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re: German Shepherds as Pets (with cats, small dogs, and kids)
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:13 pm to TeddyPadillac
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:13 pm to TeddyPadillac
My Godmother had golden labs which I loved. They were great dogs to go with me when I wandered around her farm. For several years, she kept her Naval Commander nephew's German Shepherd while he was at sea and his wife could not control the dog. Whenever we'd come to visit, she would tie up the Shepherd and I was warned, repeatedly, to stay away from that dog. I don't think I even knew the GS's name.
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Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:19 pm to jlovel7
If you're set on German Shepherds and don't mind paying top dollar, there's a group of monks-- yes, monks (I think they are or were Franciscans, but are considered Eastern Orthodox)-- that have a renowned German Shepherd breeding program in New York. Waiting lists can be long and puppies are over $4k I believe, but they are both well bred and well trained.
New Skete monks website
On the topic of training, the monks also have a training program for overwhelmed dog owners who need to train/re-train their dogs (any breed I assume). And they literally write books on the subject. One of the more well known ones is:
The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete
Not sure if any of this will be of use, but best of luck.
Also... regarding how your future dog might act with cats or other small dogs, I think the proper term you'll want to research is "prey drive", which will vary animal to animal of course.
New Skete monks website
On the topic of training, the monks also have a training program for overwhelmed dog owners who need to train/re-train their dogs (any breed I assume). And they literally write books on the subject. One of the more well known ones is:
The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete
Not sure if any of this will be of use, but best of luck.
Also... regarding how your future dog might act with cats or other small dogs, I think the proper term you'll want to research is "prey drive", which will vary animal to animal of course.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:20 pm to jlovel7
When I was a small kid, my neighbor's GS bit me on the face.
That's all I've got.
That's all I've got.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:24 pm to LSUballs
quote:
They’ll be great with your kids. But they will eat your kids friends.
When I was a kid, our Shepard bit my friends face. My friend was pestering him at meal time.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:24 pm to Grassy1
quote:
When I was a small kid, my neighbor's GS bit me on the face.
Stan?
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:31 pm to Grassy1
I love GS dogs... we always had them and even sold puppies we had. Beautiful. Smart - SUPER Smart. Loyal. That being said, with kids? We have owned a lab, mutt, Weiner dog, Aussies.
One of our GS dogs that we had for some 14 years once sank his teeth into me real good. I was scratching his head, and he had ear mites. I didn't know. He growled a little, but I scratched his head again, and he bit my arm. And my leg. And my butt. And my ear. It got the other dogs riled up, but luckily my mom heard and came out with a broom. My dad asked what I wanted to do. At first, I thought I wanted him put down, but I calmed down and we quarantined him and vet checked him out to reveal the ear mites. Was a damn good dog after that, I would have been heartbroken with any other outcome.
So yeah. I still admire the breed, but they just aren't on the list for us. Do I lump them in with Pitts? No freaking way.
One of our GS dogs that we had for some 14 years once sank his teeth into me real good. I was scratching his head, and he had ear mites. I didn't know. He growled a little, but I scratched his head again, and he bit my arm. And my leg. And my butt. And my ear. It got the other dogs riled up, but luckily my mom heard and came out with a broom. My dad asked what I wanted to do. At first, I thought I wanted him put down, but I calmed down and we quarantined him and vet checked him out to reveal the ear mites. Was a damn good dog after that, I would have been heartbroken with any other outcome.
So yeah. I still admire the breed, but they just aren't on the list for us. Do I lump them in with Pitts? No freaking way.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:33 pm to jlovel7
I doubt if my input would be of any value to this conversation, because I'm of the biased opinion that there are German Shepherds, and then there is every other breed of dog.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:41 pm to jlovel7
I've had two, the first a female that came from champion eastern European working stock (very expensive), the second a reputable, but not really expensive breeder. The first died young of a rare disease, but she was a spectacular dog, willful, but trainable, and as clear headed as I can ever imagine a dog being with threat assessment. She could seemingly read human body language with amazing accuracy. I was always vigilant, but she could be trusted with other pets, small children and adult visitors, you name it. Before I got her, I spent countless hours preparing, and even once I got her had a trainer work with us. I think unless you are experienced in large canine behavior, this is a must.
My second GSD (a male) didn't have the blood lines, but he is very smart, but a bit more wary of people. I watch him like a hawk, still use treats when visitors come to the door to associate invited visitors with something pleasurable for him, and he generally does fine, but I'm always on alert when we have visitors and he's out of his kennel. I just don't know that he has as much of a "threat discernment" knack as my first dog did. He had been very easy going and tolerating of my young nieces and their little Boston Terrier as well as with my oldest daughter's Heinz 57 dog. Even being an experienced owner, I had a trainer work with us with him as well. He is an exceptionally good family pet, and because of his protective instinct, a serious threat deterrent.
