[khurley]

Our next discussion topic comes to you compliments of Vinnie;


I've heard it said many times that the GSD isn't for everyone so what makes you think the GSD is right for you? or what makes you feel you are right for the GSD?

 

[Guest]

I guess it's more that I'm right for a GSD rather than the other way around. The day I came into this world there already several GSDs in my family. Dad bred and trained them for decades. I grew up with GSDs all around me and can still remember them all and what they were like. My first sense of loss came at age 3 when my father's prime stud and my best friend, Rex, died. My greatest joy as a child came when my dad gave me first dog, Kaiser, at the age of 5. Dad said I had "the gift" as he called it and of all his children was the most likely to succeed him in sharing my life with these dogs. He was right of course. They have been an integral part of my existence all my days and I have been a trainer for decades. Still, saying all that I have to acknowledge that I've learned more from them they they have ever learned from me.

 

[Timber1]

The GSD is right for me because it is loyal, protective and intelligent. It is also a great outdoor dog, loves swimming, retrieving and just going for boat rides. The dog is very versatile, and we can go from swimming in the river to playing search and rescue. I camp and fish a lot, and the dog loves tose trips. In most respects training was almost to easy.

I am right for the GSD because being retired and divorced, I am able to spend a great deal of time with the dog. I am opionated, thinking a GSD is the best breed on the planet, and my GSD has never disappointed me. My GSD is great with friends, relatives and other dogs. However, I do recognize the dog can be protective when it comes to strangers on my property, and I am very careful in that respect. I also have spent a great deal of time socializing the dog, with the neighbors, and at festivals and dog events.

 

[medicinehat_2u]

You don't get to pick the animals that are in your life. They pick you.

What GSDad said goes for me. But it was my grandpa that trained them... His old male that he had decided that Rocky and I were his. So there was always one or more GSDs near me at all time. More than half of me happy memories have something to do with a GSD.

As for why a GSD is right for me... I am not really sure. I have always thought that with the activity that is my life that they would be perfect for me. I don't want one for protection, cause I would be there to protect them. But the work that I do and enjoy doing, a BIG dog is helpful. Since I am short, people don't take me seriously, so with the aid of a Big dog I get my point across.... Does that make any sense at all? I guess that I want a loyal companion.. And that is a major point in the GSDs character.. They are loyal. And I love them...

 

[Catu]

I'm right for a GSD Because I love all kind of outdoors activities and I can provide not only the physical but also the mental exercise this breed need and with my lifestyle I can get my dog along with me wherever I go.

As for why a GSD is right for me, lets stat that not every GSD is right for me. Between the choice of a Show Line GSD and a Mali or a Dutch Shepherd I prefer the second ones. I love all kind of dogs, but I wouldn't own any kind of dog. I like high energy dogs with high drives ans strong temperament. Couch potatoes, or mellow or skittish dog wouldn't make a good partner for me. That's why when I say a GSD is right for me, I'm talking of Working Lines GSDs (or I would had had a GSD months ago) But I also like a loyal companion, a dog attached to me with Velcro, handler sensitive and with a sense of protectiveness. I seek not only intelligence, but also trainability. For that reason I don't think I and a Nordic breed would work for me.

 

[Keeyah]

I wanted a dog that would be mine. A dog prepared to give himself to me with all his heart and soul. With the GSD I get this and I feel that he understands that I return these feelings.

 

[elsie]

because i love everything about them

 

[flyinghayden]

I feel GSDs are right for me because of the ease with which they integrate their lives around mine. A GSD that has been rescued after being abandoned by a owner who no longer wants them will bond with their new owner, just like a puppy. To really make a human/ shepherd relationship work, though, one has to be the Alpha of the household, especially with multi-dog households, and that above all, I think is the reason GSDs are not for everyone.

 

[ozzymama]

