Mom of 3 Children Seeks German Shepherd Breeder Recommendations

[Anonymous]

Don't know if this breeder has been mentioned in previous posts. Ransomshire Shepherds outside of Raleigh NC. I love GSDs and have owned them since I was 10 years old. (I'm now 65.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't know if this breeder has been mentioned in previous posts. Ransomshire Shepherds outside of Raleigh NC. I love GSDs and have owned them since I was 10 years old. (I'm now 65.)

Sounds like you are experienced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't know if this breeder has been mentioned in previous posts. Ransomshire Shepherds outside of Raleigh NC. I love GSDs and have owned them since I was 10 years old. (I'm now 65.)

Sounds like you are experienced.

PP here. With GSDs? Yes, I have owned 4 of them over the years. They are wonderful, amazing family dogs and so, so good with kids. But keep in mind, OP, that they shed A LOT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are a first time dog owner, do not get a German shepherd. Get a lab or golden retriever.

No, I disagree. OP should get the type of dog that she wants. If she did get a Lab or Retriever, then what is she supposed to do, wait years for it to die before she gets something that she wanted in the first place?

You can’t be serious?!

You don’t learn to drive on a Ferrari even if you “want” one.

Someone who is attracted to GSD qualities is unlikely to be happy with a Lab or a GR. I'm that person that likes GSDs. You couldn't pay me money to have a Labs or GRs. GSD-lite is something like a Corgi, not a Lab. A person that goes into GSD ownership knowing full well what they're getting into, has the time and resources to raise one properly, and chooses a dog from a good breeder that only breeds temperamentally stable dogs, will be fine.

I'm in love with GSD, it's been my dream to have one someday (and I think I will get GSD next)
However, given that I was inexperienced/first time dog owner, I got myself the next best thing - field golden retriever. Still a lot of work, GR are smart, active dogs always on the mission, but I never had to worry about my dog being too protective. Important to me with 3 children in the house and we often have friends & family over

[Anonymous]

I'll second the Ransomshire Shepherds breeder recommendation. I own one from them and have 3 kids. My GSD is a wonderful family dog and we appreciate her intelligence, beauty, silliness and how protective she is.

That said, we are working through a few challenges (which we anticipated, but it's still tough to do while raising 3 small kids):

1. Leash Aggression - she lunges and growls at all other dogs while on walks. I've pretty much corrected this behavior on my own, but I'm still going to a trainer to make sure I'm doing this the right way.

2. Dominance issues with other dogs (she got kicked out of daycare for this one). Daycare is often not the best fit for GSDs, which I've recently learned.

And I'm sure you're aware because you've done a lot of research, but people will be afraid of your dog. People cross the street when I walk her. We have to board her when the kids have sleepovers or planned guests. We can't have people just randomly stop by because she's recently become quite protective of the home.

She is a wonderful pet to those in her pack, but if you're not in it, she can be quite scary, which we're working on with training. I don't need her to be everyone's friend, but I need to train her to be indifferent when appropriate.

I will say that I wouldn’t trade her for the world for the following reasons:
(1) She’s a loving member of our family. When she’s with her crew, she’s so happy, silly, clumsy, and loving.
(2) I never worry when I hear a noise. I used to be terrified to be home alone and hear something. She takes all of that stress away from me now.
(3) I’m a walker/runner who now feels comfortable doing so at night because she’s with me.

Oh, and I'm a first time dog owner. Everyone's right when they say this might not be the best dog for a first time owner, but I couldn't imagine myself with any other breed. Just keep in mind that your dog will require a lot of time, patience, exercise, and money.

Good luck in your journey. And make sure you read the Monks of New Skete's Art of Raising a Puppy. Ransomshire highly recommends it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll second the Ransomshire Shepherds breeder recommendation. I own one from them and have 3 kids. My GSD is a wonderful family dog and we appreciate her intelligence, beauty, silliness and how protective she is.

That said, we are working through a few challenges (which we anticipated, but it's still tough to do while raising 3 small kids):

1. Leash Aggression - she lunges and growls at all other dogs while on walks. I've pretty much corrected this behavior on my own, but I'm still going to a trainer to make sure I'm doing this the right way.