As a breed, I love them (have to vacuum all the time), and I love observing how smart and anticipatory they are. I walk mine about 2 miles every morning, and we all spend time with him, so he isn't bored. I didn't have an issue with my homeowner's or umbrella premiums (State Farm), though I had always heard that. I will say with no uncertainty, that a prepared and committed owner is an absolute must to being a responsible GSD owner.
My second GSD (a male) didn't have the blood lines, but he is very smart, but a bit more wary of people. I watch him like a hawk, still use treats when visitors come to the door to associate invited visitors with something pleasurable for him, and he generally does fine, but I'm always on alert when we have visitors and he's out of his kennel. I just don't know that he has as much of a "threat discernment" knack as my first dog did. He had been very easy going and tolerating of my young nieces and their little Boston Terrier as well as with my oldest daughter's Heinz 57 dog. Even being an experienced owner, I had a trainer work with us with him as well. He is an exceptionally good family pet, and because of his protective instinct, a serious threat deterrent.
As a breed, I love them (have to vacuum all the time), and I love observing how smart and anticipatory they are. I walk mine about 2 miles every morning, and we all spend time with him, so he isn't bored. I didn't have an issue with my homeowner's or umbrella premiums (State Farm), though I had always heard that. I will say with no uncertainty, that a prepared and committed owner is an absolute must to being a responsible GSD owner.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:42 pm to jlovel7
I have two German Shepherds right now, a brother and sister from the same breed. I've always had full blooded labs in the past, and the shepherds compare to them across the board as far as friendly temperament towards people and patience for kids.
The shepherds have noticeably more curiosity and insane noses that can smell out anything you're trying to hide from them, but they're both big teddy bears when it comes to their owners. The female is also much more protective than any lab I've ever had and patrols our house and backyard like she's being paid to do so.
The male is just a big softie and a momma's boy, he's scared of thunder, fireworks, and his own shadow. He's extremely timid and lets his sister beat up on him, take all the bones and treats, and hump his face mercilessly. The female is by far more fierce and protective, but she's also extremely sweet and just wants to cuddle with her humans. I've never had a dog that is so attached to their human's side and insistent on protecting them at all times like the female german shepherd. She shadows us as we move anywhere around the house and outside like a paid security guard.
The male is very aloof and easy going, timid, wouldn't hurt a fly even if it were biting him between the eyes. But he's also extremely smart and has a nose that can sniff out his bone anywhere in the house no matter how well you've hidden it, when the female can't. Because he's so smart he gets bored easily and gets lazy, he doesn't even like to go outside. He is also far more obedient than her and listens to orders without being defiant, he will go to his kennel as soon as you tell him to go to his room unlike her.
TLDR - they are great dogs and would be great for kids they're raised around. You won't find a more protective dog for your kids, but also one that will cuddle up to them on the couch and be gentile with them. They have their own challenges because they're so smart and need stimulation and rewards, but I haven't had a more loyal and protective breed than them.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:43 pm to deeprig9
quote:
My wife is in the same business and says the same thing. German Shepherds, Chihuahua's, and Chow Mixes I believe. I know German Shepherds are on the list for sure.
lol, well the chow is one of my 3. chihuahua isn't because they arent dogs
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:44 pm to jlovel7
Son has one. She's great and pretty non-aggressive so no problems on that front to date, but man it sheds a lot. Have to run robot vacuum everyday and it's full on each run.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:58 pm to jlovel7
If you want a dog that’s going to be friendly outside of your immediate family you need to socialize the puppy early and often with other dogs and people, cats too if you have a friend with dog friendly cats. Best if they are friends dogs so you know they are vaccinated for parvo and all that shite. GSDs aren’t too difficult but if left untrained and socialized it’ll develop aggressive habits and you’ll have a huge liability.
The breeder is just as important. Using one that only breeds dogs with the proper OFA clearances is important especially for GSDs. AKC breeders of merit who follow all of that properly will start the socialization early and it’ll make it a lot easier for you.
The breeder is just as important. Using one that only breeds dogs with the proper OFA clearances is important especially for GSDs. AKC breeders of merit who follow all of that properly will start the socialization early and it’ll make it a lot easier for you.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 1:02 pm to jlovel7
I’ve got a 5.5 year old and hes by far the best dog Ive ever owned. I wanted one since visiting my Aunt and Uncles ranch every summer as a kid and being around there GSD’s. My mom never let me get one because she was cornered by one as a kid so I had to wait til I was on my own. After he kept her from being hit by a car a couple years ago, a woman who never has liked dogs has an incredible affection for him to the point she wants him to have puppies.
I never had problems with him having nuts so hes not fixed, hes loyal to the point he is more interested in me and everyone he is familiar with than whatever dogs think. I can leave him outside with no restrictions and he will just be there waiting on me.
