Disappointed in your dog?

[PaddyD]

I am one of the many GSD owners are very satisfied/happy with how my dog turned out. I see many, many posts from members who either got their puppy from a BYB, a shelter, or a respected breeder ... all of whom are very happy (and maybe surprised) with how their dogs grew into good canine companions and citizens.
Is there anyone here who either regrets getting a GSD or is disappointed in how your pup turned out? If so, why? This is a no-blame, judgment-free thread.

[Emoore]

Yes. I love Rocky with all my heart and I feel disloyal even saying this, but he's a nervebag. Afraid of gunshots, afraid of fireworks, afraid of sudden movements, afraid of strangers, afraid of kids. . . I don't trust him around kids or kids around him because he's terrified of them and kids seem bent on forcing him into a corner and petting him.

I love him and he's my best friend, I just wish he weren't so afraid. We got him from a byb before I knew any better.

[PaddyD]

Abby's only problem is that she is shy with other dogs until she KNOWS they are not aggressive in any way. Then she will play. She would never fight to protect herself.
One other thing and it's not a major disappointment is that I would like her to be a little stockier in build, she is a very feminine (super model?) shepherd.

[Greydusk]

I'll admit I was a little disappointed with Blitz, terriefied of thunder, the toaster and now for some strange reason squeaky toys. Plus his aggression with other dogs was out of control. I had wanted a dog who I could take anywhere, long hikes, outside restaurants, everywhere.

Well I contacted a trainer and his dog issues are much better, he even has a friend who's a puppy. Adult dog's he still has issues with but hopefully he'll get better.

I adopted him with limited information-just that he didn't like "alpha" dogs (read: any dog that looks at him) and he was a confirmed cat killer.

I love him just the same.

[Freddy]

My female show/working cross. Total washout in Schutzhund, lazy dog. She's had skin conditions almost constantly, and I've spent a fortune in vet care, bloodwork, etc. On a rehydrated raw diet she has improved, but she is 5 and acts like she's 10. The breeder told me all the pups in the litter except her were going to Colorado to be prison patrol dogs. I wouldn't want to be a guard there....

[fuzzybunny]

I think overall I'm happy with Jazz and that he was matched well to us. I'm disappointed that he has a week tummy and he's terrified of thunder/fireworks.

[PaddyD]

Originally Posted by Freddy

The breeder told me all the pups in the litter except her were going to Colorado to be prison patrol dogs. I wouldn't want to be a guard there....

ROTFLMAO

[GSDAlphaMom]

Four of my five are pefect, wonderful temperaments, couldn't ask for better. One of the five however, has some fear issues (much improved but will never be absolute solid nerved) and she is the highest drive dog I've ever owned (won't do that again).

She's a handful but I love her just as much as the other four.

[codmaster]

Baron is from a top ASL kennel and was supposed to be a top show dog. Did very well as a puppy but then developed a little DA (with dogs that stare! but getting a lot better!). He also has a couple of health issues - a very sensitive stomach and worse, a "pinched nerve" in his back near his tail that we are still working on. OTOH, he has a unique temperament among all of the GSD's that we have owned in the past - likes cats generally and loves little kids (of which we have neither!). Still a little mouthy at 3.5+yo (not bite just MOUTHS!) We'll keep him!

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by PaddyD

Is there anyone here who either regrets getting a GSD or is disappointed in how your pup turned out? If so, why? This is a no-blame, judgment-free thread.

I've been disappointed before. My first purebred GSD had severe dysplasia and had poor nerve... possibly due to pain, we can never be sure. At the time, I couldn't afford hip surgery so we made the difficult decision to put her down.

I was very disappointed when my second GSD came up with incurable cancer at age 4. She wasn't perfect, but I loved that dog and was hoping she'd stick around for a good long time.

I was disappointed with my third GSD when she had moderate dysplasia, ADD, and way too much cat drive for my household. She was a great little dog in a lot of ways, just wasn't the right dog for me. I rehomed her to a SchH enthusiast with no cats.

So far with GSD #4 and #5, I have no complaints! No dog is perfect, but I've had no disappointment with my current dogs.