are they good dogs around children, good dogs in general? i would appreciate it if you did not answer this question if you havent had experience with one. thanks!
2007-07-04 02:42:06 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hi!...they are excellent family dogs...if you take the time and energy to train them correctly. check out the pic's of my GSD
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i77/gardenangel42/nickandkibs.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i77/gardenangel42/100_2164.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i77/gardenangel42/100_2074.jpg
2007-07-06 09:22:20 · answer #1 · answered by julie's_GSD_kirby 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a German Shepard and he is great with my kids. Very protective and loyal. If you choose to get a German Shepard I would suggest going to a breeder who could tell you the difference between the blood lines and recommend a dog for you. Most breeder (not puppy mills) want to get to know who is getting there pups so they will want to meet with you and watch you and your family interact with the pup so you will be able to see if the dog is a good fit before you commit to a forever home. I couldn't image my German Shepard ever hurting my kids but he is a dog so it is always possible I just keep up with the obedience training he has had and make sure he gets what he needs so he doesn't become bored or restless. They are very active dogs and love to be outdoors but also do well if needed to be indoors for a bit.
There are plenty of place to find out more information about the breed. You could go to your vet, breeder, pet store and the Internet.
Hope this helps some and Good Luck they are a beautiful breed.
2007-07-04 10:55:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
German Shepherds are normally very good around children. They are an aloof breed by nature. Fairly easy to train. If you have never had a GSD before, be careful what bloodlines that you get. The working lines tend to have very high drive and can be hard headed. They need someone that is experienced with the breed. A higher drive dog can be fun for a child to play with , but they can knock down a child or adult for that matter not on purpose. Last night I was putting one of the dogs in the van, and my East German boy was running around. My husband had held on to his collar while I was putting the other dog in the van. The next thing I saw was 2 dogs in the van! LOL I turned around and my husband was down on the ground. All I could do was laugh.
2007-07-04 09:50:47 · answer #3 · answered by bear 2 zealand © 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
German shepherds are very intelligent dogs that usually have a high drive, or work ethic. If you are an experienced dog owner, and can dedicate time to making sure it is properly trained, and are not going to let the dog think it is the boss, they are one of the greatest dogs around. If you don't want to put a lot of training time in, but still like the German shepherd breed, you can probably adopt one that has been trained through rescue. I've had two, and both were even tempered, very trainable, and great companions. I got my first when I was a kid (see my profile) and he was pretty much responsible for my interest in training above regular housepet tricks. Both of mine were even great with cats. To get some good pointers on how to choose a healthy, well-bred shepherd, attend a few dog shows in your area (go to www.infodog.com to find them) or join one of the Yahoo groups dedicated to the breed. Good luck.
2007-07-04 09:51:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I grew up with German Shepherds and still love the breed. However, like any other breed, there are good ones and not so good ones. A well bred German Shepherd should be sound in mind, body and temperament. They make wonderful family dogs as long as the family is prepared to keep them groomed and exercised. They should have a large, fenced in yard so they can run and play. If you get a puppy, be prepared for teething, house breaking and all the other things that come with puppyhood.
2007-07-04 09:49:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They CAN be. If they are sound, well bred and properly socialized. I would buy from a reputable breeder, who has references and regularly exposes the puppies to children. ALSO... the children need to be taught to be nice and respectful of the dogs too. Too many people think that their dog should be able to take tail pulling, ear pulling, hair pulling, teasing and jumping on from the kids, and finally when the dog has had enough they nip or growl and then wonder why. I would definately insist on obedience classes too, this strenghthens the bond between the owner and the dog and helps to define the line between dog and person. You don't want a dog to ever think he's an equal to a person in the pack.
2007-07-04 09:49:46 · answer #6 · answered by Wyandotte Hen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My last dog was a Gr. Sheppard from the shelter.
The smartest dog I ever had. Loyal and faithful.
loved kids and older people. Gentle.
She got great pleasure meeting a new person and then would be still lying on the ground and floor while I would talk. She was never preoccupied and wanted to jump or be misbehaved.
Clean never solied the house.
she had a litter before I adopted her. She had one little flaw, if she saw another pet or person with a pet near me, she would freak out.
The lady at the shelter told me this was a possessiveness as they took her puppies away at an early age. She became territorial and did not want any other pets near her master.
I hope you get one. They are great dogs.
2007-07-04 09:52:51 · answer #7 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are great dogs. Very intelligent and easy to train. I have a German Shepard and a Shetland sheepdog, mini collie, and they get along fine. The sheltie is a runt, it is slightly larger than a pom and the German Shepard is big. So if you consider the fact that two female dogs one being much larger than the other and they still get along fine, then German shepards must have a good temperament.
2007-07-06 15:32:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey i have a german shepherd they are great around kids, Great guard dogs, ( most will eat cats though ) lol I love shepherds their incredible dogs.
2007-07-04 11:42:07 · answer #9 · answered by Aceygal562 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have a german shepherd- golden retriever cross and she is about the softest dog you'll ever meet - absolutely adores kids as well. Having said that, because she's a cross don't know which side she gets it from.
2007-07-04 10:59:09 · answer #10 · answered by Alex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
German Shepards are very good with children. I have had a Shepard cross for 11 years and he has always been good with my kids and everyone elses. Before that I also had a shepard and he was great, but I got him as a rescue and he had been abused so he didn't care for men. I also think shepards are highly intelligent and easily trained.
2007-07-04 11:58:55 · answer #11 · answered by Lisa T (Stop BSL) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