German Shepard

curiousbuyer

Hi All,

Any thoughts on getting a GSD 7-9 months old?

I'm not overly familiar with the breed, looking for a good guard dog and also take with walking & jogging.

Cherry Blossom

I wouldn't jog with a dog until fully grown. For a GSD that would be 18months to 2 years old. A lot of them have bad hips too, so if that was the case jogging would be a complete no go for me. Where would you be getting the dog from? Would a vet check to see if the dog would be up to jogging be an option before you took the dog?

VonVix

Nothing wrong with getting a GSD of that age, but you are getting a puppy at its absolute most difficult stage in life, while the dog may look like an adult, they're basically a puppy in an adult's body. They're starting to find their feet and figure out who they are, they are most likely going through a fear period where bizarre fears suddenly pop up, like fears of bins or footballs. They don't listen as well as fully matured dogs, they can be hormonal and restless. Also, adrenalinjunkie makes an important point!

Another thing you need to keep in mind is how well socialised the dog is. If you're looking at a dog who was kept out the back for most of its life I would be highly reluctant to take him/her on unless I was willing to put the work and training into any behavioural issues that may pop up from not seeing the world, if you will.

GSDs are highly, highly intelligent dogs, and with that intelligence comes a need for their brain and body to be worked daily. They are quite standoffish in nature towards strangers, most don't have any desire to interact with unfamiliar people like the way the average goofy Labrador does.

You need to make sure that you're getting a dog that already fits into your life, and not fit your life around your dog, because most average Joe's with average jobs often don't last changing their lifestyle to accommodate their dogs needs. I got a GSD last year because before getting him I actively enjoy training and live next to a large park I visit daily, so he slotted in perfectly.

murphf

I have a GSD, she is soft as butter and would lick anyone to death we welcome into the house, I do think that a stranger coming in might get a shock though, she certainly has a big bark for anyone at the door! She has a thing against small dogs though and will bully them like standing over them so they arent allowed to move, (a friends one we were walking together) and has been known to have a go at them, she loves my brothers labrador though, and our other dog was a lab and they got on famously,

However I will never get a GSD again after she goes, I dislike the reputation they have and the attitude people have. They cross the street if I am walking her, and she must be muzzled but hates it and ends up foaming at the mouth when she is, which makes her look far more scary than if she wasnt! I walk her with the kids i mind, (muzzled but she is so gentle with them!) and am sick of people commenting when I do, that i must be putting them in danger! Just some things to think about, she is the best dog in the world, we are mad about her, but walking her is an issue that i hate

what a day

I also have a german shepard, had a few of them actually. The one i currently have had problems with his hip when i brought him jogging. As mentioned they are famous for hip problems. The problem started when i start bringing him for a job when he was too young (about a year old). Vet told me to stop the jogging and let him grow first. It worked, he has no problems now running. I feed him the best of food (not cheap!) and mix it with tins of tuna and fish oil.

As for the breed itself its a brilliant dog!!! As mentioned above its not a dog for every one, they are very energetic especially when they are young. LOVE playing, will play 24-7 if you wanted. They are extreamly intelligent and can be trained easy with treats!
They are naturally protective and will guard there territory all day and night.
My dog wont even let any other dogs near my other little dog. He is a very timid dog and loves people but can be over protective of the little dog (bichon frise). They are great pals and the bichon torments him at times.

As Murphf says when your walking him i have had a few comments of the negative kind but always comments on how handsome he is or does he bite etc.

Dubs1990

I am an owner of a 7 month old shepherd , a few things at this age , his temparment is perfect with people and dogs at the moment but this depends on how he was brought up I couldn't of socialized my guy any more if I tried , wary of people coming to the door but once I let them in he will lick them to death , the muzzling issue trixie are doing a new one that looks like a Haiti but is a muzzle 100% , ( I keep it loose he can still pick up a ball ) , feeding wise my lads 30kg I feed him 400g of food a day about 60euro a month depends on what you feed , get in to obedience they are scary smart !

DBB

Dubs1990 wrote: »

the muzzling issue trixie are doing a new one that looks like a Haiti but is a muzzle 100% , ( I keep it loose he can still pick up a ball )

Can you link or post a pic of this product?
I can't visualise how an effective muzzle that allows a dog pick a ball, would prevent a dog from biting if he was so inclined!

tk123

I'd say it's this one - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trixie-Muzzle-Loop-Large-Black/dp/B000WFJ24I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455294751&sr=8-1&keywords=trixie+muzzle+band

VonVix

I would assume it's this one. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/814JCYyVnSL._SX425_.jpg

Technically it's called "Trixie Muzzle Loop", but pretty ineffective as an actual muzzle lol.

