Adult or puppy German Shepard??
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Anonymous
So my DH and myself are ready to make the plunge and get a dog and we have decided on a German Shepherd. My absolute favorite FYI. Anyway we have three cats and I would love to get a adult dogBecause I feel like you know their temperament. Versus a puppy where they might be nuts. But I’m worried that an adult German shepherd could possibly harm one of my cats? With their strength it’s one bite and bye bye kitty. 
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Anonymous
| German Shepherd owner here. We have two. If you adopt an older GSD, you are going to want to ask about compatibility with cats. These dogs have a strong prey drive and if they haven't been raised with cats or taught not to chase them, you might have a problem. Sounds like you know the breed, so you also know that they are wicked smart and need a lot of stimulation and attention. The better trained and attended to they are, the fewer issues that will arise. |
Anonymous
| Agree that you will have to be very careful to select an adult that has lived successfully with cats. I am definitely pro-adult dog in most cases since puppies are really labor-intensive, but, in this case, you may be better off with a puppy. Have your cats lived with dogs before? |
Anonymous
No worries there. I’ve had 3 shepherds. I had a few during my childhood and I rule with an iron fist. When I was 15 I had a white shepherd and she was awesome and so disciplined. I spend a lot of time with my animals and I am very strict and consistent but also love them to death. I abhor undisciplined animals. Especially large breeds that need to know who’s boss or as Caesar says, the pack leader. This is why I absolutely adore K9 shepherds. I actually looked into buying one but they are over 10k! 
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Anonymous
Actually yes they have. A Great Dane! But we brought them in as kittens after the dog and no real issues. The dog snapped at one and little blood but nothing serious. But the cats are so in your face and the dog had had enough. ANY animal I bring in now is gonna be an issue with 3 cats who are very territorial. They will torture a puppy. At least until the puppy can kick their ass. 
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Anonymous
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I just adopted an adult GSD and he is so polite and well mannered. It’s like I won the lotto. Who did all this work with this dog and then tossed him in the shelter? My husband says we got a $6,000 dog for $200. I can’t imagine having to go through dealing with a puppy right now, and poop, and teaching him not to chew everything, and then miserable doggie adolescence.
I don’t know, maybe toss the cats?? J/k j/k. Maybe inquire with a German Shepherd rescue? I would browse a bit on petfinder and if I really couldn’t find an adult dog that’s being fostered in a home with cats I’d just get a puppy. |
Anonymous
| Also, I think you can tell a lot about a dog as a puppy and how they act around their litter mates. If you get a puppy from a breeder they will definitely be able to help you pick out the right one. |
Anonymous
Lucky you! But I don’t get how a disciplined wonderful shepherd could be given up!!? That’s why I’m so leery of getting a rescue. I feel that most are problem animals. And your right about the puppy crap. They’re cute until I find them chewing on my louboutins! 
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Anonymous
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Just one data point, we adopted a GSD when she was 8 months old (she’s 11 now) and has always been wonderful with our various cats through the years.
We currently have a mastiff puppy we brought home at 9 weeks and she’s insane with our cat. Chases her, and it’s driving me nuts. |
Anonymous
Yes I can totally see this happening if we bring home a shepherd puppy. After all the puppy will be bigger than my cats. But my cats will be furious and I can see total chaos! |
Anonymous
| As others have said, it depends on whether or not an older dog was socialized to get along with cats. With a puppy, you do the training and socialization. |
Anonymous
| The puppies are so cuuuuuute! |
Anonymous
| Virginia German Shepard Rescue group is wonderful and very knowledgeable about the dogs they have available for adoption. |
Anonymous
Yes I know. But I’m dreading the training process. Especially because my DH and I are not exactly on the same page as far as discipline. His previous dogs were allowed on furniture, begging at the dinner table and even in his bed! When I met my DH he had 5 dogs that were allowed at the dinner table and drool while he fed them from his plate. Luckily they were all old when I met him.
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Anonymous
Someone loved and trained the dog. Maybe that person died? Why assume he was “tossed in the shelter”? |