Mom of 3 Children Seeks German Shepherd Breeder Recommendations

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with PP. A retriever or lab is a really safe bet for a first time dog owner, especially with kids in the house,

I also agree. I love GSDs but they do best with a firm and experienced owner who has a lot of time and energy to devote to exercise and training. A first time owner with 3 young kids is generally not that and the margin for error is just too high with GSDs. They're not "everyone" dogs, which can be problematic in a busy house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh come on people, let's give OP some credit. She wants a GSD, not a goldie, She says she's done research, her kids are not toddlers.

My sister is an avid GSD owner and she got her youngest pup of 1.5 years from Golden Ridge Farms in MD. This dog is great around my kids and my dog.

For what it's worth, my family of 3 kids under 10 got our first dog last year and while the puppy phase was NO JOKE, we've done really well because I was obsessive in my search for a breeder of calm temperament and about the breed in general. It seems like you're doing the same. It was really helpful to join one of the many breed-specific facebook groups, just to read all the daily questions and comments about what it's like to own [fill in the blank] breed. Good luck OP.

Thank you for all of your input! I really appreciate it. And will definitely look into the Golden Ridge Farms. So far, the only breeder rec in 2 pages of feedback.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

I appreciate all the concern and advice here, I do. As a lawyer who makes a living from seeing good intentions go sideways and cause harm, I have a lower-than-usual risk tolerance. I am not going into this lightly. I have done a lot of research already and there is still a very long runway before the moment I bring a puppy home.

With that said, I would really appreciate GS breeder recommendations in the DMV area, or a state that's a few hours away, driving distance. Specific recommendations, complete with contact information would be most welcome. Thank you.

Have you actually owned a dog before, OP? Lawyer skills do not translate to dog ownership. We’re not telling you they’re challenging dogs just to be killjoys.

-Lawyer who grew up with a GSD and has one now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are several good GSD rescues in the area. Because this is your first dog, I would recommend starting there with a young-adult dog. They are generally fostered, so you will have lots of information about how they do with dogs, cats, children, etc.

I used to volunteer with VGSR many years ago. Used to do home visits and help match dogs with adopters. Plenty of people live successfully with German Shepherds and children.

That is really good advice. I'd adopt a dog who's been in a foster home with kids - that'll give you a much better idea how they will be in your home, than anything else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are several good GSD rescues in the area. Because this is your first dog, I would recommend starting there with a young-adult dog. They are generally fostered, so you will have lots of information about how they do with dogs, cats, children, etc.

I used to volunteer with VGSR many years ago. Used to do home visits and help match dogs with adopters. Plenty of people live successfully with German Shepherds and children.

That is really good advice. I'd adopt a dog who's been in a foster home with kids - that'll give you a much better idea how they will be in your home, than anything else.

Thank you for this. From what I saw when I looked at rescues, adult GS and GS-mix dogs are typically not adopted out to families with children and without breed experience. And for good reasons, when you consider potential additional behavioral issues from neglect and whatever other history landed the pup in rescue to begin with. But I am in no rush, so your comment makes me think rescues are worth a second look. This extra level of screening through a foster does sound wonderful. I will give this another look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

I appreciate all the concern and advice here, I do. As a lawyer who makes a living from seeing good intentions go sideways and cause harm, I have a lower-than-usual risk tolerance. I am not going into this lightly. I have done a lot of research already and there is still a very long runway before the moment I bring a puppy home.

With that said, I would really appreciate GS breeder recommendations in the DMV area, or a state that's a few hours away, driving distance. Specific recommendations, complete with contact information would be most welcome. Thank you.

Have you actually owned a dog before, OP? Lawyer skills do not translate to dog ownership. We’re not telling you they’re challenging dogs just to be killjoys.

-Lawyer who grew up with a GSD and has one now.

Your feedback has been registered. Your attitude really doesn't add anything and, unless you have a breeder recommendation, you can move on now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh come on people, let's give OP some credit. She wants a GSD, not a goldie, She says she's done research, her kids are not toddlers.

My sister is an avid GSD owner and she got her youngest pup of 1.5 years from Golden Ridge Farms in MD. This dog is great around my kids and my dog.

For what it's worth, my family of 3 kids under 10 got our first dog last year and while the puppy phase was NO JOKE, we've done really well because I was obsessive in my search for a breeder of calm temperament and about the breed in general. It seems like you're doing the same. It was really helpful to join one of the many breed-specific facebook groups, just to read all the daily questions and comments about what it's like to own [fill in the blank] breed. Good luck OP.

The problem is this dog isn't for first time owners. In about six months or a year op will be on here saying "can I rehome my German shepherd as it is too much for me!"

[Anonymous]

Doggy foster here. I've fostered many gsd mixes, but I once had a pure black purebred GSD (i cant recall why he was surrendered). He was so sweet and smart, and I never felt safer. People crossed the street when they saw us coming LOL.

I think as long as you go to an actual breeder (not a puppy mill) you could find a good match. Definitely note their health problems. SO many back/hip issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh come on people, let's give OP some credit. She wants a GSD, not a goldie, She says she's done research, her kids are not toddlers.

