Would you reccomend GSD for kids?

[Akk578]

I was just wondering how people thought of GSD's being kid/family dogs? Do you feel the breed is a trustworthy breed to be around children? I have a male GSD and I have three children 5 yrs, 3 yrs, and 2 yrs an I have had poeple say to me before that my dog was a poor choice because GSD are not good to be around children. Yet mine loves them to death so I was wonderind what others thought to this subject.

[onyx'girl]

If the dog is of good genetics and is in a household that does right by the breed, they are the best!
Its sad though that many of them are bred by BYB's and placed with people who have no clue on training, socializing etc.
Then they dump them at a shelter after the cute puppy stage wears off(or sooner) or are put in a kennel out back and the dog gets reactive due to lack of nurturing.
That is where the breed reputation has come from.

[doggiedad]

yes GSD's make great family pets. if there's a problem
within the family it's probably because the adults in the house
are doing or did something wrong when raising the GSD.

[Sigurd's Mom]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

If the dog is of good genetics and is in a household that does right by the breed, they are the best!

Exactly what I was going to say!

[KZoppa]

so far ALL of my dogs do great with kids. They love our kids, seeking them out to give very sloppy just took a drink kisses. Well trained and nurtured GSDs are fabulous with kids. those who say that GSDs are a poor choice as a family pet, i believe dont have a clue what they're talking about and really have no right to say anything as a result because obviously, my dogs are fine with kids. I have a 3 year old and an 18 month old. My kids dont know what life without a GSD is and i hope we always have a gsd!

[JKlatsky]

Originally Posted by doggiedad

yes GSD's make great family pets. if there's a problem
within the family it's probably because the adults in the house
are doing or did something wrong when raising the GSD.

I'm with this.

I think the problem with GSDs and kids is not necessarily that they're not great together. But I think GSDs require competent owners who establish clear boundaries and expectations and meet their physical and mental stimulation requirements. I think we can all agree that many pet owners out there do not fit this description.

Now, personally I do care for small children/toddlers with large breed puppies. I didn't think it was good when we had Mastiff's either. Small kids and dogs should never be unsupervised in my opinion. An active 7 month old 70lb puppy can level a toddler without any sort of ill intention. But again that goes to the management of the situation by the adults in the household.

[Elaine]

It's usually not a question if a dog is good or safe with kids, but the other way around. People don't teach kids how to behave around dogs so the kids are unsafe. Also, kids should never be left unattended around dogs because of this.

[King&Skylar]

I agree with elaine. It's up to the parents to teach the KIDS how to act around a dog. Skylar has major issues with kids because she's been chased by them, kids throwing themselves at her, etc. It was strange kids. I can't trust her around kids because of the KIDS, she would have been fine if parents would teach their kids how to approach strange dogs!! So yes, if the parents can train the kids how to act around a shepherd, or any dog, then it would be safe- i'd never leave any dog unattended with a child, though, no matter how good i thought they'd be.

[Stogey]

I am so glad both of my kids grew up around my GSDs. They both have such an appreciation not only for the breed but animals in general ! My son thinks the world of DJ, almost like he was HIS dog !

[Wolfiesmom]

My two oldest kids had GSD's Major, Gretchen, Shultzie, and Chief in their lives. I would trust all of these GSd's with my kid's lives. Later, when my youngest was born, only Chief was left, and he was that baby's protector and best friend for 10 years. Now Wolfie is around mostly adults, but my daughter has 2 young stepsons that come and see Wolfie. He just loves it when they show up to play.