First time dog owner - thinking of a German Shepherd

[VanGoSunflowers]

Hi all!
I’ve been researching the hell out of this and still undecided. I want to be absolutely certain before I take the plunge!

So, I want a dog that is loyal, doesn’t love absolutely everyone (like a lab) requires a lot of training (the training part interests me the most) I will be planning on going to training classes, as well as training each day. I work from home, so will be around most of the time. I love going for long walks but I want a dog that will be obedient when trained well and be able to walk off lead in the right places.

I prefer larger dogs. I have a garden but plan on doing long walks each day (I love walking)

I have a 7 year old son (the main reason why I deliberating) who lives with me for half of the time

I I keep reading that they do not make great first time dogs but I cannot find any other breed I would prefer. I don’t want to make a huge mistake!

Another point, not to sound crass but money isn’t really an issue either so regular visits to the groomers, dog walkers should I need them, insurance etc etc. I also have a few friends that have and love dogs and would be eager to house sit for e if I was to ever go away without them (although not sure I would)

Any thoughts please?

Mine are fine - the usual pricking up of the ears and the barking at the knocking of the door. Once the door has been opened and they see I'm/DC are happy with who's on the other side of it, they go and lie down (but where they can see me).

Every single first time owner says they'll do the training and the walks and will put the work in to get their dog well-trained to a high standard. It's something that's really easy to say and not very easy to do when reality sets in and it's pissing with rain and you're having to go out in the dark after a long day at work.

One of the big issues with a large breed is that if you don't do the work, you will very quickly end up with a strong, out of control dog that is capable of doing a lot of damage. GSD's are high energy and nervous at the best of times, but if you have one that is under-exercised and under-stimulated, that energy will soon turn into reactivity and it won't be long before you have a problem dog on your hands.

As a dog-walker, I've met some fantastic GSD's and in the right hands they are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of work, especially in the early years, and if you get it wrong, you could be headed for disaster. A small dog that reacts is much easier to control than a large one!

Personally they're not a breed I would recommend for a first-time owner as they are quite specialist and when they go wrong, they go really wrong.

I grew up with a GSD in the 70s. Back then they were the 'scary big dog' of the day and some people wouldn't come near her despite her impeccable behaviour).
Coincidentally we got her when I was 7 (and lost her when I was 18). I absolutely adored that dog - we all did. She was the softest, gentlest, cleverest dog I have ever known. We got her as a 6 month old unhousetrained rescue. Yes she was bitey/nippy - as most young dogs are. I remember her chasing me and nipping my ankles (in play) - but that didn't bother me.

We currently have a GSD/Lab cross and I can see all the GSD traits from my childhood dog. Very watchful so she will know what you're going to do before you do it! They are very intelligent and beautiful dogs. Fiercely loyal. They do need lots of exercise and stimulating activities (but sounds like that is what you want to provide anyway). They have a very strong prey drive so great care is needed around livestock.

From a health perspective they can be quite highly strung and of course there's the hip issue which breeders need to address.

I've had lots of dogs but GSDs remain my absolute favourite. I don't believe they would be any more difficult as a first dog than a Lab personally - if you do your research and put in the time and effort (which you should do with any dog of course).

I was going to suggest a greyhound, or other sighthound. They are more aloof than labs, low energy in the house, don’t have the guarding instinct of a German shepherd.

How about a Gordon Setter?

Grew up with German shepherds so have had 5 different ones. Like PP have said they all varied in terms of how anxious they were but they really are fab, loving dogs. We did lots of long walks with them. You sound like you have the time and resources to put the work into the training and able to keep them company so don’t see why it couldn’t be an ok first dog. They do have a very playful (nippy) puppy stage so you’d have to be strict with them, especially around your DC. The early stages are super important for establishing who’s boss as they can be strong minded. Also, just to be aware that breeding has led to a disposition to hip problems/dysplasia so check out the hip score if getting from a breeder/or be aware that it could be a cost later down the road. The aloof comment made me smile - one of our GS’s was lovely and loving but very much interested in family only and didn’t really seek affection with anyone else (not in an aggressive way, just disinterested). But he nailed standing there and jerking his head a fraction if someone went to pet him, but moved such a small amount that they would think he just moved his head unknowingly last second and would go to pet again and he’d do the exact same thing.

