Right. I want a German Shepherd?

Question

A REAL dog, a opposed to the "dogs" we have now. I want a dog who will PROTECT me, not just lie down and befriend anyone who might break in. (aka Border Collies). SO. How to integrate a proper dog into a household with wimpy dogs, and feisty cats? A bit of help, please?

Answer 1

If you want a German Shepherd, then you go for one, they are absolutely beautiful dogs, I had one years ago, his name was Rebel , he was the most protective and faithful friend I ever had and the pr*tt who lived next door to me poisoned him, so I had to have him put to sleep, it broke my heart and I've never had another dog since. If you do get one, look after him and he will look after you.

Answer 2

You do not want a German Shepherd if you have other dogs. There is a major dominance thing going. You may not need a different dog at all, maybe just some basic training. Dogs, like Border Collies are working dogs and if they don't have a job to do they get bored, lazy and unpredictible. It would be fun for both of you.

Answer 3

I don't think you want a GSD for the appropriate reason. These dogs are very beautiful, noble, loyal and intelligent. You can't go get a GSD just because you claim you need or want protection. I volunteer for a GSD rescue. I have learned a lot about these beautiful dogs by being around them and also by doing extensive research on the breed. You simply cannot say you want one for all the wrong reasons. GSD's are very high energy dogs and need a lot of exercise. They are also very intelligent and need mental stimulation in accordance with regular exercise. Seeing as how you state that you have other dogs in your home there could be some territorial and dominance issues if you were to bring a GSD into your current arrangements. This is a working class of dog. I believe that you need to do some very in depth research on GSD's before you even consider getting one. It takes a lot of time, love, and patience to have and own these spectacular animals. So do all of us here a favor, and PLEASE do not bring a GSD into your home just to fulfill your sense of insecurity about feeling the need to be protected. All dogs are wonderful, even the non GSD ones. You need to appreciate the animals that you already have. Check out the website of the GSD rescue that I volunteer for, www.magsr.org. It has a buch of questions and facts that one should seriously take into consideration before even thinking of owning a GSD.

Answer 4

German shepherds are very sensitive creatures
they potentially feel threatened when in competition with other four legged creatures in the same household
if i were u i 'd be very careful cos a selfish cow like u might get bitten up the ****

it will be wise to invest in an alarm rather than a dog who will put u in an alarming situation

enjoy the love bite

Answer 5

You need to do some research on dog breeds to determine which is the right one for you. I also wanted dogs who are protective, but want them to be loving toward me. I got Chows because they develop true love for their owner and are very protective. Also, they do well with my small yard and are easy to housebreak, and naturally very clean.

German shepards like to have room to run, and have a predatory streak that may not work with other animals. However they are very smart and trainable, and are protective.

Take a look at this site - this is where I read about different dog breeds to find out what is right for me. They even have a quiz to help you. http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com

Answer 6

You sound like you have put SO much thought into this, Have you read books about the breed? they don't suit everybody, they can be a VERY dominant breed and you have to know how to handle them I'm talking both dogs and bitches, I have been keeping German Shepherds for 30+ years and before that I handled/trained them in the army and even now can come across one that takes more training than others to keep it in line, I have at the moment got a 7 month old b1tch who is a b1tch in every sense of the word she is trying to dominate every other dog I own all much older than her and she attempts to dominate me and my husband, (he is an ex army dog trainer)! she doesn't and WON'T succeed but we have our work cut out with her and we are experienced!!! Don't get me wrong she isn't aggressive just thinks she should be boss. So you see this breed isn't for everyone, if you are in the UK you will probably be asked by a breeder if you have experience, and rescues LIKE you to have had experience with them, they need a lot of firm handling, not aggressive handling but firm! If you have really thought about this and know what you are doing then go ahead and I wish you luck but if you are going into this with your eyes shut, please think carefully.

Answer 7

I had a black German Shepherd. He save my life as a teen, some drunk guy tried to enter my room and my dog attacked! He was trained but never hurt anyone Elise. Except the druggie boy who smelt like drugs, he was in my yard. I think He was an ex police dog. Take him to doggy school!

Answer 8

A German Sheppard, Belgian Malnios, Rottweiler, Wiemaramer, Visla or Doberman Pincher will protect you, if properly trained. If you are worried about security, I'd suggest an alarm system, that would save your pet, and keep you safe from harm.

Answer 9

It would depend on the ages of the animals you already have. I had a German Shepherd with cats and they didn't get on at all. All the cats in the area spat at him. German Shepherds need alot of care as well, plenty of space to run about.

Answer 10

Border Collies would kick someone's butt if they broke in and tried to hurt you. Don't underestimate a dog just because it has the sense not to act aggressive when it's inappropriate.