I didn’t have any trouble training him, my main take away is to be just as stern with they make mistakes as paying them when they do the right thing. It is such a loyal breed they will not want to disappoint you more than anything
A couple things that you have to know are GSDs can be an anxious breed, they are selfish when it comes to toys and if another dog is around its food while he's eating. They also shed like a mf, they completely shed their coats twice a year.
Ive never had problems with him around other dogs, the worst is when a puppy will be jumping on him he will put a soft growls at them to stop. But overall hes pretty aloof around dogs, much more interested in people. I brought him to the dog park a ton in his first couple years of his life so this may have helped
TLDR: Best dog Ive ever owned (I had Labs and Border Collies growing up) and Ill never get any other dog breedj
I never had problems with him having nuts so hes not fixed, hes loyal to the point he is more interested in me and everyone he is familiar with than whatever dogs think. I can leave him outside with no restrictions and he will just be there waiting on me.
I didn’t have any trouble training him, my main take away is to be just as stern with they make mistakes as paying them when they do the right thing. It is such a loyal breed they will not want to disappoint you more than anything
A couple things that you have to know are GSDs can be an anxious breed, they are selfish when it comes to toys and if another dog is around its food while he's eating. They also shed like a mf, they completely shed their coats twice a year.
Ive never had problems with him around other dogs, the worst is when a puppy will be jumping on him he will put a soft growls at them to stop. But overall hes pretty aloof around dogs, much more interested in people. I brought him to the dog park a ton in his first couple years of his life so this may have helped
TLDR: Best dog Ive ever owned (I had Labs and Border Collies growing up) and Ill never get any other dog breedj
This post was edited on 1/24/22 at 1:03 pm
Posted on 1/24/22 at 1:11 pm to Tortious
They do shed quite a bit, but not more than the yellow and white labs that I've had in the past. The last yellow lab I had shed twice as much as one of my shepherds, easily.
It really depends on what OP wants out of their dog. If they want a protector that's attached to their immediate family but also energetic and smart, you can't get any better than a german shepherd. But if you want a dog that loves everyone and everything, including the stranger on your property, the cat you just brought home, or the stranger with your kids in the park, then GS are not the way to go and I'd suggest a lab instead.
They are extremely protective of "their people" and don't want anything that might pose a threat between you and them. That is, unless you end up with a giant 90lb teddy bear and titty baby like my male german shepherd. He can't be bothered by anything except getting belly rubs from my wife, that seems to be all he cares about. And sniffing out the bone or treat you've hidden from him in the house or backyard, but then he just lets his sister have it
Posted on 1/24/22 at 1:17 pm to MMauler
quote:It’s like they own that position
The only issue I had was that the dog would never let us close the door to the girlfriend's bedroom. She'd scratch at the door and cry until we let her in. Then, she (the dog) would just look at us with almost a sinister vibe. It was clear that she (the dog) did not like my being in bed with the girlfriend.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 1:18 pm to jlovel7
It depends entirely on how you intend to raise and train the dog.
German Shepherds regularly rank high on the list of attacks by breed. Some here don't like that fact, but that doesn't change the reality.
You also have to consider not just your own family and household, but others who will be around your family. There's risk there, but that risk can be mitigated to an extent with good training and structure. It will always be there, though.
German Shepherds regularly rank high on the list of attacks by breed. Some here don't like that fact, but that doesn't change the reality.
You also have to consider not just your own family and household, but others who will be around your family. There's risk there, but that risk can be mitigated to an extent with good training and structure. It will always be there, though.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 1:23 pm to jlovel7
quote:
I see German Shepherds are actually a pretty aggressive breed statistically
Extremely good pets. Very smart, will learn your habits and adjust to you.
Get it when its a pup and raise it to be non aggressive and you'll be fine. They are fantastic watch dogs though, I'd leave that alone.
They're the perfect family/guard dog if you get them young. Extremely intelligent, so if its bad it
's on you.
This post was edited on 1/24/22 at 1:24 pm
Posted on 1/24/22 at 1:23 pm to MMauler
quote:
With all of these talks of insurance rates going through the roof, you might want to call your insurance agent and see how much your insurance will go up with a German Shepard.
I have never been asked if I own a dog (I own two) by my home owners insurance co.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 1:23 pm to jlovel7
Why are you on the GS wagon? Always curious to hear why people pick certain dogs. Our golden retriever turns 1 this month. When I got her, I had always heard they were smart loyal and friendly. She's a cool dog but I'm ready for the bitey phase to end.
Always been interested in a German also but decided on the golden instead. Thinking about picking up another one in May.
Always been interested in a German also but decided on the golden instead. Thinking about picking up another one in May.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 1:25 pm to WhiskeyThrottle
quote:
Always been interested in a German also but decided on the golden instead.
I've had both. The GS is much more adaptable IMO. They literally are there to protect and assist you. They're also incredibly great pets.
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