Advice on German Shepherds?

[Deano1983]

Hi everyone

Just after some advice, what are GSD's like to own? Do they mix okay with Children, Dogs & Cats?

We have no kids but are looking to start a family in the next 2-3 year, we have 2 dogs (Beagle & Choc Lab) & 3 cats.

Will a GSD get on okay with these breeds of dogs? And what about the cats?

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks

[lankeela]

They are are the best breed in the world. Bar none. PROVIDED you get one from a reputable breeder, that has had all the necessary health checks done, see the parents/family, visit several times to meet the puppy and the breeder's other dogs, take time to train and socialise it,
and have just a teensy bit of good luck thrown in as well.

A male Shepherd may try to dominate the other dogs, so you might consider a female if your other two are males. Also vice versa! The cats will be no problem provided you get a puppy and it is brought up with them. The planned family will have the best friend/protector in the world. You will have the most loyal loving companion who will lay down his life for you without question. Please do it justice by taking it everywhere with you, and not just have it as a 'yard dog' or lap dog. They need to have a job to do to keep them occupied, so maybe try obedience or agility or at least regular exercise and training sessions. Now I'm getting broody!

[paddywak]

Got to agree whole heartedly with lankeela. If you are prepared to to put a little effort into it you will be rewarded by the most loyal, affectionate friend you could ever imagine. I like most breeds of dog but GSD's are the tops

[paddywak]

Mrs P says I forgot to tell you that not only are GSDs loyal & affectionate but they just so GOOD looking.

[winny]

My rescued gsd is everything lankeela says but a bit too good at the guard dog bit I reckon due to his history. Definatly gor for a reputable puppy and bring it up right and you will never regret it. Kids learned to stand up using him as a prop, he takes the smallest of treats off them, when they were babies he would watch the buggy, and the kids love him to bits back, He is as soppy as you can think and as bright as a button although very good at acting dumb to get the sympathy vote. The breed get bad press due to the forces using them and irresponsible people owning them.but they dont deserve it. He can be a bit of a clumsy thing and if there is a cup of t to be knocked over or something to be tripped over he will find it which apparently is a breed trait, either that or we just got a clumsy Kluts!!!!
We rescued him at 4 and it has been hard to re train him but is you get a puppy and do it right from day one you will not get a better friend,companion etc. as lankeela says.

[winny]

Sorry forgot that we have had a staffy that attacked him several times and he never retalliated and then we got a lab puppy that he could have snapped in 2 many times when she irritated him but he never did and they are now the best of friends in fact I would say she probably is the boss.

[kita1]

You might find this site interesting, it is a GSD rescue site, but if you read the stories it has lots of useful information regarding GSD's.

http://s10.invisionfree.com/biggsd/index.php?a ct=idx

[Bigeye74]

Since you've asked such a subjective question...Lankeela is 100% wrong, go for a Rhodesian Ridgeback, they're like the big tough quiet guy in the corner that you don't mess with. Only bark when necessary (they'll decide for you). Not such an out and out guard dog. They tend to let the burglar in before attacking as opposed to making a racket when someone walks past the door. High pain threshold, short coat, inveterate thieves, have to be comfortable and warm (good excuse to not walk them when its raining). Oh and they will run up vets bills like nobodys business. See RRs the best dog.

[LOX]

Lankeela is RIGHT again!!!
We bought a German Shepherd Dog four months ago at the age of 8 weeks. He is called Kane and he is the best thing that we have ever done, he has a fantastic temprement, it took only 3 weeks to fully house train him. he has never chewed anything other than his own toys and bones. They are a really clever breed and learn so quick.
Kane has become my 'soul mate' he lets me know when someone is around that he does'nt know but otherwise never really barks. I feel safe whilever he is around, he looks after us and we love him so much, I would'nt part with him for the world
We respect him and he shows us respect, he does like to be around people and he loves seeing other dogs in the woods, he is fantastic !!! he is loved by the whole family
Lankeela gave me a lot of good advise when we got Kane and he knows what he's talking about. Anyone who has a bad word to say about German Shepherds either have never owned one or dont know what they are talking about !!!! Good luck, but you dont really need it.
Lox
ps... Thanks again Lankeela if you happen to be around

[lankeela]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, but not for the sex change!

So glad you are enjoying Kane, its great to hear a successful dog story on here instead of all the cries for help when people have not thought things through before getting an unsuitable breed or the right breed in the wrong situation.

So much heartache (for dogs and owners) could be avoided if people only asked for and took advice from people who have seen it all before.