S/O - why is a German Shepherd a bad idea with first time dog owners?

[Anonymous]

Usually the problem is that the cat hates the dog, swipes at the dog, and then the dog lives in terror of the cat who bosses the dog around.
The Garfield Odie dynamic, basically.
Our Golden was terrified of cats because he never understood why they didn’t love him.

[Anonymous]

Most rescues test dogs for cat tolerance. A beagle can be fine with a cat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because they require a lot of training and both mental and physical exercise. They are wonderful, loyal and very intelligent, but they are not easy or low maintenance.

This.

[Anonymous]

I can tell you that when you get your first dog it's like adding another child to your family. Literally, in terms of the work it adds and the adjustment period. When we got our first dog, she was a year old (not even a puppy waking up during the night) and we had to walk her five times a day because she was a high energy dog. We also needed assistance learning how to walk her (it's not inuitive, OP) and how to train her to obey us so those were hours that we had to put in.

A dog is a huge time and energy commitment. Any dog, any breed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because GSD's are BIG, powerful dogs with high energy and prey drive. Top-notch training along with proper socialization is absolutely essential to ensure a well behaved GSD, and first-time dog owners often just aren't experienced enough with dogs to give that. Poorly trained GSDs can be outright dangerous.

This. Same with huskies and other smart, strong dogs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can tell you that when you get your first dog it's like adding another child to your family. Literally, in terms of the work it adds and the adjustment period. When we got our first dog, she was a year old (not even a puppy waking up during the night) and we had to walk her five times a day because she was a high energy dog. We also needed assistance learning how to walk her (it's not inuitive, OP) and how to train her to obey us so those were hours that we had to put in.

A dog is a huge time and energy commitment. Any dog, any breed.

Initially, yes. But this is just going to confuse OP because GSDs always need lots of time and commitment but there are plenty of dogs and breeds that are easier, more forgiving, and don't need as much.

[Anonymous]

I would recommend a calm larger breed or a medium-sized dog for a first time owner. If you don’t know how to train your animal and make yourself dominant, a large dog is harder to physically control. Even a good natured dog can be difficult because they go running up to someone to pet them and knock them down out of happiness and excitement. When we researched breeds when we had a cat, a Portuguese Water Dog was a good fit, and they don’t shed so it’s easier to keep up with dog hair (although they need grooming). A Goldendoodle is also pretty adaptable. We just got a Miniature Goldendoodle and he’s been great. A couple of people I know got Sheepadoodles and they’re great dogs (they both went to Deb’s Doodles in VA). Don’t let the poodle side scare you. Poodles are great family dogs. Our Goldendoodle looks and acts a lot more like a Golden, just smaller and with wavy hair.

A responsible breeder of any breed should know how to match you with a puppy, and a rescue should give you an idea of temperament before you adopt. Don’t get too attached to a particular breed, just get the dog that fits your lifestyle. Get one that’s not an Alpha, because they tend to be a bit easier to train. Dogs are individuals. You can get a breed and it can act nothing like you expect so a rescue may be a better bet for you.

My sister had an Akita/German Sheppard mix that was an absolutely wonderful dog. She wasn’t a strong owner when she walked him one day someone came up to let him.....he bit the guy’s leg. So, he was taken away. They kept him for a while and deemed him not dangerous and gave him back with a bunch of rules. Anyway, at some point my Mom had to take him.

I think you’ll be fine with any breed because you’re doing your research. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

We've always loved spaniels. They are a good size and very friendly. They love their people and they aren't smarter than you!

Friend also had a cockapoo. That was a good mix.

[Anonymous]

Please no. My neighbor rescues GSDs for “protection”. They are beautiful but many vicious attacks, non stop barking, trips to the hospital, attacked other neighbor, attacked owner, neatly killed 3rd neighbors dog, caused a lot of grief in the neighborhood. But they need “protection”. WE need the protection. They are clueless as to these dogs needs and temperament.

[Anonymous]

If you want a dog that won’t bother your cat, a GSD is probably the wrong choice. They herd - my suns GSD spends hours trying to herd the cats and the cats hate it.

I’d suggest a lab or golden.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've always loved spaniels. They are a good size and very friendly. They love their people and they aren't smarter than you!

Friend also had a cockapoo. That was a good mix.

My friend has brought 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels into her house with cats and babies and they both did great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want a dog that won’t bother your cat, a GSD is probably the wrong choice. They herd - my suns GSD spends hours trying to herd the cats and the cats hate it.

I’d suggest a lab or golden.

My GSDs give the cat wide berth. The cat pretty much runs the place. My German Shepherds aren’t afraid of much, but they definitely fear the cat. She has sharp feet.

[Anonymous]

Look into a sheepadoodle (half poodle, half old English sheepdog). Sheepadoodles are incredibly warm and loving, family friendly, low key, love big yards - but you don't have fur all over your home. You shouldn't have any problem with the cat - but realize that this really just depends on your particular dog and your particular cat.

Stay away from goldendoodles - they can be zany. I know, I have one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Usually the problem is that the cat hates the dog, swipes at the dog, and then the dog lives in terror of the cat who bosses the dog around.
The Garfield Odie dynamic, basically.
Our Golden was terrified of cats because he never understood why they didn’t love him.

Ha! Love that and its very typical of a Goldie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can tell you that when you get your first dog it's like adding another child to your family. Literally, in terms of the work it adds and the adjustment period. When we got our first dog, she was a year old (not even a puppy waking up during the night) and we had to walk her five times a day because she was a high energy dog. We also needed assistance learning how to walk her (it's not inuitive, OP) and how to train her to obey us so those were hours that we had to put in.

A dog is a huge time and energy commitment. Any dog, any breed.

Initially, yes. But this is just going to confuse OP because GSDs always need lots of time and commitment but there are plenty of dogs and breeds that are easier, more forgiving, and don't need as much.

We've got a big backyard and our GSD is in and out all day long. She makes her rounds out there and keeps herself busy....there's the squirrel in the tree that taunts her, there are her doggy friends on the other side of the fence, there's her digging hole - she digs it, we fill it in. She plays with our other 2 dogs, gallops around the yard like a pony. When she comes back inside she snuggles up next to me. If someone is walking around outside she lets me know in her big dog voice.

Yes, it took time, training and love to get her to this point. But I would call her a very easy dog to be around now. When we first brought her home it was like bringing home a curious, in to everything, grabby baby who got us up at night.