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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I was shocked when our happy go lucky golden pup looked out a window and growled, practically snarling. I ran over to see what on earth had caused a reaction like that in her - it was a cat.

She legit hates cats, lol.

[Anonymous]

I like poodle mixes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like poodle mixes

Really?

I don't and don't really know anyone who does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

It sounds as though your neighbor is taking in non-adoptable dogs with some major behavioral issues caused by the irresponsible owners who surrendered the animals. She's probably trying to work with them to resolve their behavioral issues.

This is what can happen when a dog does not receive love, consistent training and is quite possibly treated harshly and neglected. It's sad. The traits you describe are not specific of a breed. They are signs of a abuse and neglect from the previous owners.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

It sounds as though your neighbor is taking in non-adoptable dogs with some major behavioral issues caused by the irresponsible owners who surrendered the animals. She's probably trying to work with them to resolve their behavioral issues.

This is what can happen when a dog does not receive love, consistent training and is quite possibly treated harshly and neglected. It's sad. The traits you describe are not specific of a breed. They are signs of a abuse and neglect from the previous owners.

+1. However, I'm not sure the current owner is the most responsible person either. She wants them for "protection" but doesn't sound like she's providing the right environment or training, given the multiple incidents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

It sounds as though your neighbor is taking in non-adoptable dogs with some major behavioral issues caused by the irresponsible owners who surrendered the animals. She's probably trying to work with them to resolve their behavioral issues.

This is what can happen when a dog does not receive love, consistent training and is quite possibly treated harshly and neglected. It's sad. The traits you describe are not specific of a breed. They are signs of a abuse and neglect from the previous owners.

+1. However, I'm not sure the current owner is the most responsible person either. She wants them for "protection" but doesn't sound like she's providing the right environment or training, given the multiple incidents.

It sounds like she's pretty much keeping the dogs outside and occasionally one gets loose and goes on a rampage. Agree that is not a good environment. These are probably dogs that the regular fosters can't handle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of these thoughtful responses, which I will certainly share with my husband. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a good breed to consider? In researching dogs that will be good for our cat, I also came across an American Eskimo. I really do not want to traumatize our sweet cat, but we have held off on getting a dog for three years of begging, and I really think the kids are ready.

OP, my husky mix (but mostly husky) adores cats and kittens. Think bathing kittens and letting them curl up on his feet or in his neck fur. I have an elderly cat I took on due to a relative's medical issues, she seriously disliked the dog for months, but now every night they both come up on my bed and thge husky gives her a lengthy bath and also nips at her fur (evolutionary bug removal?? no idea). she looks terrible afterwards, her fur all damp and clumpy, but if he doesn't initiate she goes up to him for her grooming. I would think American Eskimo would likely share similar traits?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like poodle mixes

Really?

I don't and don't really know anyone who does.

An enormous number of people love poodle mixes.

Poodles were the most popular breed in the United States for decades. They’re smart and don’t shed. My husband hated poodles and refused to get anything mixed with one when we first got a dog. He thought my Mom’s Miniature Poodle barked too much (and he did do that). Then my whole family had to go to Florida for a family emergency and he was left to watch the dogs. By the time our plane landed, he had fallen in love with that Poodle. We now have a Miniature Goldendoodle. Yes, they can bark and be high strung, but they are wonderful animals.

[Anonymous]

I’m at a Barnes and Noble right now and they have Greyhounds here for rescue. They’re calm and sweet. The people with the organization said they are mostly adopted by older people. They said they are low energy as pets and very docile. Every time I see one I partly want it, but my husband is very allergic to the breed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Our Miniature Goldendoodle puppy has like 10 minutes of energy before he wears out and falls on the ground asleep. He is a love bug but we call him the walking mouth. All he wants to do is chew things. He is a good boy, though. Not an alpha dog, so he doesn’t try to take over. He wants to be a good boy. Very trainable. It’s crazy how quickly he picks up on commands. But he also is so smart that if you sent careful you can “train him” in something you don’t want.

I know some that are a lot of work, even though they are adorable and friendly. I got a Miniature hoping we could at least physically control him if he was overly energetic. I do love a Sheepadoodle, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of these thoughtful responses, which I will certainly share with my husband. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a good breed to consider? In researching dogs that will be good for our cat, I also came across an American Eskimo. I really do not want to traumatize our sweet cat, but we have held off on getting a dog for three years of begging, and I really think the kids are ready.

OP, my husky mix (but mostly husky) adores cats and kittens. Think bathing kittens and letting them curl up on his feet or in his neck fur. I have an elderly cat I took on due to a relative's medical issues, she seriously disliked the dog for months, but now every night they both come up on my bed and thge husky gives her a lengthy bath and also nips at her fur (evolutionary bug removal?? no idea). she looks terrible afterwards, her fur all damp and clumpy, but if he doesn't initiate she goes up to him for her grooming. I would think American Eskimo would likely share similar traits?

I love this post!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Our Miniature Goldendoodle puppy has like 10 minutes of energy before he wears out and falls on the ground asleep. He is a love bug but we call him the walking mouth. All he wants to do is chew things. He is a good boy, though. Not an alpha dog, so he doesn’t try to take over. He wants to be a good boy. Very trainable. It’s crazy how quickly he picks up on commands. But he also is so smart that if you sent careful you can “train him” in something you don’t want.

I know some that are a lot of work, even though they are adorable and friendly. I got a Miniature hoping we could at least physically control him if he was overly energetic. I do love a Sheepadoodle, though.

Goldendoodles are fun loving, goofy clowns. Or at least the ones I know are. Both Poodles and Goldens are smart breeds. They often learn how to train their owners .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Goldendoodles are fun loving, goofy clowns. Or at least the ones I know are. Both Poodles and Goldens are smart breeds. They often learn how to train their owners .

Yeah, it always recommends them online for first-time owners, and for ours it is probably true, but the ones I met before having him I’d have not classified that way. I know 2 families that got them as their first dog and both sort of regret the decision....although the dog is so happy and loving that they can’t totally be upset about it. It’s our 2nd dog, but I grew up with a dog also and my Parebts have had a variety of breeds, but have settled on poodles as their favorite to have at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like poodle mixes

Really?

I don't and don't really know anyone who does.

NP here. I don't like them either and if someone gave one to me as a present I'd give it away or sell it as soon as possible.

[Anonymous]

I would not think a family with 3 youngish kids has time to train and keep a GSD busy.