To not let ds visit his brother's house (new alsation)

[necromumda]

Firstly, I have NO idea about dogs so probably sound hysterical but am so desperate to have the views and advice of people who do know so all comments welcome and will be taken on board.

DSS' s girlfriend has just bought an alsation/husky cross puppy (a couple of months old now) and I am really concerned as, to me, this is a dangerous kind of dog. I am aware it isn't on the dangerous dog list.

I am in a really awkward position as I feel like one hand I would be a cow for saying DS (13) cant go to his brother's place but I am actually really really stressed about this.
The couple are in their early 20's and would NOT be the type to have the dog trained properly.
AIBU? or just hysterical? Help!

Should add, I do feel that strongly that I would say he couldn't go over there.

Sorry op but way ott. ..

Why would it be a dangerous dog? Neither breed is dangerous. German Shepherds are actually incredibly biddable and trainable (and at a couple of months old it won't be very big!). There's a reason they are used a lot in Obedience and as police dogs. It will probably be very exuberant and bouncy with that mix, but no reason to think it will be dangerous in any way, no more so than any other puppy.

It's a good time for your son to meet it too as it will be nice and small!

Also your son is 13, not 3, he will be well able to handle a bouncy two-month-old puppy!

Calming down. In my experience alsations are guard/attack dogs. This is all I know so I probs am being OTT. As mentioned, they wont train it.

I’m not at all a ‘dog’ person but I really can’t see a problem here. That will be a gorgeous dog.

It’s a puppy, and your DS is 13... I can’t see there being an issue.

Even if they don’t train it as such, I presume they wouldn’t encourage aggression?

It’s a large breed dog that needs training, exercise and stimulation.

From a safety point of view it’s no more likely to be aggressive than any other breed so yes you’re being unreasonable. In fact the best time to meet it is whilst it’s a puppy - it should be well socialised during this time.

Ensure that you and your DS are familiar with dog behaviour - if you Advanced Search the Doghouse for a thread called ‘useful resources’ you’ll find links to lots of helpful resources on appropriate dog child interactions

Dog’s Trust run ‘puppy school’ training classes - perhaps suggest these or some other similar positive reinforcement training classes - training as a puppy has been shown to have a lifelong impact on dog behaviour.

You're being hysterical. GSDs are wonderful loving dogs. We got one when DS was 10 and had no worries as long as DS was supervised and played sensibly with the dog and that goes for all dogs. The only dog DS has ever had an issue with was exMILs jack Russell.

We have a husky. And teens and a toddler. Obviously not unsupervised with the youngest but all dc have a lovely bond /relationship with her!
Buy your dc a dog book and help him understand how to get the best from a relationship with his new furry friend!!

In my experience alsations are guard/attack dogs.

What is your experience?

If they are not training the dog properly it could potentially bite, no matter what breed it is. If a dog feels insecure or worried they could nip just out of anxiety. It's terrible to me that that your DS and his girlfriend may not be looking after such a beautiful dog adequately with the potential that as the puppy grows to an unmanageable dog that risks being out down.

Is there a possibility of you going to see the puppy first and gauge how it's being looked after before you make a final decision? Would your older DS listen to your concerns?

He reason Alsations are used to guard is because they are easy to train and his easy to control.

With a husky x GSD you will have a potentially excitable and noisy dog but it is very unlikely to be dangerous.

You're being massively OTT, your son is 13 and frankly if you insinuated your child wasn't safe at my house you wouldn't be welcome either.

Way over the top. Yes alsatians are guard dogs, but they have to be trained to do that sort of thing. Many dogs that people have in their homes every day are bred for hunting or guarding, but they are no more risky than a kitten because they aren't raised for it. Huskies tend to be big soppy idiots. It's likely to be a big, overexcited fluffball. Plus, regular socialisation is important to raising dogs well, so your son hanging out with the puppy before it's too old will only help.

Also, your son is 13. Do you check the house of every friend in case one of them has a dog you don't like? What counts as a dangerous dog? Some of the nastiest dogs I've known have been little yappy things with an attitude problem, often Jack Russells, dachshunds, chihuahuas. You can't tell how likely a dog is to bite by its breed.

If he was 3 I'd say yanbu but at 13 he's old enough to know how to be sensible around dogs and to spot aggression and remove himself from the situation if he feels unsafe.

@Veterinari just that. Every one of these dogs I have been aware of personally has been a guard/attack dog. I have never met a domestic one, as yet.

Sorry but YABU and OTT. It's a puppy. At least wait and see how it grows up before you freak out.

Also, your child is old enough to know how to act around a dog and to look for warning signs for any aggressive behaviour. He will be fine.

@MrsRubyMonday you just made me realise none of his friends have dogs. I hadn't thought of that before.

The more a puppy gets socialised with humans, kids and other dogs, the better all round. The pup will remember his smell. GSD/ huskies are no more dangerous than any other dog. We had GSD's when I was little. They were very protective of me, and I spent my toddler years chasing them and they never ever harmed me. Your 13 yr old son will be fine!
Having been a dog owner for years and had many breeds, it's the smaller breeds that are more likely to nip than bigger ones.

Mine was soft as anything. She used to know when I was ill with migraine and snuggle up next to me. They are very loving and intuitive dogs.

Well I'm my experience, OP, the vast majority of dogs won't attack unless provoked. Perhaps your 13 year old DS should be taught how to behave arround dogs, this may help your anxietys.

I wouldnt be concerned and have owned German Shepherds. They are intelligent, loyal and obedient. I think socialisation from an early age is essential and we attended classes which helped with this aspect and basic commands then moved to more complex commands afterwards. Is this something you could hint/suggest?
I'm not sure about the husky element, I've heard they are not good with recall but hopefully the GSD element will balance this out.

Maybe ask for your thread to be moved to the Doghouse - loads of sensible and experienced dog owners over there who might be able to help.

DH was badly bit by an Alsatian when he was ten years old.

Owner apparently said “ he won’t hurt you” and the dog then lunged at my DH and mauled his arm.

Due to this experience he won’t really trust any breed , but especially those known as guard dogs such as Dobermans/ Alsations etc

We are ultra cautious around our dogs with our D.C.

So in my experience op I would say YANBU

Let them bond while the dog is so young, they'll play together and the dog will know he's a family member very soon.He'll be fine.