Simonlondon40
New User
Hello, im looking into getting a German Shepherd likely a male. I am researching about them i would appreciate any advice before committing to get a Dog. Im in yorkshire area of UK. Regards Simon.
German Shepherd Owners UK
- Thread starter Simonlondon40
- Start date
Time for Tea
Well-Known Member
Hi Simon, welcome to the Forum. You might get more replies posting in the All About Dogs forum. There are some very knowledgeable doggy people on here, but I have got a GSD so I thought I would mention a few things from an ordinary pet owner viewpoint.
I have had two now, and I used to have border collies so I was used to a high energy animal. My first one was a more laid back character, the second one has been an absolute live wire, just slowing down a bit now at 6 years old.
I would say it is important to buy from a proper breeder and see the parents or at least one parent, (I’m assuming you are not taking on a rescue) and make sure the parents hip and elbow scores are good. They are lovely dogs with children, and mine have both been friendly with people coming to the house, good with postman and neighbours, all that sort of thing. They both enjoyed agility and a bit of obedience work. The first one wanted to play games with balls or toys all the time, including on a walk, and he would never really leave you. He also wanted to play all evening and hide things under the sofa, but he was very laid back and affectionate.
The second one isn’t really interested in games at all, he wants to hunt. He has a strong prey drive, and if he is after something he will just go. It has taken a lot of care and training to get him sensible, and I never let him off the lead if I’m walking in Yorkshire where we visit relatives, because there are so many sheep!
Both dogs inclined to be bossy and overly boisterous with other dogs. The first one was inclined to bully small dogs, so a lot of training and restraining work took place with him, and he got very good. The second one was really good with small dogs, but a bit reactive with large dogs, largely I think due to having been attacked by a local staffie/pit bull type when a puppy. He is ok though, never barks at or rushes at anything.
They need a couple of hours exercise a day I would say, when they are young.
Both ok with their own house cats but would chase others.
You do get some interesting reactions from people. They are usually admired by tough looking heavily tattooed blokes in white vans. Not so much by old ladies with lap dogs!
They are very sensitive dogs, loving and faithful. They guard their family. They need lots of training and socialisation/training classes were invaluable.
Hope this helps.
I have had two now, and I used to have border collies so I was used to a high energy animal. My first one was a more laid back character, the second one has been an absolute live wire, just slowing down a bit now at 6 years old.
I would say it is important to buy from a proper breeder and see the parents or at least one parent, (I’m assuming you are not taking on a rescue) and make sure the parents hip and elbow scores are good. They are lovely dogs with children, and mine have both been friendly with people coming to the house, good with postman and neighbours, all that sort of thing. They both enjoyed agility and a bit of obedience work. The first one wanted to play games with balls or toys all the time, including on a walk, and he would never really leave you. He also wanted to play all evening and hide things under the sofa, but he was very laid back and affectionate.
The second one isn’t really interested in games at all, he wants to hunt. He has a strong prey drive, and if he is after something he will just go. It has taken a lot of care and training to get him sensible, and I never let him off the lead if I’m walking in Yorkshire where we visit relatives, because there are so many sheep!
Both dogs inclined to be bossy and overly boisterous with other dogs. The first one was inclined to bully small dogs, so a lot of training and restraining work took place with him, and he got very good. The second one was really good with small dogs, but a bit reactive with large dogs, largely I think due to having been attacked by a local staffie/pit bull type when a puppy. He is ok though, never barks at or rushes at anything.
They need a couple of hours exercise a day I would say, when they are young.
Both ok with their own house cats but would chase others.
You do get some interesting reactions from people. They are usually admired by tough looking heavily tattooed blokes in white vans. Not so much by old ladies with lap dogs!
They are very sensitive dogs, loving and faithful. They guard their family. They need lots of training and socialisation/training classes were invaluable.
Hope this helps.
Simonlondon40
New User
Thankyou for your detailed response you clearly have alot of GSD experience. Much to consider …. They seem an ideal Dog. I think. Would licenced breeders allow you to walk interact with them see how that is or do you just purchase?
moosea
Well-Known Member
Hi Simon,
May I ask if this will be your first dog?
And is there any reason for wanting a GSD?
I've had quite a few GSD/ gsd crosses through a rescue I worked with.
My experience has been...
They are generally highly intelligent dogs who need mental stimulation almost as much as physical excersise.
Thay tend to be very vocal dogs- with a range of sound for every situation!
Every GSD I have had has been very loyal and loving.
They can clear a 6ft fence without any problem at all, they are athletic dogs.
They can be protective of their family and their homes.
They need socialisation early on as they are generally big wimps who can react in the wrong way if fearful, or become great big goof balls when excited and terrify other dogs with their enthusiasum!
You need to obviously check elbow and hip scores of parents.
They can have problems with their growth rates affecting their limbs when they are young.
When they ( males in particular from my experience) reach between12 months and two years old they can forget everything they know and become total
teenagers! Most of the dogs I had, had been surrendered between these ages. They need clear, consistent and patient handling during this phase. Physical discapline can turn them into agressive very quickly. Just keep being clear and consistent with them.
I love the breed and they would be my first choice when i am in a position to have another dog.
May I ask if this will be your first dog?
And is there any reason for wanting a GSD?
I've had quite a few GSD/ gsd crosses through a rescue I worked with.
My experience has been...
They are generally highly intelligent dogs who need mental stimulation almost as much as physical excersise.
Thay tend to be very vocal dogs- with a range of sound for every situation!
Every GSD I have had has been very loyal and loving.
They can clear a 6ft fence without any problem at all, they are athletic dogs.
They can be protective of their family and their homes.
They need socialisation early on as they are generally big wimps who can react in the wrong way if fearful, or become great big goof balls when excited and terrify other dogs with their enthusiasum!
You need to obviously check elbow and hip scores of parents.
They can have problems with their growth rates affecting their limbs when they are young.
When they ( males in particular from my experience) reach between12 months and two years old they can forget everything they know and become total
teenagers! Most of the dogs I had, had been surrendered between these ages. They need clear, consistent and patient handling during this phase. Physical discapline can turn them into agressive very quickly. Just keep being clear and consistent with them.
I love the breed and they would be my first choice when i am in a position to have another dog.
Time for Tea
Well-Known Member
I think a good breeder will let you interact as much as you think you need to, and they will also give you information about the breed while you are doing that. They do not want their dogs homed to unsuitable people.
I don’t know if this is your first dog, but they can be difficult to manage, I knew all about them because my sister had kept them. A good breeder who has bred for temperament is most important.
Simonlondon40
New User
Yes first
Time for Tea
Well-Known Member
Ok. Well you have made a good start, looking for information, that’s great. So much better than someone just buying one then wanting to rehome a young dog, because they can’t cope. Maybe a bit of volunteer work with a GSD rescue? You will pick up a wealth of information from the people running it. You might even find your perfect partner there.