I honestly don't really know if they are right for me or I'm right for them.... I'm not a typical (I'm an oft scoffed at type of owner, on this site at least) My nails are always done, usually red talons, my hair is always dyed, my make-up is always on, I never wear less than a 2in heel.
Dh is the die-hard purebred GSD owner. I like my mixes in dogs. However (I remember a thread where what a woman was wearing and how she looked discussed on here, maybe a year ago, she was a GSD owner, some case that made news) I am active on trails (yes you can hike in heels, for folks like me with shortened calves this can be the only way to walk) I have a cousin who has introduced me to herding (she raises border collies) proper herding, not the patched together crap I already was doing, despite appearances I am active outdoors. I enjoy an intellectual challenge in my dogs. Which herding breeds posess and encourage with me.
I'm not a typical owner, on the street you would associate me with fou-fou dogs. I ride horses, work dogs. Nails can be replaced, make-up can be re-applied......... I'm by far not a typical owner.
Dh loves his GSD's, he is an avid American Show conosseuir (sp?). I like a mixed breed *L*.
Do I deserve to own a GSD? That's up to who is adopting to us, can I handle and provide a proper environment for such a dog, I dare you to find someone better!
I'm not a stereotypical GSD owner. On first glance you wouldn't expect me to own any sort of large dog......
That's the beauty of all of us, on this board there is no sterotypical owner!

 

[Lin]

I'm right for a GSD because I'm intelligent (have to be smarter than the dog!), take the best care of my pets that I can, and am able to be in control of them, and am always working towards improvement. What I mean about being in control, is I am never the person at the dog park repeating "sit. sit. sit! siiiiit! SIT!" in a higher pitch, and louder voice. When I give a command or correction I do it like I mean it and we move on. I think my experience working with and training horses prepared me for being a GSD owner. Tessa was *my* first dog. My dad had a GSD when I was a kid, and I lived with roommates dogs including doing the housebreaking and basic training on a pitbull. But I'd never had my own dog before adopting Tessa, and I knew EXACTLY what I wanted when I was looking for her. As for working towards improvement, I am never satisfied to stay where I'm at in anything. I love to learn, and will be a student of sorts for the rest of my life. I'm not big on showing horses, but I'm constantly schooling my horses and working with trainers to reach a higher level. And with the dogs, we are always working on training and to reach a higher level. I think that's very important with the GSD, they NEED a purpose.

 

[Bluewolf]

I enjoy having a close emotional relationship with my pets. I've owned dogs that spanned the temperament range, from velcro to those who simply saw human beings as a source of food and water and really preferred the company of other dogs after feeding time. I've also owned dogs that while lovable, where thick as bricks when it came to training and retaining commands.

After acquiring a GSD mix in my late teens, I decided that this breed was the breed I preferred, with Malamutes coming in a close second. I appreciate "wolfy" natural looking dogs, and both these breeds fit the bill. GSD's have the edge though for their need and want to really work with you.

I think I am a good match for a german shepherd because I value most everything about them and feel honored to have such a noble breed of dog share my life.

 

[Achielles UD]

I have had many breeds live with me and that I have interacted with either through class or because a friend owns one. I always return to the GSD. I have found them to be my ideal breed. Their loyalty, seriousness mixed with times of goofiness, trainabilty and bonding have fit perfectly in with my life, family and beliefs. I also love dog sports and competitions. It is my hobby and passion to train and show in performance events. I love Schutzhund, AKC Obedience, Agility and Rally. The versitility of the breed allows me to do the sports I enjoy with one dog.

I feel I am right for a GSD because I have a fairly strong "energy" or personality, however you want to look at it. The GSD for the most parts, do not seem to mind this about me and respect me for it. Many other breeds don't do well with this part of me. Even when I tone myself down, my natural postures are too much for extremely "soft" dogs. I also believe a GSD is a dog that needs a job, and I like giving them one!

 

[Lola1969]

I am new to this breed. I grew up with standard poodles, dachshunds, and springer spaniels.

My GSD is right for me because he has forced me to to be assertive, confident, and follow through on any and all threats! As mentioned earlier, if one has a GSD, one must be ALPHA and I have assumed that role, although very reluctantly. It is not hyperbole to say that Ozzy has helped me in my professional and personal life by helping me to realize that I don't have to be a follower. I am by nature non-assertive and prefer to blend into the masses. Through my 10 months with Ozzy, this way of life is no longer possible.

Oh yeah, my GSD is also right for me because he is a cheap personal trainer. Because of him I have lost 20 pounds!

Am I right for the GSD? Some days I feel I don't deserve this breed. Getting him, I knew my life would drastically change and I made a commitment to his needs. As a rescue and GSD, I knew I had to keep him well fed (no corn please!) well exercised, well socialized, and well loved. I feel so far I have accomplished these things.

Have never had a deeper bond with a dog than I have with this one. I hope he feels I am "right" for him. If not, I hope to earn that privilege as best I can.

 

[Spiritsmam]

I have always adopted dogs and have to say that they have always chosen me, their breed being unimportant. Bonnie, Bram and Shep I saw before I adopted them, walking round shelters until we met. It may sound crazy, but as soon as I saw them, I knew they were "the ones".

