After a lot of debate, meeting breeders, meeting dogs, I have put a deposit on a pup. The breeder will be selecting the dog she feels is best for what I am seeking: a low drive family orientated dog. She understands my major concern of my 5yr old daughter being the most important consideration in this decision.
That being said I have committed to several 1+ mile walks per day as well as off leash play, ongoing training/obedience sessions, and plenty of socialization and exposure to ensure I have a stable, even tempered adult. I'm planning on taking half days at work for a little while as I integrate the pup into my life.
What has me second guessing myself is the internet. All I see are stories of GSDs with anxiety, biting, growling, tearing stuff up, needing 4hrs of exercise per day, etc. Much like WebMD says you have stage 4 cancer if you have a splinter....
I'm no stranger to large, strong willed breeds...I had an Akita since she was a puppy and a high energy boxer/pit mix that was a rescue whom I also got as a puppy. But, the internet has me convinced I'm getting a furry Velociraptor that will ruin my life unless I can devote 30 hours a day, 8 days a week to it.
Help set me straight....
That being said I have committed to several 1+ mile walks per day as well as off leash play, ongoing training/obedience sessions, and plenty of socialization and exposure to ensure I have a stable, even tempered adult. I'm planning on taking half days at work for a little while as I integrate the pup into my life.
What has me second guessing myself is the internet. All I see are stories of GSDs with anxiety, biting, growling, tearing stuff up, needing 4hrs of exercise per day, etc. Much like WebMD says you have stage 4 cancer if you have a splinter....
I'm no stranger to large, strong willed breeds...I had an Akita since she was a puppy and a high energy boxer/pit mix that was a rescue whom I also got as a puppy. But, the internet has me convinced I'm getting a furry Velociraptor that will ruin my life unless I can devote 30 hours a day, 8 days a week to it.
Help set me straight....