Reply to Mom of 3 Children Seeks German Shepherd Breeder Recommendations

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, I had a German Shepherd growing up and I have a German Shepherd now, so I’ve had a German Shepherd for 20 years of my life!  We raised our first dog from 8 weeks and I was a little kid and given primary responsibility for him.

I do not recommend a GSD for a first time dog owner for several reasons:

1.  They are very intelligent, but very stubborn dogs and this can make training for a first time owner difficult.

2.  These are very large, strong, stubborn dogs.  Hence they need an absolute ton of exercise to be healthy and happy and well behaved.  This doesn’t quite fit for most busy families.  They need to be properly socialized and trained as puppies by someone who knows what they are doing.  You can’t wing it or you are going to end up with a large, frightening dog with resource guarding or reactivity or other behavior problems.  German Shepherds are the second most common dog to bite people after pit bulls because people get more dog than they can handle.

3.  They need space and quiet to be at their best.  We have a quarter of an acre and my husband gives our dog tons of exercise but he is happiest at my moms house because she has a few fenced acres where he can just wander around in peace and quiet.  He dislikes our busy suburb and having so many other dogs and people around, because he’s not trained as a working police dog or something with a job to do.  He’s just a frustrated pet, and it makes sense because these dogs were bred to herd sheep in a wide open field.  They need a job or peace and quiet.

4.  They tend to have behavior issues anyway.  This is the flip side of being so intelligent.  Our dog hates other dogs, particularly small dogs.  He is large and intimidating so we basically can’t take him anywhere.[/quote]

GSD owner and I largely agree with this. Ours does love walks and other outdoor activities however. Is very well trained to not bark or react to other dogs when on leash during a walk…however- she cannot be around other dogs off leash or unsupervised (especially small dogs). Has not ever harmed one or anything but I don’t fully trust her. Her play style with other dogs is far too rough and she wants to chase small dogs.

She is extremely sweet and wonderful with the family (us and DCs). Totally fantastic, couldn’t ask for better. Is well socialized, very neutral/aloof with all strangers outside the house. However- she doesn’t love having guests at the house, and- after a greeting- we usually put her away when any other children are over. Which is kind of a pain. She has not ever shown aggression to anyone but guests make her nervous- & many people find her intimidating and are likewise nervous around her.

And the shedding is next level.

OP, I would really rethink. A lot of GSDs have issues with prey drive and/or other dogs, and can be territorial about their home turf.  An excellent (and $$$$) trainer is pretty much a requirement, and helps tremendously but the breed is what it is. They work well for certain lifestyles but for many busy families would really not be a good fit. [/quote]

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