My sister is an avid GSD owner and she got her youngest pup of 1.5 years from Golden Ridge Farms in MD. This dog is great around my kids and my dog.

For what it's worth, my family of 3 kids under 10 got our first dog last year and while the puppy phase was NO JOKE, we've done really well because I was obsessive in my search for a breeder of calm temperament and about the breed in general. It seems like you're doing the same. It was really helpful to join one of the many breed-specific facebook groups, just to read all the daily questions and comments about what it's like to own [fill in the blank] breed. Good luck OP.

Thank you for all of your input! I really appreciate it. And will definitely look into the Golden Ridge Farms. So far, the only breeder rec in 2 pages of feedback.

Make sure they take their dogs back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

I appreciate all the concern and advice here, I do. As a lawyer who makes a living from seeing good intentions go sideways and cause harm, I have a lower-than-usual risk tolerance. I am not going into this lightly. I have done a lot of research already and there is still a very long runway before the moment I bring a puppy home.

With that said, I would really appreciate GS breeder recommendations in the DMV area, or a state that's a few hours away, driving distance. Specific recommendations, complete with contact information would be most welcome. Thank you.

Have you actually owned a dog before, OP? Lawyer skills do not translate to dog ownership. We’re not telling you they’re challenging dogs just to be killjoys.

-Lawyer who grew up with a GSD and has one now.

Your feedback has been registered. Your attitude really doesn't add anything and, unless you have a breeder recommendation, you can move on now.

With that attitude I can already see what a fantastic dog owner you’ll be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a GSD and our kids are 5 and 3. He is absolutely fantastic. He is so patient with the kids (they climb all over him, snuggle with him, play with him) and has the best temperament. We have had SO many people over the last 10 years tell us he is the best dog they've ever met. My Dh also travels for work so I feel better having our dog home with me and the kids. We adopted him- check your local shelters and set up some visits! There's many wonderful dogs looking for homes.

Well you are very lucky.

This is not always the case for that breed.

They can also turn on a dime around age 5 -7.

I have had many of them need need major training period.

Not a good breed for someone who has never owned a dog.

Can you elaborate on this a bit? I am not the poster you were replying to, but our GSD is 3. Just curious, as haven’t heard that before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

I appreciate all the concern and advice here, I do. As a lawyer who makes a living from seeing good intentions go sideways and cause harm, I have a lower-than-usual risk tolerance. I am not going into this lightly. I have done a lot of research already and there is still a very long runway before the moment I bring a puppy home.

With that said, I would really appreciate GS breeder recommendations in the DMV area, or a state that's a few hours away, driving distance. Specific recommendations, complete with contact information would be most welcome. Thank you.

Do you and your DH both work full time (and outside the home as opposed to WFH)? If so (along with the parenting responsibilities you have with 3 DC) you will most likely struggle to meet the needs of a GSD puppy. GSDs are very very demanding, especially for the first year or two - they need more extensive training and socialization than many other large breeds. Along with a great deal of exercise (hours per day) for years to come. Young GSDs usually are not great candidates for “doggy day care” type arrangements. Same for hired dog walkers etc for the at least the first year- really not ideal.

[Anonymous]

Hats off to you OP. I adore GSDs but as a mom to three and a lawyer there’s no way I could manage the needs of one. My brother has always had them, though. Given my life I need something easier so we have a Golden. He’s also easy to board or find walkers for, as he’s so easy going.
Not sure how old your kids are but he sure you account for how much driving around you’ll need to do as they reach the tween and teen years. I’ve posted this on other threads but u was absolutely surprised and crushed by how much more work older kids and teens are than little kids.
Anyway good luck! Sorry I can’t share references — my brother’s breeder is not local.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi there,

We are considering getting a German Shephard puppy - our family's first and long-awaited dog. I have done a fair bit of research and understand that the breed requires a lot of training early on, as well as fairly regularly in early adult years, as well as exercise. My kids are 8, 9 1/2 and 12.

That said, I also understand that some breeders may focus on producing working dogs, while others claim they breed dogs with more family-friendly temperament. I am not sure how accurate these breeder descriptions are and would absolutely love breeder recommendations from folks with small children, who found a puppy that, with appropriate training, thrived in their family environment.

Thanks!

It’s never a good idea to produ ce dogs that go against they’re standard breed purpose and temperament. They are meant to be territorial working dogs. Another example are poodles that were originally bred for hunting, now they are all floofy, high-strung and have super sensitive tummies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi there,

We are considering getting a German Shephard puppy - our family's first and long-awaited dog. I have done a fair bit of research and understand that the breed requires a lot of training early on, as well as fairly regularly in early adult years, as well as exercise. My kids are 8, 9 1/2 and 12.

That said, I also understand that some breeders may focus on producing working dogs, while others claim they breed dogs with more family-friendly temperament. I am not sure how accurate these breeder descriptions are and would absolutely love breeder recommendations from folks with small children, who found a puppy that, with appropriate training, thrived in their family environment.

Thanks!

It’s never a good idea to produ ce dogs that go against they’re standard breed purpose and temperament. They are meant to be territorial working dogs. Another example are poodles that were originally bred for hunting, now they are all floofy, high-strung and have super sensitive tummies.

Please excuse typos