stay crated without a break for a full work day plus it will make it harder to house train a dog that learns to soil in his "area". I was able to go home on days Gustav could not come to work with me when he was younger and give a mid-day break. But his first 6 weeks with us, my husband was home for the summer (school teacher). Now if he happens to stay home (which isn't often), he is fine (now he is two) but boy watch out on the pent up energy!! I understand that is not always possible to get home but maybe other options? I had a friend who couldn't technically take her pup to work but she got the pup in the cooler months and kept him crated in her car during the day. That was a safe place for him, comfortable, and she was able to give him several breaks duing the day.

06-03-2010, 06:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
codmaster Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: California, US Posts: 4,767	If you get a good GSD, best dog around ever! But if you get a poor one, one of the worst dog around. Choose the breeder carefully OR pick carefully among the rescue choices and you will love your choice! It sounds like your dog will be one lucky fella (or girl!).

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