[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

 

[Mac's Mom]

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.

 

[Mac's Mom]

...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]

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.

 

[Mac's Mom]

PS the Kid I rehomed was my nephew who I have custody of. Just so you know...I let him live with his mom again once I determined it was safe

 

[Mac's Mom]

Sorry, I got off track...

 

[Mac's Mom]

We don't normally have 2 weekly discussion topics but this topic was brought to my attention after I started another topic. This looks like it could be very helpful and interesting - so this week there are 2 topics.

Thanks for starting this one Mac's Mom.

I was hoping this thread would inspire someone with more knowledge to start a sticky thread. For people researching, my initial post is way too long and I don't think it will engage new people.

 

[Mac's Mom]

Who has more knowledge than a GSD owner? I hope it will engage new people too.

Thats a good point. You're right.

 

[Mac's Mom]

Hi All, This is a checklist posted by a memeber in another thread with my comments added. Please feel free to add to it.

1. What can I handle?
2. How much time can I devote to the dog (training, socializing, excerise, etc.)?
3. Was I looking to get into any specific sport/venue?
4. What did I want (in terms of temperament, drives, nerves, structure, etc.)?
5. What did I know about each line I *thought* I was interested in?
6. Did what I *think I know* and what the more expereinced people/breeders/owners/trainers/handlers know correlate? Basically, did I know about that line or did I think I know? Two totally different things.
7. Are the other people in my house on board with the decision to get a dog?
8. Do my partner and I agree on how to raise and care for a dog?
9. Can I afford the vet bills? Both standard and if a medical problem arises?

 

[Mac's Mom]

What about the aloofness & affection aspect. Some people may expect more of hugs & kisses than the average GSD gives. I've seen some posts by people who think the dog doesn't like them because they are not lovey dovey.

 

[Mac's Mom]

This is what we did in preparation for Jordan...

1. Researched the breed - we learned they are very very smart and make great working dogs.
2. Found trainers (multiple) that have experience not only in training service dogs but in working with GSDs!
3. Found and bought about 25 durable toys (which wasn't a cheap feat in itself!)
4. Read everything we could find on the breed and on positive reinforcement training.
5. Cleaned. We cleaned everywhere the puppy would be.... we chose not to move things like shoes and cords knowing we would be supervising all out of crate time and knowing she is going to be a service dog and will be in places where she will have to know better than to "take" things without permission. Anyway, I didn't realize how dirty my house was... and I clean daily... but cleaning was a big deal before bringing the baby home.
6. Checked the fence so she has "wide open spaces" to run and romp off leash, safe from other dogs and cars!
7. Did the yard!
8. Researched training! (Methods and how-to so we could begin shaping her asap)
9. Researched food... like seriously, I dont think as a new parent I need 8 million food choices! Like, it isn't complicated enough!!
10. Spent LOTS of time with our other kiddos, knowing that the puppy would steal the spot light from them even though we intended on it not happening! -Jess

Wow. I'm impressed.

 

[Mac's Mom]

Now. What we did when she came home to make her comfortable and safe was more in depth...
1. took her to the vet right away
2. started training the first night (no bad habits allowed!)
3. cuddled and bonded
4. introduced her to the family (furr kids included!)
5. finally chose a food
6. bought an insurance policy for her
7. named her in our WILL and whom we want her to go to (god parents) (As the other kids are) and named a percentage of our savings & life insurance policies to go WITH her for expenses so she can maintain the same level of care in case of our deaths.
8. socialized. Boy she gets me out of the house more than I ever would have without her -- we socialize a minimum of ONE hour per day in public.
9. Set a schedule and stuck with it! Potty, food, training, play, etc.

-Jess

All extremely helpful advice. Thanks for taking the time to post it. I think #7 would make a great thread. My husband and I talked about who would take care of Mac if we died but never thought about having it in a will. Wow, you blow me away. I wonder how many other parents have done this.

#8 I like this. Mac has also forced me to get my lazy butt off the couch and get some exercise. So even if I wasn't GSD material when I got him, he's definately training me to be

 

[Mac's Mom]

Now, this is what I considered but not SERIOUSLY enough (no matter how much research you do, there's nothing like reality to smack you in the face!)

1. I am home all day with her, I love her to death, but having a 14/15 week old puppy in the house is like having a 2 year old. She wreaks havoc if I let her, and often the only time my eyes arent on her is if I am sleeping (which please take in to acct doesnt happen often) or Im taking a bath (in which case hubby gracefully takes over the puppy watch). The only time I am not scrambling after her saying leave it, gentle, good puppy, or clicking and dispensing treats is when she naps! I wouldnt trade her for the world but she takes A LOT of energy.... more than any other PET we have ever had. It is something to be aware of... this dog doesn't have a "slow down" button...yet atleast.

2. Please take in to account the size of these dogs.... 30 pounds sounds like nothing to me ....but Jordan is 14 almost 15 weeks old and she is ALREADY 32 pounds.... she is going to be gigantic.

3. And because of the size you have to be more persistent about the training! Nothing like a 80 to 100# untrained dog in the house (that would be very hard to live with!)

I hope I didn't repeat too much, sorry it's so long, but I hope that helps someone : )

-Jess

Jess-All of the information in your post was fantastic but this section I relate to the most. I have a spoiled but highly intelligent and strong 75# toddler in my house. Training him to give me a kiss was cute at 10 weeks but now it could break my nose . If I would have taken seriously and followed advice like what you posted in the other 2 sections, I'd be in better shape. I hope this post as well as all of the posts people took time to write help people make better decisions and be better parents.

Me & Mac would be screwed w/o all of you!

 

[Mac's Mom]

I'm glad this thread is still going. I hope people take it to heart.
Today, when I look into the eyes of my boys, Bart & Mac, I feel even stronger about the message I was sending when I started this post.
It’s important that people understand the commitment of being part of an animal's life and their role & responsibility for them.
Bart & Mac’s Mom