2. Dominance issues with other dogs (she got kicked out of daycare for this one). Daycare is often not the best fit for GSDs, which I've recently learned.

And I'm sure you're aware because you've done a lot of research, but people will be afraid of your dog. People cross the street when I walk her. We have to board her when the kids have sleepovers or planned guests. We can't have people just randomly stop by because she's recently become quite protective of the home.

She is a wonderful pet to those in her pack, but if you're not in it, she can be quite scary, which we're working on with training. I don't need her to be everyone's friend, but I need to train her to be indifferent when appropriate.

I will say that I wouldn’t trade her for the world for the following reasons:
(1) She’s a loving member of our family. When she’s with her crew, she’s so happy, silly, clumsy, and loving.
(2) I never worry when I hear a noise. I used to be terrified to be home alone and hear something. She takes all of that stress away from me now.
(3) I’m a walker/runner who now feels comfortable doing so at night because she’s with me.

Oh, and I'm a first time dog owner. Everyone's right when they say this might not be the best dog for a first time owner, but I couldn't imagine myself with any other breed. Just keep in mind that your dog will require a lot of time, patience, exercise, and money.

Good luck in your journey. And make sure you read the Monks of New Skete's Art of Raising a Puppy. Ransomshire highly recommends it.

You could have had all of your needs met but with a labrador instead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll second the Ransomshire Shepherds breeder recommendation. I own one from them and have 3 kids. My GSD is a wonderful family dog and we appreciate her intelligence, beauty, silliness and how protective she is.

That said, we are working through a few challenges (which we anticipated, but it's still tough to do while raising 3 small kids):

1. Leash Aggression - she lunges and growls at all other dogs while on walks. I've pretty much corrected this behavior on my own, but I'm still going to a trainer to make sure I'm doing this the right way.

2. Dominance issues with other dogs (she got kicked out of daycare for this one). Daycare is often not the best fit for GSDs, which I've recently learned.

And I'm sure you're aware because you've done a lot of research, but people will be afraid of your dog. People cross the street when I walk her. We have to board her when the kids have sleepovers or planned guests. We can't have people just randomly stop by because she's recently become quite protective of the home.

She is a wonderful pet to those in her pack, but if you're not in it, she can be quite scary, which we're working on with training. I don't need her to be everyone's friend, but I need to train her to be indifferent when appropriate.

I will say that I wouldn’t trade her for the world for the following reasons:
(1) She’s a loving member of our family. When she’s with her crew, she’s so happy, silly, clumsy, and loving.
(2) I never worry when I hear a noise. I used to be terrified to be home alone and hear something. She takes all of that stress away from me now.
(3) I’m a walker/runner who now feels comfortable doing so at night because she’s with me.

Oh, and I'm a first time dog owner. Everyone's right when they say this might not be the best dog for a first time owner, but I couldn't imagine myself with any other breed. Just keep in mind that your dog will require a lot of time, patience, exercise, and money.

Good luck in your journey. And make sure you read the Monks of New Skete's Art of Raising a Puppy. Ransomshire highly recommends it.

You could have had all of your needs met but with a labrador instead.

I don't think people that like Labs understand that not everyone does. Not every breed is for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll second the Ransomshire Shepherds breeder recommendation. I own one from them and have 3 kids. My GSD is a wonderful family dog and we appreciate her intelligence, beauty, silliness and how protective she is.

That said, we are working through a few challenges (which we anticipated, but it's still tough to do while raising 3 small kids):

1. Leash Aggression - she lunges and growls at all other dogs while on walks. I've pretty much corrected this behavior on my own, but I'm still going to a trainer to make sure I'm doing this the right way.

2. Dominance issues with other dogs (she got kicked out of daycare for this one). Daycare is often not the best fit for GSDs, which I've recently learned.

And I'm sure you're aware because you've done a lot of research, but people will be afraid of your dog. People cross the street when I walk her. We have to board her when the kids have sleepovers or planned guests. We can't have people just randomly stop by because she's recently become quite protective of the home.

She is a wonderful pet to those in her pack, but if you're not in it, she can be quite scary, which we're working on with training. I don't need her to be everyone's friend, but I need to train her to be indifferent when appropriate.

