German Shepherds and Training - Looking for Info

KBA said:
... I wonder if Americanized GS are over 100lbs due to genetics or poor nutrition and exercise levels.
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"Americanized" GSDs are like the "Americanized" versions of Dobermanns. They are intentionally bred to be far larger than nature intended. This is a recipe for health problems that can be quite expensive and life shortening. GSDs are very adaptable. If you get a healthy dog with a good temperament, and provide a moderate amount of exercise that any dog would need, you'll be fine. Even with bad knees you can throw a frisbee or a ball and go for walks. It's better to focus on good health and a stable temperament than to worry about whether the dog has too much energy. Every dog has energy. Teaching self-control to the dog and providing acceptable outlets is the key to managing that energy.
 
Thanks Dale. I appreciate your input sir.

After talking with my wife, I needed to find out if she had one reserved (she hadn't), we decided it was not the right time. I really wish it was, but it would be to much trouble right now with a 2 1/2 and a 5 month old who will be learning to crawl soon. Booth will have to wait.

I'm a teacher so I will off for the summer. I plan to research more and if in May things seem to be right we will bring one home. I'll have a good 2 months to train it and allow my daughters a chance to grow a bit before I have to go back to work.

Thanks again everyone.
 
Ichor - if it is something you think I need to know please feel free to email me directly. Thanks
 
GSD winner "among the worst I have ever seen" says world's leading locomotion expert
. Despite the fact that his hock is on the floor, he was awarded Best of Breed at the National Dog Show in the US three weeks ago.
This winner is "among the worst I have ever seen," says leading the world's leading canine locomotion expert, Professor Dr Martin Fischer, author of Dogs in Motion, published by the VDH (German Kennel Club).
http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.co.nz/2015/12/gsd-winner-among-worst-i-have-ever-seen.html
 
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gadunz said:
GSD winner "among the worst I have ever seen" says world's leading locomotion expert
. Despite the fact that his hock is on the floor, he was awarded Best of Breed at the National Dog Show in the US three weeks ago.
This winner is "among the worst I have ever seen," says leading the world's leading canine locomotion expert, Professor Dr Martin Fischer, author of Dogs in Motion, published by the VDH (German Kennel Club).
http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.co.nz/
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How revolting, disheartening, appalling and, well.... Sad .
 
gadunz said:
German Shepherds are described as "Alsatian police dogs," in this British Pathé clip from 1925.
http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.co.nz/2011/10/german-shepherd-video-from-1925.html
"The showring has never created one working breed, but has destroyed all that have entered there." Rev John (Jack)Russell.
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Agreed. German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Collies... all have suffered as breeds at the hands of "show" breeders and back yard breeders. I've lived with all of them and have done a bit of research into the breeds as a guardian interested in how they developed. These breeds were quite different in the early 20th century. And even then, there were people familiar with each of these breeds that were complaining about the damage done to them for the show ring.
 
well, i think a lot of things already got adressed by a lot of more knowledgeable persons than me. btw, over here in germany ever since the ban on "fighting" dogs the german shepard is the number one leading breed on dog related injuries. which i don't fault the breed for!
my aunt had one of the most well behaved GS i have ever encountered and we were allowed to play with it from early on. Whereas our neighbour had a seriously ill tempered one from a dog pound.
as with our dogs (retreiver and a mix) i have always believed that it depends mostly on how you train and raise a dog and treat it. one thing my aunt and grandpa agreed upon though was that a GS needs a firm set of rules and a strict hand. they said they don't take well to lax handling, lack of attention and lack of exercise/work.

also as mentioned above, watch out for the backs/hips... might be worth taking a look a some sort of cross breed.
 
A rescued greyhound. Too slow for the short track, 40mph couch potato. Hips- fine.
greyhounds_sleeping_pretzel.jpg
 
" i have always believed that it depends mostly on how you train and raise a dog and treat it. one thing my aunt and grandpa agreed upon though was that a GS needs a firm set of rules and a strict hand. they said they don't take well to lax handling, lack of attention and lack of exercise/work."

This is the key. Very well stated.
 
I have a czech shepherd, amazing dogs! I have 3 young daughters and he is awesome with them! Very gentle and knows his boundaries... Very smart, loyal and protective as many have said. This is my first shepherd after having many retrievers, ill never go back, shepherd fan for life! I do agree to stay in the working lines, no hip issues. Murphy is 90 lbs toned and can stop and turn on a dime. Good luck
 
My family has owned a kennel for 28 years. All we have had is German shepherds for our personal family dogs. My last one was 14 years old when he passed this summer, best dog I ever had! The two best tips I could give you is. Buy the dog from a family setting, one that has spent their first 6-8 weeks of life not just in a garage, but actually in the families house. The second would be socialize early, take them everywhere, have them meet everyone and everything. German shepherds can extremely quickly turn into anti-social, strictly one family gaurdians if not taken out. Some of the more energetic ones need a way to burn off that extra energy, it helps them focus, otherwise they will be unruley. I had one that is like that, could not focus until he ran a bunch. My last dog was the most laid back couch potato, he didn't need anything like that! Every dog is different though!
Other than those two important things, each dog is different. Some need training outside of home, some need none, all different. Best dogs ever though, good choice!! Such great family dogs!!
 
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