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11 answers

German Shepherd's are great dogs. Very loyal to their owner. Like any other dog though, especially if you are a first time owner, go sign up for dog training. Even the basic course at your local PetsMart. That's no matter what breed you decide on. Shepherds can be stubborn so training is vital.

I personally prefer the mutts I find at the animal shelter. They're sooooooo grateful that you adopted them. I currently have a Golden Retriever - Shepherd mix. She's unbelievably smart. Totally sweet. Just a great dog. She had been abused when I got her so she was shy at first but I've had her 3 years now and she's totally over it.

2007-03-28 09:52:52 · answer #1 · answered by Faye H 6 · 2 0

German Shepherds can be too much for a first time dog owner because they are intelligent dogs that need something to do and if you do not let them know who is the boss they are happy to take the job and will become a big problem by becoming pushy and aggressive. Now do not get me wrong they are great dogs that learn fast and when properly socialized make excellent pets.
If you wanted to get a Shepherd the first thing you need to do is find a reputable breeder that breeds for temperament and health. It would also be a good idea for the breeder to match a puppy with you this way you will get one that you will be more able to handle. Once you acquire the dog get yourself and the dog in obedience classes so that you can learn how to assert yourself as a fair leader, train your dog and learn how to properly correct the dog when necessary.
BTW any large dog (including labs and goldens) can become a problem for a novice owner/handler if they do not learn how to assert themselves as the leader and if they do not properly socialize the dog to the world it lives in by exposing the dog to many different sights, sounds and people. It all comes down to how much work a person is willing to put into the dog of choice.

2007-03-28 10:30:10 · answer #2 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 0 0

the one rule that most people do not heed when getting a dog is to take the time to research for themselves by looking at their lifestyle and then searching for a breed that may best suit them. There are several breeds from the large (Cane Corso) to the toy( Min Pin) that are never recommended as first time dogs for a new dog owner.
Look at you life, determine what it is then review each breed that may interest you. Odds are you will find one that will fit and does not fall in the category of not a first time dog. By doing this you will avoid being one of those who contributes to the animal shelters because you picked a dog for all the wrong reasons.
Good luck in your search.
AKC website may offer you good direction.

2007-03-28 14:44:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

German Shepherds are great dogs but need very relaxed training if your going to end up with a nice one. They are sensitive dogs and if not handled carefully in their training can develop some naughty habits. They also have to be socialized from an early age, so they see and play with different breeds of dogs.I have owned 6 GSDs and love them to bits but I would not recommend them to a first time dog owner.I think you might be better off with a Lab or Retriever if you want a larger dog.Hope this has helped

2007-03-28 10:24:29 · answer #4 · answered by doglover 2 · 0 0

hmmm a German Shephard is quite different then a Cane Corso......

German Shephards are great dogs...Hyper!!!!! and love to Chew and have a big mouth to do so ....but such a difference in personality, traits, and energy level from a Cane Corso

I have a Bullmastiff - best dog ever owned! Loyal, Laid back, and not aggresive at all! She loves other dogs, doesnt mind my cats and trains well.

2007-03-28 12:45:30 · answer #5 · answered by rcrtr2001 2 · 0 0

In my sincere opinion, all of the powerful breeds (bully breeds, German Shepherds, mastiff breeds, Huskies and Malamutes, Chows, Rotts, Dobes, etc...) are a foul theory for a everyday time proprietor. they are seen powerful breeds for a reason. no remember if or no longer they are much less dominant then the different breeds helps, yet isn't a fix-all. powerful breeds, which consists of CC's are obdurate, challenging headed, and could be confusing to regulate. they don't seem to be the breeds for a push-over variety proprietor. They require an proprietor with journey which could optimistically assert themselves because of fact the "%. chief", and effectively set and enforce limits and limits. devoid of the applicable proprietor with a solid deal of canines journey, a powerful breed of canines is an accident waiting to take place. in case you're genuinely set on a Mastiff breed, i'd recommend going with a undeniable Mastiff (additionally frequently occurring as an English Mastiff). Of the Mastiff breeds, the EM is the main laid back and trouble-free to paintings with.

2016-12-19 15:51:04 · answer #6 · answered by berkey 3 · 0 0

These dogs can also be a hand full .The last one I had was Natural born aggresive.I would suggest a "couch potato" for a first time dog like an English bulldog or another dog that has a laid back demenor

2007-04-01 08:57:42 · answer #7 · answered by Snowman 3 · 0 0

German Shepard's chew everything until they're about 2 years old. They're big, eat a lot, and are really active. They need a lot of attention and excessive. They also need a job to do. They're prone to various hip and elbow problems. I'd say you need to decide for yourself what dog is good for you. Just get a good reference book that tells you the different breed temperaments and take it from there.

2007-03-28 09:54:19 · answer #8 · answered by nokhada5 4 · 0 0

hi...I own a GSD and you really need to consider quite a few things if you want one. first of all GSD's are extremely loyal to their owners and love to be with them all the time, I like to call mine my "velcro-dog". they absolutely need to have a lot of socialization in different situations and training is a must. GSD's love to "work" so if you are interested in agility, continued training, SAR, shutzhund, or even training for canine good citizen this would be a wonderful breed to own. they get bored easily so daily exercise and playtime is a must because a bored GSD is a very destructive GSD. they are also very intelligent and easy to train in all aspects. shepherds are also great with kids and other animals, but they need to be taught their boundaries early on. this is not a breed for a person who wants to "casually own a dog" they require a lot of input and training from their owners. if you are willing to put the time and effort into the dog...then go for it. find a reputable breeder in your area that is concerned about the health and temperaments of their pups....GSD's are expensive so you also might want to consider a GSD rescue and give a home to a wonderful dog....hope this helped you a bit

2007-03-28 10:18:11 · answer #9 · answered by julie's_GSD_kirby 5 · 0 0

You need to research breeds and find one that fits your lifestyle. Speak with those who already own the breed or breeds you're interested in. Check breed rescue websites, most will lay out the best and worst of their breed so you can make an informed decision. The herding breeds aren't for everyone.

2007-03-28 09:52:56 · answer #10 · answered by aglaussie2003 1 · 0 0

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