Dubs1990

VonVix wrote: »

I would assume it's this one. http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/814JCYyVnSL._SX425_.jpg

Technically it's called "Trixie Muzzle Loop", but pretty ineffective as an actual muzzle lol.

Ye that's the one , your right if your dog needs a muzzle to stop biting it would be ineffective if it was not tightened enough.

Cherry Blossom

I assume it's called a muzzle loop because it's a loop that goes around the dogs muzzle. It is 100% not a muzzle, since the sole purpose of a muzzle is to prevent the dog from biting and it doesn't do that. No idea what the actual purpose of that gadget is, it seems a pretty pointless piece of kit tbh.

Dubs1990

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

I assume it's called a muzzle loop because it's a loop that goes around the dogs muzzle. It is 100% not a muzzle, since the sole purpose of a muzzle is to prevent the dog from biting and it doesn't do that. No idea what the actual purpose of that gadget is, it seems a pretty pointless piece of kit tbh.

I'll go by the product discription and it says it's a muzzle to prevent biting! I am using this as I don't like using the basket muzzles, I know I should be but this is something I use loosely on my dog ,

Cherry Blossom

In order for it to work the way you describe it would have to be so tight the dog can't open it's mouth and if the dog can't open it's mouth to pant, it can't be walked with it on 'properly'. It's only possible intended purpose would be for a vet visit. I'll stick with the basket muzzle

Dubs1990

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

In order for it to work the way you describe it would have to be so tight the dog can't open it's mouth and if the dog can't open it's mouth to pant, it can't be walked with it on 'properly'. It's only possible intended purpose would be for a vet visit. I'll stick with the basket muzzle

Ye your 100% on this , and IF I ever find my lad showing aggression then I will use a basket muzzle , but on paper if I ever get stopped he is wearing a muzzle.

maggiepip

Dubs1990 wrote: »

Ye your 100% on this , and IF I ever find my lad showing aggression then I will use a basket muzzle , but on paper if I ever get stopped he is wearing a muzzle.

Thats a good way round it once the dog is not aggressive, nicer for the dog! I'd absolutely love a German Shepherd sometime in the future , but all these restricted breed rules makes me very hesitant.

curiousbuyer

What would be the best age to buy GSD?
Roughly how much training per day would you have to give a pup?
For an adult GSD would it be alright to be left alone for 8 hours approx? (Large open yard at rear of house well secured)

If you bought an older dog 4/5 years what would be the pro's and cons?
Where is the best place to buy. I have been looking at done out of interest but I would be nervous about putting any reliance on people I don't know.

One of things I noticed in the done deal ads, they were making reference to hip and elbow scored?

Dubs1990

curiousbuyer wrote: »

What would be the best age to buy GSD?
Roughly how much training per day would you have to give a pup?
For an adult GSD would it be alright to be left alone for 8 hours approx? (Large open yard at rear of house well secured)

If you bought an older dog 4/5 years what would be the pro's and cons?
Where is the best place to buy. I have been looking at done out of interest but I would be nervous about putting any reliance on people I don't know.

One of things I noticed in the done deal ads, they were making reference to hip and elbow scored?

I bought a pup purely because I wanted to train it my way and also know it's temperment etc as it got older , training wise I might do 5 mins a day but make it really fun so the pup doesn't get board but to be honest it's always on-going with toilet training etc . My pup some days can be left up to 6 hours , I get up earlier for work and get him out , he's in a crate and never soiles it , he did once at 16 weeks old that's it. If getting a pup get one that's parents are hip scored its a problem in GSD yes you will pay more but you will save in the long run , somebody here might give you better info on getting an older German shepherd.

DBB

Dubs1990 wrote: »

I'll go by the product discription and it says it's a muzzle to prevent biting! I am using this as I don't like using the basket muzzles, I know I should be but this is something I use loosely on my dog ,

I've looked on a few sites, including the Trixie site, downloaded the product leaflet, but can't find anywhere that this product is intended for use as a bite-control device. It says on the product leaflet that it should be loose enough for the dog to pant and have free tongue movement, and better too loose than too tight, which suggests that this is not a piece of gear designed to stop the dog from biting.
Have I missed somewhere where the manufacturers describe it as a bite-control device? It doesn't look like it could keep the jaws closed enough to prevent a bite, particularly for a longer-snouted dog. It looks more like a headcollar designed to curb pulling on the lead (and to be honest, it doesn't look like it'd be that effective for that role either!).
I'm only asking for clarity's sake! I'm just thinking of people reading this thread in future... The law requires that RB dogs must be "securely muzzled", so if a muzzled dog manages to bite someone, it stands to reason that muzzling was not actually secure, and the owner could be in as hot water as if they hadn't muzzled their dog at all!