I will say that I wouldn’t trade her for the world for the following reasons:
(1) She’s a loving member of our family. When she’s with her crew, she’s so happy, silly, clumsy, and loving.
(2) I never worry when I hear a noise. I used to be terrified to be home alone and hear something. She takes all of that stress away from me now.
(3) I’m a walker/runner who now feels comfortable doing so at night because she’s with me.

Oh, and I'm a first time dog owner. Everyone's right when they say this might not be the best dog for a first time owner, but I couldn't imagine myself with any other breed. Just keep in mind that your dog will require a lot of time, patience, exercise, and money.

Good luck in your journey. And make sure you read the Monks of New Skete's Art of Raising a Puppy. Ransomshire highly recommends it.

These seem to be common GSD complaints. They’re a very time intensive breed to live with, and it can be very stressful! My dog passed at 15. He was chill until age 2, behaviors much as you describe until age 13, and then chill again until 15. I loved that dog with all my heart and he was a great family dog — after he got past trying to police my son when he was old enough to run about the house — but he was extremely intense and extremely smart. So much training and exercise! And patience.

Definitely not a dog for a first timer IMO. Especially one with 3 young kids.

[Anonymous]

As a dog breed loved by Hitler and in the US in the civil rights movement against Blacks, and still now against communities of color by police, I always assume white people with German shepherds are either being intentionally racist, hostile, or are ignorant. This dog's past is too checkered to be viewed friendly by most in a city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll second the Ransomshire Shepherds breeder recommendation. I own one from them and have 3 kids. My GSD is a wonderful family dog and we appreciate her intelligence, beauty, silliness and how protective she is.

That said, we are working through a few challenges (which we anticipated, but it's still tough to do while raising 3 small kids):

1. Leash Aggression - she lunges and growls at all other dogs while on walks. I've pretty much corrected this behavior on my own, but I'm still going to a trainer to make sure I'm doing this the right way.

2. Dominance issues with other dogs (she got kicked out of daycare for this one). Daycare is often not the best fit for GSDs, which I've recently learned.

And I'm sure you're aware because you've done a lot of research, but people will be afraid of your dog. People cross the street when I walk her. We have to board her when the kids have sleepovers or planned guests. We can't have people just randomly stop by because she's recently become quite protective of the home.

She is a wonderful pet to those in her pack, but if you're not in it, she can be quite scary, which we're working on with training. I don't need her to be everyone's friend, but I need to train her to be indifferent when appropriate.

I will say that I wouldn’t trade her for the world for the following reasons:
(1) She’s a loving member of our family. When she’s with her crew, she’s so happy, silly, clumsy, and loving.
(2) I never worry when I hear a noise. I used to be terrified to be home alone and hear something. She takes all of that stress away from me now.
(3) I’m a walker/runner who now feels comfortable doing so at night because she’s with me.

Oh, and I'm a first time dog owner. Everyone's right when they say this might not be the best dog for a first time owner, but I couldn't imagine myself with any other breed. Just keep in mind that your dog will require a lot of time, patience, exercise, and money.

Good luck in your journey. And make sure you read the Monks of New Skete's Art of Raising a Puppy. Ransomshire highly recommends it.

How did you work on leash aggression, pp? Do you have a local (DMV) trainer you can recommend?

Our dog is also not a fan of other dogs, but is happy as a clam when we have guests in the home, and actually tolerates other dogs well in daycare/boarding. He just gets protective of us (only against other dogs) while walking on leash, but at nearly 100 pounds, it's rough to take him on a walk and scary to other dog owners. What does your dog do that you cannot have guests in the home? That is a much bigger pain.

OP, I hope you are reading these posts carefully!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a dog breed loved by Hitler and in the US in the civil rights movement against Blacks, and still now against communities of color by police, I always assume white people with German shepherds are either being intentionally racist, hostile, or are ignorant. This dog's past is too checkered to be viewed friendly by most in a city.

I don’t understand why people answer boredom with trolling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll second the Ransomshire Shepherds breeder recommendation. I own one from them and have 3 kids. My GSD is a wonderful family dog and we appreciate her intelligence, beauty, silliness and how protective she is.