1. someone’s GSD ran off into my field last week and killed a deer. If it had got into the neighbour’s field with pregnant ewes it would have been shot. They aren’t reliable off lead.
2. All dogs smell but GSDs are particularly whiffy

I can see two problems. Either you find a (good) breeder who is willing to sell a puppy to a first time dog owner and you then have the responsibility as an inexperienced owner of getting a puppy through its puppy stages and training , or you find a GSD in a rescue and hope that you aren’t taking on a damaged dog.

They are lovely dogs if they have a good temperament and are well trained and socialised, but I think you need to research other breeds and think about the dogs needs, as well as your wants.

Re rescue GSD

My friends took a female GSD , aged about eighteen months from a very highly thought of rescue charity. They had previously had a half GSD for many years, so they were experienced owners.

The dog was a nightmare. She was enormous and very aggressive, she went berserk when anyone came near the house. We went round for lunch once and found the other two guests waiting at the gate because no one wanted to be first one in ! They were both current dog owners of great experience ( one was actually a famous breeder for another breed). In the end we rang the host and asked him to shut the dog up before we went in! The female owner just refused to walk the dog as it was uncontrollable even in the lead ( could pull her off her feet in its eagerness to get at other dogs/ walkers).

They tried everything, classes , dog psychologist ( 😳), vets, but nothing worked. She eventually collapsed a few years later, she had terrible spinal Nerve damage which may have accounted for her hatred of other living things.

Luck of the draw….

Have a look at specialised rescues for GS online to get realistic Information about the behavioural problems this breed can develop if not trained properly. Many are being rehomed through no fault of their own, but if they do have issues the rescue are very honest about it. The most common problems you will see is leash reactivity, high prey drive and pulling on the lead. Some of them haven’t been for a walk in years because they pull so much. This is because they weren’t trained properly and it’s not their fault.

GS are misunderstood. They are highly sensitive intelligent dogs who can be very anxious. A GS who is guarding and being reactive is a scared dog, not a dangerous guard dog.

As long as you are committed to training they are a wonderful dog. The anxiety is something you might have to accept and manage, not brutally train out of them. They are like a horse in this way.

We've had three and I’ve adored every one of them.

Border Collie? Similar to GSD but smaller
Not ideal first time owner dogs but better choice than GSD imo.
They will be your sons best friend, extremely loyal.
But with a child, you would need to get a puppy not a rescue (Border Collies in rescue are normally there due to behaviour problems).
Get one from a breeder that has a family so that you know they are around children.
Ours were from farms but farm dogs that were also pets as the children were involved too, fab dogs, we are on our 4th.

I’ve been reflecting on this thread. I think my overall conclusions are…OP, havjng a dog is amazing and I love it but it is also a huge restriction on your life. You can’t go out all day without either taking the dog or planning for its care, ditto weekends away, holidays, evening meals out etc. The cost of food and insurance and vet bills is astronomical (and more so for large breeds). With all that, you ultimately want a dog that can play a full part in your life. So one you can go to the beach with and let off the lead, knowing it won’t react to other dogs or people and will reliably recall. One you can take to the pub or dog-friendly cafes and it will again not react and also not intimidate others. One you know will be fine with visitors and you won’t have to constantly lock it in the kitchen. One that will be active and happy but content to curl up at night when you watch TV. One you know ultimately you can leave alone for a couple of hours and it won’t wreck your house with separation anxiety. Having a dog like that makes the shitty bits - mud everywhere, hair everywhere, 3am garden trips with a puppy, never ever being able to be spontaneous for the next 10-15 years - all worth it. If you don’t have those things, a dog ruins your life because there’s no joy, just responsibly and expense and drudgery.

Go for a breed which maximises your chances of happy dog ownership. You are far, far more likely to get that with a lab, goldie, spaniel or even something a bit more left-field like a Dalmatian than you are with a GSD.

@Tygertiger good post, yes a "tricky" dog is much harder to get help to look after, be that a friend walking your dog when you are ill etc or holiday cover. So it is a major commitment.

100%.

There's also the fact that "tricky" dogs can be hard to find professional care for as well, so you're also restricted when it comes to holidays or days out where you can't take the dogs.

Thought it apt to share this on the thread... 😆

So many stereotypical comments here, unusually I know quite a number of GSD; all fantastic family dogs, great with kids of all ages.
This, it's a guard dog, not good with ppl/dogs is a nonsense.

