any tips on having a GSD? and does anyone have one?

Question

I want a German Shepherd Dog, and does anyone have any tips on having one?

Answer 1

A GSD is the greatest addition to your home. I have two myself (male/female). They are a great dog...loyal,smart,and really willing to please, they also make people think twice about about coming near your house....LOL. The only thing you need to be aware of is that they need lots of attention, exercise and DICSIPLINE. In my opinion they are a very dominate dog and need to be shown at a young age whos the boss or else your in for a hard time. But all that aside I 100% reccomend a GSD I love my two to death...Good Luck.

Answer 2

ok i'm going to make this as short as i can. my personal thinking in the right hands a gsd is the best dog there is. because i love them. but you need to do your research. are you wanting to show for conformation? if not i suggest you stay away from the roach or sloped back type. again my personal opinion but they just don't look like the shepherds i've grown to love. they are highly intelligent and loyal dogs, and need someone with a firm upper hand. but don't ever use that hand on them. they work best for praise and will do just about anything to please you if you've earned that respect. get a general puppy book and then a book on german shepherds and read both of them. research online and find a reputable breeder. one that you can see one or both parents and the parents and most of their lines have been certified OFA good or excelent. also ask if there are any other genetic health problems in the line you are looking at. plan on around $1000 for first year care. including a premuim diet, vet care, spay or neuter, crate, toys, treats and a training class that will teach your pup the basics but also challenge the dog. shepherds will learn and get bored easily with training if you don't keep challenging them. plan on at least 2 long walks a day. a shepherd should not be afraid, timid, nervous or any other trait that says low confidence. if you see a pup like that stay away from it. someone with more experienced hands needs that pup. if you decide that indeed this is the breed for you, good luck you will have a friend and protector for life.

Answer 3

They are extremely intelligent dogs.They need alot of exercise daily and alot of mental stimulation.They like making choices so alot of toys and different treats are in order to keep them from getting bored.
They have a great sense of humor and mine play tricks on me sometimes.Like when playing a game of fetch one will run in front of the other to catch his ball after he's caught his own.And they both think it's hilarious to hide from me when we play ball.Running either behind a tree or our truck and waiting to be found.Or grabbing a toy from the other and jumping in the pool with it to force the other dog into the water to get it back.
They have a double coat and the shedding can be a real problem.
Hip dysplasia is a common problem in the breed so I advise any owner of a pup to have it's hips x-rayed when it turns 2.
The breed isnt supposed to bark much.They are also very mistrustful dogs and don't like strangers forcing themselves on them until they've checked them out and made sure they are'nt any threat.

Answer 4

Go here for breeders
http://gsdca.org/GSDReviewed/
http://www.gsdca.org/Noframes/puppies.html
Go here for the pros and cons of the GSD
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/germanshepherds.html

Answer 5

http://www.leerburg.com has thousands of pages of advice.