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.