That said, we are working through a few challenges (which we anticipated, but it's still tough to do while raising 3 small kids):

1. Leash Aggression - she lunges and growls at all other dogs while on walks. I've pretty much corrected this behavior on my own, but I'm still going to a trainer to make sure I'm doing this the right way.

2. Dominance issues with other dogs (she got kicked out of daycare for this one). Daycare is often not the best fit for GSDs, which I've recently learned.

And I'm sure you're aware because you've done a lot of research, but people will be afraid of your dog. People cross the street when I walk her. We have to board her when the kids have sleepovers or planned guests. We can't have people just randomly stop by because she's recently become quite protective of the home.

She is a wonderful pet to those in her pack, but if you're not in it, she can be quite scary, which we're working on with training. I don't need her to be everyone's friend, but I need to train her to be indifferent when appropriate.

I will say that I wouldn’t trade her for the world for the following reasons:
(1) She’s a loving member of our family. When she’s with her crew, she’s so happy, silly, clumsy, and loving.
(2) I never worry when I hear a noise. I used to be terrified to be home alone and hear something. She takes all of that stress away from me now.
(3) I’m a walker/runner who now feels comfortable doing so at night because she’s with me.

Oh, and I'm a first time dog owner. Everyone's right when they say this might not be the best dog for a first time owner, but I couldn't imagine myself with any other breed. Just keep in mind that your dog will require a lot of time, patience, exercise, and money.

Good luck in your journey. And make sure you read the Monks of New Skete's Art of Raising a Puppy. Ransomshire highly recommends it.

You could have had all of your needs met but with a labrador instead.

I don't think people that like Labs understand that not everyone does. Not every breed is for everyone.

+1 I think Labs are gross and smelly. (And don't get me started on the shaggy Labradoodles. Yuck.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll second the Ransomshire Shepherds breeder recommendation. I own one from them and have 3 kids. My GSD is a wonderful family dog and we appreciate her intelligence, beauty, silliness and how protective she is.

That said, we are working through a few challenges (which we anticipated, but it's still tough to do while raising 3 small kids):

1. Leash Aggression - she lunges and growls at all other dogs while on walks. I've pretty much corrected this behavior on my own, but I'm still going to a trainer to make sure I'm doing this the right way.

2. Dominance issues with other dogs (she got kicked out of daycare for this one). Daycare is often not the best fit for GSDs, which I've recently learned.

And I'm sure you're aware because you've done a lot of research, but people will be afraid of your dog. People cross the street when I walk her. We have to board her when the kids have sleepovers or planned guests. We can't have people just randomly stop by because she's recently become quite protective of the home.

She is a wonderful pet to those in her pack, but if you're not in it, she can be quite scary, which we're working on with training. I don't need her to be everyone's friend, but I need to train her to be indifferent when appropriate.

I will say that I wouldn’t trade her for the world for the following reasons:
(1) She’s a loving member of our family. When she’s with her crew, she’s so happy, silly, clumsy, and loving.
(2) I never worry when I hear a noise. I used to be terrified to be home alone and hear something. She takes all of that stress away from me now.
(3) I’m a walker/runner who now feels comfortable doing so at night because she’s with me.

Oh, and I'm a first time dog owner. Everyone's right when they say this might not be the best dog for a first time owner, but I couldn't imagine myself with any other breed. Just keep in mind that your dog will require a lot of time, patience, exercise, and money.

Good luck in your journey. And make sure you read the Monks of New Skete's Art of Raising a Puppy. Ransomshire highly recommends it.

You could have had all of your needs met but with a labrador instead.

I don't think people that like Labs understand that not everyone does. Not every breed is for everyone.

+1 I think Labs are gross and smelly. (And don't get me started on the shaggy Labradoodles. Yuck.)

As if GSD smell like roses lol
Most of the dogs are stinky, and that's ok. No need to single out labs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll second the Ransomshire Shepherds breeder recommendation. I own one from them and have 3 kids. My GSD is a wonderful family dog and we appreciate her intelligence, beauty, silliness and how protective she is.

That said, we are working through a few challenges (which we anticipated, but it's still tough to do while raising 3 small kids):

1. Leash Aggression - she lunges and growls at all other dogs while on walks. I've pretty much corrected this behavior on my own, but I'm still going to a trainer to make sure I'm doing this the right way.