No, I want a dog that ‘doesn’t love absolutely everyone’ - I did NOT say that I wanted a dog that doesn’t like people. Do you always twist people’s words this way

As others said, just pretty disinterested in other people is the better way to describe it.

I have said fuck all about intimidation also - where on earth did you get that from?! And then you go on to compare me to ‘other arseholes’

Are you ill?

I was going to say border collie too as some else has mentioned
Ive had 3, I’m no expert, just used common sense and knew they would need two good runs/ walks a day in all weathers, which they always got. They are fabulous dogs. So loyal, clever and have been great with my kids when younger and now as men. Only one left now but they are and have been massive part of our family life

There have been some really helpful posts on here from both points of view - so thank you everyone for that. You have all given me a lot to think about.

Not so helpful are the ones that think I want a killing machine that goes around savaging everyone but then you do always get idiots everywhere I suppose

This makes a lot of sense. Thank you.
I am leaning towards not choosing a GSD for my first dog. I do absolutely adore them so much, and really want one at some point but I do not want to mess it up either. Much appreciated

I have had German shepherd as a child. So obviously my parents dog. Then I have had them as an adult. I have one now and she's fantastic with children/baby's

I think this is a good conclusion. They're lovely when in the right hands but they're one of those breeds that can easily go wrong and it can be pretty devastating when they do.

The best trained dog I've ever met was a German Shepherd - she could walk to heel in the busiest of environments, never needed a lead, was excellent with children and generally ignored other dogs. But she was outdoors with her owner every single day for 7-8 hours, was trained constantly and had tons of mental stimulation.

Sadly I've also met Shepherds who are nervous, reactive and so unpredictable in public that they need to be kept muzzled and on a short lead for their own safety. The owners always look a bit frazzled and like they're questioning their life choices somewhat

Me wanting an aloof dog is also about protection to a point.

That's a quote from a PP you made.

It's basically the same thing. You want a protection dog - the sort of dogs that can protect, don't really like people. Labs and Goldies don't do protection work for a reason - and it's sure as hell not because of their bite force.

Unless you're gonna tell us your Molly-Mae, you don't really need a dog for protection. Although, tbh, no one does. Why? Because protection dogs can still be shot, or stabbed, or choked to death. The only people who want protection dogs, want them for the intimidation factor - not because the dog is actually going to save them against someone properly motivated.

I don't need to twist your words. You've told us all exactly what you want in a dog, why you want it and what sort of dog owner you'll be.

I’ve grown up with GSD and have fostered many over the years (maybe 20+!) so much rubbish on this thread.

Every last one of mine has been fantastic with my kids. They are the most loyal loving breed. I find them easy to train if you put the time in. I wouldn’t recommend anyone (experienced or not) go into GSDs without the support of a trainer who knows the ropes. They also need a job and are desperate to be with you, after all they were bred to be with a shepherd not guard things. I find half of the problem ones are bored and left alone too much. All of mine bar one have been fine with strangers but none of them want to greet people, that’s not what they are breed to do. They have all been in the ignore everyone but owner camp which I have prefered. Nobody should get a shepherd and expect it to love everyone as it’s not normally in their nature to do so.

You should only consider one if you’re willing to make the dog your life rather than expect it to fit into yours.

The main issue with GSD is finding a good one. The vast majority I see now are genetic disasters, nervy and weak tempered. I would not recommend a rescue with kids or as a first time owner. You would need to find a well bred puppy. Avoid working lines as they have too much drive for an average pet home and be careful with show lines as the conformation is awful and they are often very nervy. I find long coats nicer for some reason.

As much I love GSD I won’t have any more after my last one goes because I can’t find a good breeder hence I moved onto another breed a few years ago and wouldn’t go back.

Just quit it, you are deranged. Have you not read ANY of my other posts??

Aloof means that my dog is not gonna just run over to any old stranger wanting to be their friend. Having a larger dog breed would put someone off trying to attack you. It’s a deterrent- not a dog that you literally train to attack others on command. You really do not understand nuance. And don’t pretend you’re talking on behalf of all other posters on this thread, many of whom who may disagree with a GSD as first time pet but have actually managed to give constructive advice and not judge someone who is actually ASKING for advice before running out and buying a GSD pup just because I feel like it. Someone who wants to do thorough research before taking on the commitment would be a good dog owner in my opinion.

But you know that, you’re just being goady