What is a GSD Looking for in You?

[Mac's Mom]

Re: Suggestion for a new sticky thread

Lately, I've read quite a few threads with questions started by people who are thinking about getting a german shepherd. Which I think is cool. And in one of the threads a member provided a brilliant check list of things to think about first. Thats what prompted me to start this brainstorming thread.

I'd like to see a sticky thread created for people who are thinking about and researching german shepherds as a potential pet. This thread would not ask "what are you looking for in a puppy/dog?" it would be "what is a puppy/dog looking for in you?" Or something like that...I'm sure one of you will come up with a better title if you agree it would be a good topic for a sticky thread.

The purpose of this proposed thread would not be to make people feel like they are not good enough to parent/own GSD's or deter people from buying/rescuing them. Instead, it would be education to prepare people for owning/parenting a GSD and help them get off on the right foot. And it would give people the opportunity to determine if they have the money, time, energy, skills and/or desire to spend the money, make the time, use the energy and develop the skills to raise and care for a GSD.

I am a first time dog parent and I started with a german shepherd. It’s been the most amazing and exhausting experience of my life. The only regrets I have is not asking the right questions before we brought him home. I honestly thought I was informed. I spent months researching dogs. I read materials on how to train a puppy, puppy proofing the house, etc.

Only I didn't ask all of the right questions. I asked myself what I wanted in a dog. I never asked if I was what the dog needed. I didn't google "how much exercise and mental stimuli does a gsd need" even once. I didn't think about breeding, or puppy mills. Never took into consideration vet bills or the cost of food. Didn't talk to anyone about the best diet for him or potential health issues except for with my vet. I know. I sound like a complete idiot. But, I'm not. I'm an intelligent mature woman with lots of love to give who didn't figure any of this stuff out until after I joined this forum. I don't think I'm alone in that.

I have no regrets about getting Mac. He is the love of our lives. And, with help from all of you, I'm becoming a stronger leader and giving Mac structure. He's happy and healthy and brings more joy to our lives every day. But I think if I would have asked the right questions, I would have been a better mother.

But the reason I started this thread is because I think it would be helpful to people who are thinking about getting a dog and especially one like a GSD to have a checklist of questions to ask before actually getting the dog. Maybe it will make life better for the dog...maybe avoid some rehoming...I don't know...what do you all think?

Carrie

[Deuce]

I think it's a neat idea!

[Stogey]

I think this is Great Idea for potential first time GSD parents !!!

[LaRen616]

I think that is a great idea!

I think alot of people get GSD's for the way they look or because when they think of GSD's they think of big guard dogs.

They are alot of work, they require alot of patience and training.

GSD's have a bad reputation, before you decide to get a GSD you need to do alot of research on them and if you do end up getting one then you need to work hard to prove that not all GSD's are bad. I take socialization very seriously, I made sure to socialize the heck out of my GSD, he went everywhere and met everyone with me. He spent alot of time with other dogs, he spent time with cancer patients, he spent time at my mom's beauty salon. I have worked very hard trying to get peoples minds to change about GSD's and I think that for people that want to get one they better be serious about helping their reputation and not doing further damage to it.

[gsdpup]

I will follow this as we are considering a gsd.

[Mac's Mom]

Originally Posted by LaRen616

I think that is a great idea!

I think alot of people get GSD's for the way they look or because when they think of GSD's they think of big guard dogs.

They are alot of work, they require alot of patience and training.

GSD's have a bad reputation, before you decide to get a GSD you need to do alot of research on them and if you do end up getting one then you need to work hard to prove that not all GSD's are bad. I take socialization very seriously, I made sure to socialize the heck out of my GSD, he went everywhere and met everyone with me. He spent alot of time with other dogs, he spent time with cancer patients, he spent time at my mom's beauty salon. I have worked very hard trying to get peoples minds to change about GSD's and I think that for people that want to get one they better be serious about helping their reputation and not doing further damage to it.

A weak leader like me doesn't do any favors to the breed. Luckily for me & Mac, I have the time and energy to improve. And thanks to people like you, I have.

[Raizo]

Following this for sure! (Hoping to get my first GSD sometime after Christmas)

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by Mac's Mom

A weak leader like me doesn't do any favors to the breed. Luckily for me & Mac, I have the time and energy to improve. And thanks to people like you, I have.

I had 2 Lab/Chow/Rott/Border Collie pups when I lived at home, they were my first dogs, problems arised at home and I had to move out ASAP (stepdad put his hands on me) so my sister took them in until I could find an apartment that would allow dogs and I had the money again to properly care for them, when the time came to get them back my sister had them for a year and her, her husband and her kids were head over heels in love with them and they didn't want to part, so I let her keep them. I knew I wanted another dog so I began research on the GSD breed, I fell in love when I saw my first black GSD and I knew that it was exactly what I was looking for. Once I got Sinister I began doing even more research and then I found this forum and it taught be even more about them. This forum is fantastic, almost everyone on here is trying their hardest to improve this breed, to fix their reputation and to educate "new" GSD owners and "new" dog owners.

[Mac's Mom]

[QUOTE=LaRen616;1937326]...I think alot of people get GSD's for the way they look or because when they think of GSD's they think of big guard dogs. ...


Laren, OMG! You make another good point. My husband liked GSD's because they are beautiful. After "research" I determined they were protective and loyal.

We considered GSD because of what WE wanted....never considering what they would want...

[Mac's Mom]

Originally Posted by LaRen616

I had 2 Lab/Chow/Rott/Border Collie pups when I lived at home, they were my first dogs, problems arised at home and I had to move out ASAP (stepdad put his hands on me) so my sister took them in until I could find an apartment that would allow dogs and I had the money again to properly care for them, when the time came to get them back my sister had them for a year and her, her husband and her kids were head over heels in love with them and they didn't want to part, so I let her keep them. I knew I wanted another dog so I began research on the GSD breed, I fell in love when I saw my first black GSD and I knew that it was exactly what I was looking for. Once I got Sinister I began doing even more research and then I found this forum and it taught be even more about them. This forum is fantastic, almost everyone on here is trying their hardest to improve this breed, to fix their reputation and to educate "new" GSD owners and "new" dog owners.

Well said and thanks for allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to provide the details that you did. [I had 3 step dads so I get it]

I can understand there are many reasons for rehoming. I actually rehomed a child so I know that sometimes its for the best of the kid/dog.