Hello! Will a 5 month old dog be too active?

[nygoldengirl]

Hi! Advice welcome. Veteran husband died last year, we had older GSD mix, 110lbs, wonderful dog, now deceased. I live in an apartment, in major city, across from a park, bldg has private park too. Will a 5 month old be too much to handle? Is pure bred female rescue, described as sweet and laid back, beautiful, will see her next Saturday. Sister-in-law has trained dogs, will go with me. She feels I should get much older inactive dog. Dog has been crated, would crate as necessary. Also probably housebroken. Love GSDs, willing to take dog for training, etc. Thoughts appreciated! Thanks!

[cshepherd9]

I guess it just depends on your definition of too active. I have a 1 yr old GSD. She is what I would describe as laid back, not a real "high drive" dog, but she is still pretty active. She is crated while I am at work but she gets at least 1 daily walk of 2 miles or more, we go to classes at least once a week (sometimes two) and yet she still doesn't lay down in the evenings until after 10:30. And I don't mean sleep, I just mean lay down and relax. She is always up doing something, not anything bad, but just up exploring, playing with my other dog/toys or out in the backyard.

[vat]

I agree it depends on your definition. I have a 9 month old male and he is the energizer bunny! He is crated while I am at work and then we play most of the evening along with some training. He does require allot of my time.

[onyx'girl]

Welcome to the site!
The rescue should be able to let you know the disposition of the pup and whether your lifestyle would be a good match for both of you

[Suka]

Dogs are not space-intensive; they are time-intensive.

I got my GSD at around that age and I live in Chicago in an apartment. I just live near a big park. Dogs don't exercise in the house and few exercise in a fenced yard. What makes my dog happy even in city-living is that when he was very young, I did a lot of training work with him, he went and played ball at the park at least twice a day of hard running doing that and with his backpack, we went walking in the city (something I like to do) and would visit cafes, and we went shopping together to places he was allowed (and he carried things home in his pack). Living just six blocks from the lakeshore is good too, since dogs can be on the beach after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.

So it comes down to how much effort you are willing to expend.

[JazzNScout]

My 4 month old sleeps A LOT. But she also plays A LOT.

[Zoeys mom]

My 10 month old is still playful- not hyper per say, but she gets a lot of exercise. If it's a rainy day I pay dearly because she bores easily and needs constant interaction of some sort. If you can squeeze in 2 30-45 minute a day run sessions off leash in a fenced park you'll be fine- if not it may be too much

[Holmeshx2]

as everyone said it depends on your description of laid back. However if your sister trains dogs and knows you and your life and suggested a laid back senior then I would definitely follow her suggestions. While basic training is something every dog needs theres a lot to a younger dog and even some older dogs. If you just want a companion and something that plays some but is more like a cat in just chilling around the house then no I would'nt go with any 5 month GSD as I have yet to know or heard of one that is so mellow and laid back at that age.

[Lucy Dog]

What kind of lifestyle do you have outside of your home? Are you active outdoors or do you prefer to stay in the house? Do you work? How many hours a day are you away from your house if you do work? How many hours a day can you dedicate to exercising your puppy? Are you up to the challenge of owning a GSD because they are definitely not for your average dog owner?

[doggiedad]

what's too active? all Sheps are different.
some are active and some are laid back.
with training and socializing you should have control
over your dog.

my boy is calm in the house and active
outdoors.