Tips on German Shepards?

[icehog3]

Great dogs, I have had 3....My current Shepherd, Ganz, will be 9 in May.

I looked for a breeder who had bred the dogs several generations back, with no "in-breeding". Also made sure that there was no hip dysplacia or cancer in the bloodlines.

As bvilchez stated, training is crucial. Shepherds are strong, smart dogs, but they need to know who is boss. I recommend a local German Shepherd club for training, as they take more time than a PetSmart type class offers.

They are wonderful, loving, loyal dogs, if you train and care for them properly, they are a great adddition to a family.

[Zoomschwortz]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Great dogs, I have had 3....My current Shepherd, Ganz, will be 9 in May.

I looked for a breeder who had bred the dogs several generations back, with no "in-breeding". Also made sure that there was no hip dysplacia or cancer in the bloodlines.

As bvilchez stated, training is crucial. Shepherds are strong, smart dogs, but they need to know who is boss. I recommend a local German Shepherd club for training, as they take more time than a PetSmart type class offers.

They are wonderful, loving, loyal dogs, if you train and care for them properly, they are a great adddition to a family.

Make sure there is no "in-breeding".

I have known people that have had great luck with them, but I also know two who had problems.

My former neighbor had one that touched their electric fence (they think) in the back yard, let out a yelp, ran to the front yard and attacked his wife.

My friend had a very large male that at times would go nuts and you couldn't turn your back on him. If you showed any fear, you were his. He came at me one day and thank God I yelled at him and went towards him instead of away from him. He backed down and never challenged me again.

He did bite a few people and my friend had to shoot him.

Both people paid a lot of money for their dogs and they were fine looking dogs. All we can think is there must have been some in-breeding to make them unbalanced.

Originally Posted by Zoomschwortz

Make sure there is no "in-breeding".

I have known people that have had great luck with them, but I also know two who had problems.

My former neighbor had one that touched their electric fence (they think) in the back yard, let out a yelp, ran to the front yard and attacked his wife.

My friend had a very large male that at times would go nuts and you couldn't turn your back on him. If you showed any fear, you were his. He came at me one day and thank God I yelled at him and went towards him instead of away from him. He backed down and never challenged me again.

He did bite a few people and my friend had to shoot him.

Both people paid a lot of money for their dogs and they were fine looking dogs. All we can think is there must have been some in-breeding to make them unbalanced.

Inbreeding was the first thing i asked about, apperently thay take really good care to make sure this never happens. So that makes me happy. Well see still waiting on The girlfriend. Gonna take her to see the pup. She lives with me now so shes gotta be ok with it. Damn thing is so cute, if that fails, im reevaluating our status!

Is it bad luck to name the dog before i actually buy it?

Was driving to work thismorning and seemed like Kojack would be a good name...

Kasha Loved her. Looks like ill be getting the dog, Just need to pass the home inspection from the place, not worried about it.

[joetownhound]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Great dogs, I have had 3....My current Shepherd, Ganz, will be 9 in May.

I looked for a breeder who had bred the dogs several generations back, with no "in-breeding". Also made sure that there was no hip dysplacia or cancer in the bloodlines.

As bvilchez stated, training is crucial. Shepherds are strong, smart dogs, but they need to know who is boss. I recommend a local German Shepherd club for training, as they take more time than a PetSmart type class offers.

They are wonderful, loving, loyal dogs, if you train and care for them properly, they are a great adddition to a family.

The only thing that I could add to this is asking the question on what you plan on doing with her (family pet, protection, or competitions). Also would like to add is get one for a reputably breeder and not one from a backyard breeder. If you is close to a dog club you could often find someone there to asks question about temperaments and training.