2. Dominance issues with other dogs (she got kicked out of daycare for this one). Daycare is often not the best fit for GSDs, which I've recently learned.

And I'm sure you're aware because you've done a lot of research, but people will be afraid of your dog. People cross the street when I walk her. We have to board her when the kids have sleepovers or planned guests. We can't have people just randomly stop by because she's recently become quite protective of the home.

She is a wonderful pet to those in her pack, but if you're not in it, she can be quite scary, which we're working on with training. I don't need her to be everyone's friend, but I need to train her to be indifferent when appropriate.

I will say that I wouldn’t trade her for the world for the following reasons:
(1) She’s a loving member of our family. When she’s with her crew, she’s so happy, silly, clumsy, and loving.
(2) I never worry when I hear a noise. I used to be terrified to be home alone and hear something. She takes all of that stress away from me now.
(3) I’m a walker/runner who now feels comfortable doing so at night because she’s with me.

Oh, and I'm a first time dog owner. Everyone's right when they say this might not be the best dog for a first time owner, but I couldn't imagine myself with any other breed. Just keep in mind that your dog will require a lot of time, patience, exercise, and money.

Good luck in your journey. And make sure you read the Monks of New Skete's Art of Raising a Puppy. Ransomshire highly recommends it.

You could have had all of your needs met but with a labrador instead.

I don't think people that like Labs understand that not everyone does. Not every breed is for everyone.

+1 I think Labs are gross and smelly. (And don't get me started on the shaggy Labradoodles. Yuck.)

As if GSD smell like roses lol
Most of the dogs are stinky, and that's ok. No need to single out labs

My lab was never stinky! My GSD, oh my ... these guy is so oily. His coat is on the shorter side for a shepherd and truly he's the stinkiest dog I've ever had. Good thing he's very sweet and is fine with baths

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'll second the Ransomshire Shepherds breeder recommendation. I own one from them and have 3 kids. My GSD is a wonderful family dog and we appreciate her intelligence, beauty, silliness and how protective she is.

That said, we are working through a few challenges (which we anticipated, but it's still tough to do while raising 3 small kids):

1. Leash Aggression - she lunges and growls at all other dogs while on walks. I've pretty much corrected this behavior on my own, but I'm still going to a trainer to make sure I'm doing this the right way.

2. Dominance issues with other dogs (she got kicked out of daycare for this one). Daycare is often not the best fit for GSDs, which I've recently learned.

And I'm sure you're aware because you've done a lot of research, but people will be afraid of your dog. People cross the street when I walk her. We have to board her when the kids have sleepovers or planned guests. We can't have people just randomly stop by because she's recently become quite protective of the home.

She is a wonderful pet to those in her pack, but if you're not in it, she can be quite scary, which we're working on with training. I don't need her to be everyone's friend, but I need to train her to be indifferent when appropriate.

I will say that I wouldn’t trade her for the world for the following reasons:
(1) She’s a loving member of our family. When she’s with her crew, she’s so happy, silly, clumsy, and loving.
(2) I never worry when I hear a noise. I used to be terrified to be home alone and hear something. She takes all of that stress away from me now.
(3) I’m a walker/runner who now feels comfortable doing so at night because she’s with me.

Oh, and I'm a first time dog owner. Everyone's right when they say this might not be the best dog for a first time owner, but I couldn't imagine myself with any other breed. Just keep in mind that your dog will require a lot of time, patience, exercise, and money.

Good luck in your journey. And make sure you read the Monks of New Skete's Art of Raising a Puppy. Ransomshire highly recommends it.

You could have had all of your needs met but with a labrador instead.

I don't think people that like Labs understand that not everyone does. Not every breed is for everyone.

+1 I think Labs are gross and smelly. (And don't get me started on the shaggy Labradoodles. Yuck.)

As if GSD smell like roses lol
Most of the dogs are stinky, and that's ok. No need to single out labs

My lab was never stinky! My GSD, oh my ... these guy is so oily. His coat is on the shorter side for a shepherd and truly he's the stinkiest dog I've ever had. Good thing he's very sweet and is fine with baths

I would take an easy stinky dog over a challenging one any day!