I have two cats, had them for 5 years since they were babies.. I'd like to get a German Shepherd dog because my son likes those...(so do I)... Do you think I can get them to get along?.... What are your experiences?.... Are they okay with cats?.....
2007-01-24 09:00:12 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
i've had a few shepherds and cats that live fine together but it depends on the dog and how well u train it.
IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A PUPPY a shelter dogs can be great pets... why does everyonre think u have to get a puppy to get along with other animal u already have. u must be willing to walk a dog any dog daily. most shelters help u pick the right dog for your lifestyle.
google shepherd rescues in your area
2007-01-24 09:16:42 · answer #1 · answered by dragonwolf 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Please do thorough research on the breed before getting one! German shepherds aren't for everyone. Some tend to have a strong guardian instinct, making them very aggressive if they're not extremely well trained and socialized. They're also very active and intelligent, and they need a lot to do to keep them busy or they will be hyperactive and destructive. The breed is also prone to a lot of health problems because it is such a popular breed there has been a lot of inbreeding.
If you want to get a German shepherd dog, I highly recommend adopting an adult dog from a breed rescue. This way you will for sure get a dog with the qualities you want -- good with kids and cats and a friendly personality. There are lots of German shepherds that have a guardian instinct hardwired into them, and this is undesirable for a family pet. You can't tell what a puppy is going to end up like. But if you adopt an adult dog, you'll know exactly what you're getting.
German shepherds can do just fine with cats if they were raised around them. If you want to adopt an adult German shepherd dog from a breed rescue, make sure you specify that they must be good with cats.
2007-01-24 17:11:57 · answer #2 · answered by Steel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you get the dog as a puppy then he will be used to cats and never harm them. But the cats will be MAD at you for a few days. I have a boxer and a full blooded timber wolf that have been around my cats since they were puppys and would never hurt the cats. Do not be afraid to let the puppy around the cats, that's how he learns they are part of the family just like you and your son.
2007-01-24 17:17:12 · answer #3 · answered by mommyof1.3kids 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you get the dog as a puppy then it will learn a lesson from the cats and that is look but don't touch. the dog will grow up knowing you cats as part of the house hold or pack. but a older dog may be a problem. l seen large dog sleep with cats and were the best of buddies. so l do believe that they can get along just fine
2007-01-24 17:10:47 · answer #4 · answered by Star-Dust 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats, like dogs, can be territorial. They are VERY territorial with other cats, but may also be with dogs. Frankly, Shepherds can be high strung and don't always mix well with cats. This is not to say it would not work out, but if it doesn't, then you must either get rid of the cats (not really fair to them since they have been there a long time) or the new dog. And the posters who tell you to introduce slowly are not always correct. Again, that might work out, but there are no gurantees. I don't kno wwhy people insist on mixing dogs and cats in one household. To be honest, it's better to have one or the other, regardless of what others tell you.
2007-01-24 17:10:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hi...I own a GSD and have 2 cats also. from my own experiences I would say they are just fine with cats if introduced as a puppy. Our GSD gets along great with one cat, they play and she even cleans his face, but the other one who is 13 yrs old hates dogs of any kind and will go after my GSD and send him running..lol
"wild kat" how can you say terrible with cats and children? did you have a bad experience with a GSD? did you ever own one? if GSD's are well socialized and trained they make excellent family pets are spectacular with kids and other animals. You can't condemn an entire breed by a bad experience if that was the case, it is unfair. Look at the pic by my name...does that look like a dog that shouldn't be around kids?
2007-01-25 14:32:03 · answer #6 · answered by julie's_GSD_kirby 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
German shepherds can be excellent with cats if you train them to be that way.
When you adopt from a shelter be honest with the staff and tell them you have the 2 cats and do not know much about dogs but you love the shepherd and you will be suprised at how willing shelter staff are to work with you and help you get the right dog for you and for yoru cats.
good luck!!
:)
2007-01-24 17:06:45 · answer #7 · answered by otter_woman 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Any dog can be okay with cats. It's not like they say in cartoons. If you socialize the dog well, he should be fine with cats. My grandma has a dobermann, a rottweiler, and a German shephard with 9 cats and doesn't have a single problem.
2007-01-24 17:11:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get the dog as a pup,or German Shepard will eat the two cats....
2007-01-24 17:06:07 · answer #9 · answered by BOBBIE 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the dog (and cat) some get along ok, but MOST do not. that is why we get the cats hate dogs thing...you might want to see how they interact with each other on a trial basis.
2007-01-24 17:08:20 · answer #10 · answered by Steve Jobs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