Anyone have experience with german shepherds.

[G.T.R]

Hey all

Just wondering if anyone here has experience with german shepherds, been looking at them for at least two years now and have at least 40 hours into research, speaking with some owners and ready books and the internet just wanted to know if anyone has any experience with them, never had a dog growing up and now I am deciding to get one, looking to adopt ( have 2 in my sights right now just waiting on getting info back and scheduling a meeting).

Now I understand that these dogs require a little more attention as all large breeds do, due to complications to do with there hips and arthritis in there later years. Now I have been told that I should be looking for a straight back. But who knows, so if anyone has experience with the breed and can provide some info, was offered one today but turned it down as it was not what I was looking for.

I got plenty of time to spend with it so thats not an issue, so Ill leave this and read on what some of you have to say, I know its a stretch but Im just exaughsting all my options, and please state if you own one/ owned one, you can tell me about anything that may have occured and what to look out for, from what i read the only issue with the dogs is thre teritorial so adoption may upset the dog and may be aggressive until its used to its new home.
thanks again
Steve

[Kras]

Don't over think it - just get the dog you want and train it right... you will be happy.

[G.T.R]

I aggree with you 100% but im doing the research to insure my dog has the best possible life it can have, that if (god forbid) it does get sick or injured, I can know what to do if its common towards the breed.
Steve

[falcon]

paragraphs.

my eyes hurt.

[G.T.R]

Helpful you are not.

[Rapier46]

I have two German shepard. Your post is wayy to long to read on iPhone. So whaddya wanna know?

[caliber676]

I say its best to raise a dog from a pup. I don't have a german shepard, but I have a golden retriever. Got him at 6 weeks old and now he's 11 years old. We took him to basic dog training school and he's been nothing but joy. He's perfect around children, adults etc. and has never had any problems other than a few rashes and upset stomachs. I think if you raise a dog right, give it enough attention and exercise, and feed it properly you can't go wrong. Anything past that in terms of health issues etc is a toss up.

Stop researching and get the dog already!

[RHDskyline]

To be honest, i adopted my dog, and it was the best thing ever. Taken, she was a mixed breed, but a very smart, quick learning dog, the dog trainer we had absolutely loved her, then she got hit by a car

Anyways, moral of my story, adopting a dog is a great feeling, and its cheaper. Pup or not, the dog will grow on you

Couple things to look for when picking one out. Pick one that comes to you when you come to its cage, if it backs away, its shy, and it will rarely ever out grow that. Get one that comes at you, but in a non aggressive way.

Get out and get your dog, and have a blast with it

[aaronisonfire]

This applies to all dogs, but be careful about food. Make sure your dog knows its your food and not his when he's eating it.

Before she died, my previous dog was stupidly possessive over her food, would try to bite anyone who came near it. We didn't repeat the mistake with our two dogs now, they know who's boss. We made sure to put our hands in their bowls while they were young and eating so they knew it was fine.

I've heard lots of people being bitten or near bitten (and seen it) by dogs over their food.

My tidbit for you

[RHDskyline]

Yup. If you can't touch your touch your dog while they are eating or drinking, they need to be trained.

I can pick my dog my up while she is eating take her to the other side of the room, she walks back, eats again, and i can do that like 5 times and she doesn't do anything

[Rapier46]

haha yeah same with both my shepards^^

i try to pick up the female alot just to get her in play mode. and when she doesnt want to, hew new defence machanism is falling over like playing dead haha

[christdeyoung]

My family has had 4 german shepherds over the years.
Two of them were cross and had to be put down (males), and the other two were excellent dogs. (male and female).

We have a cat now.

His name is Wiggles.

[G.T.R]

http://forums.gtrcanada.com/showthread.php?t=49338

[okasgtr]

I've had a couple in the past, the biggest thing is to know moderation. A GSD will literally run themselves to death if you let them.

Start researching hip dysplasia, I say this not to scare you but to better understand ailments that GSD's are prone to. You might also consider seeking the advice of your local vet regarding the introduction of glucosamine into your exercise cycles.

Love them and respect them.. you will get the same in return

Congrats

[FastPAt]

I know at a certain age you gotta beat it up and put it into submission to show that you are the boss. Thats about it :P