My passion is for seniors and special needs dogs and from time to time I hear of some in need. Sometimes dogs I'm concerned about have already been rescued or adopted, but sometimes these pups are within days or hours of euthanasia. Six times now (Caoihme - black lab mix, Feidhlimidh - GSD mix, Jim - black lab mix, Drift - Border Collie mix, Spirit - GSD, and Duncan - black lab mix) I have adopted these pups sight unseen, and it was as if it was just meant to be, everyone getting on from day one.

Is a GSD right for me? Let's just say I have learnt a lot from Spirit! My lab mixes are loyal, friendly and goofy. Spirit on the other hand, while very affectionate and loyal is also very intelligent and somewhat scheming. She encourages the others to "get into trouble" then looks at me innocently as if she's had no involvement, and if she doesn't get something she wants, boy can she throw a temper tantrum, screaming and throwing her toys around!. Spirit definitely keeps me active, physically and mentally providing a perfect contrast to the labs.

 

[Mary Jane]

Reading the answers of the GSD experts, I have to admit I have none of the experience or skill that many of you possess. In the adoption process at BrightStar, I was assured that my husband and I would find the perfect dog FOR US and that's exactly what happened.

Wolf would be classified as "weak-nerved". That translates as an incredibly responsive, sensitive, loving companion that requires counter-conditioning to enjoy new people or places. With him, you make an investment in training or affection and you get that investment back a thousand fold. That distinguishes the breed as far as I know. With my dear dog after 2.5 y, he continues to grow in proportion to the requests made of him-it is not a static relationship. You see the joy in his eyes after a run or hide and seek or any tiny challenge to know with certainty that this creature will reward you. I'm not sure that all breeds have the capacity to be what we make of them. I hope I can deserve him. Mary Jane

 

[Chris Wild]

There are other breeds???

I grew up with GSDs, so I've never really considered anything else. While I've owned other breeds and mixes over the years, nothing has the draw for me that a GSD does. I love their intelligence, seen not only when training but also in their day to day lives, the way they pick up on things, the incredible judgement they show with regards to new people and situations, the way they bond and their uncanny ability to know what their owners are thinking and feeling. I love their zest for life and their love of learning and their desire to be with their people, and do things with their people. I love the way they can go from comical and goofy to drop dead serious if the situation warrants it. And physically, I find them one of the most attractive breeds on the planet.

Why am I a good match for them? Well, I guess the most obvious answer would be I'm adicted to schutzhund. So providing the dogs with a high degree of training and an outlet for their drive, energy and desire to work isn't a problem. And while there are other breeds that do well at SchH, when it comes down to it IMO none is as good or as well rounded as a GSD. We offer a job for the dogs to do, and we're familiar with how to properly raise and train and socialize a GSD. Those things, combined with knowing to be vigilent and how to be proactive and prevent a possible bad situation from happening, means that some of the characteristics that are part and parcel of GSD temperament (drive, dominance, aggression, etc..) that can problematic for some owners and some situations aren't issues for us.

 

[JAguirre]

I've had other breeds, but there's nothing quite like a GSD. While there are notable things to be said about some - and not so nice things to be said about others - nothing comes close in comparison.

 

[onyx'girl]

today a close friend was telling me about his sons(who breeds)great dane' and how once you own one you always will... I had to bite my tongue and wonder WHY? I did say that it is the same when you have GSD's after he was done talking!!

 

[rubmybelly]

I've owned other dogs, but none have had the personality that my Shepherd has.
I like how he looks. As he ages, he's getting more 'grey' hair in his black coat.
He howls at night a lot more now, like a wolf. It's neat to listen to.
He is always eager to play and likes to sit in the back of our van whenever the rear door is open; he just sits in there sometimes. . .
He also does the same things when he goes into our cabin--he goes over to the metal garbage can and sticks his head inside and sniffs. . . he always has to do this first!

 

[Sean Rescue Mom]

Sean is my first dog and I have to honestly admit that I never saw myself with the gsd breed. But that has drastically changed since Sean entered my life. He has taught me the utmost respect for the breed and I couldn't love any dog more. I don't know who adopted who, i.e. we adopted him or he adopted us but it was definitely a mutual decision.
I've always been active outdoors as far as running/walking all year round and knew I wanted a dog that would compliment my lifestyle. I think Sean and I make a perfect couple.