Dubs1990

DBB wrote: »

I've looked on a few sites, including the Trixie site, downloaded the product leaflet, but can't find anywhere that this product is intended for use as a bite-control device. It says on the product leaflet that it should be loose enough for the dog to pant and have free tongue movement, and better too loose than too tight, which suggests that this is not a piece of gear designed to stop the dog from biting.
Have I missed somewhere where the manufacturers describe it as a bite-control device? It doesn't look like it could keep the jaws closed enough to prevent a bite, particularly for a longer-snouted dog. It looks more like a headcollar designed to curb pulling on the lead (and to be honest, it doesn't look like it'd be that effective for that role either!).
I'm only asking for clarity's sake! I'm just thinking of people reading this thread in future... The law requires that RB dogs must be "securely muzzled", so if a muzzled dog manages to bite someone, it stands to reason that muzzling was not actually secure, and the owner could be in as hot water as if they hadn't muzzled their dog at all!

I have sent trixie an email to clarify this , as soon as they get back to me I will post it here as I don't want to be misleading on the product. I was sold the product on the bases of it been a muzzle.

tk123

Dubs1990 wrote: »

I have sent trixie an email to clarify this , as soon as they get back to me I will post it here as I don't want to be misleading on the product. I was sold the product on the bases of it been a muzzle.

I think the problem you could face is that it boils down to what a dog warden decides is/isn't a muzzle not what a manufacturer says the product is for? Point in case some wardens class Belgian shepherds as German shepherds because tbey look similar.

Choc Chip

tk123 wrote: »

I think the problem you could face is that it boils down to what a dog warden decides is/isn't a muzzle not what a manufacturer says the product is for? Point in case some wardens class Belgian shepherds as German shepherds because tbey look similar.

Slightly off topic (and correct me if I'm wrong here because it's not my area of expertise), but you still wouldn't be obliged to muzzle a Belgian shepherd, just because the warden is ignorant of either the legislation or the type of dog? As in, the warden has no power to enforce his own interpretation of the legislation if you can prove it to be wrong.

On topic - I can't see a definition of "muzzle" or "muzzled" in the SI (again, not my area of expertise so I could be wrong and it could be somewhere else). So I assume you'd have to use it's normal usage, " A device that is fitted over an animal's snout, often used to prevent biting or eating"?

I'm interested to see what Trixie say that the purpose of the muzzle loop is.

Choc Chip

curiousbuyer wrote: »

If you bought an older dog 4/5 years what would be the pro's and cons?
Where is the best place to buy. I have been looking at done out of interest but I would be nervous about putting any reliance on people I don't know.

Just on getting an older dog, I did and would again because it suits me. She's 4 or 5 yrs old and a GSD.

Pros: I've missed puppy teething, adolescence and house training. She came already perfect on the lead, and she is open to learning new things - in the last 4 months she's learned the house rules, together with sit, down, stand, "shy", off (my couches when she's muddy!), come, wait, "hello", leave, take-it and we're working on fetch. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Essentially, I knew exactly what I was getting, she already had a settled adult personality and (after initial teething problems), my life is earier than if I had a puppy.

Cons: An adult dog comes with baggage. Sometimes my dog will throw herself to the ground as if she thinks I'm going to hit her (especially if I'm holding something that looks like a stick, e.g. the mop). She's terrified of strangers coming to the door. She has no idea what toys are for. It took her weeks to learn that she was allowed to chew her kong. She'll probably never be the 100% confident dog she could have been. However, I knew this before I took her home. If you know what you want, you can choose an adult dog that will fit your criteria as you know what you're getting with an adult moreso than a puppy.

It all depends what you're into OP.

curiousbuyer

After doing some research I think my preference would be for GSD around the 3 years mark.
Are there any questions that I should ask or try to find out before buying?
When I go to buy I will want to ensure that there is;
IKC,
Vaccinated,
Wormed,
Microchipped,
hip and elbow scored,

is there anything else that I should look for?

curiousbuyer

After doing some research I think my preference would be for GSD around the 3 years mark.
Are there any questions that I should ask or try to find out before buying?
When I go to buy I will want to ensure that there is;
IKC,
Vaccinated,
Wormed,
Microchipped,
hip and elbow scored,

is there anything else that I should look for?

Cherry Blossom

Hip and elbow scoring would be for the parents if you were looking at getting a pup. I think it would be quite hard to find a three year old for sale that has these tests done. Your best option for a three year old would be a rescue but these dogs wouldn't be hip or elbow scored.

DBB

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

Hip and elbow scoring would be for the parents if you were looking at getting a pup. I think it would be quite hard to find a three year old for sale that has these tests done. Your best option for a three year old would be a rescue but these dogs wouldn't be hip or elbow scored.

Absolutely, 100% you'll find fantastic GSDs in that age group via rescue, rather than buying one. My last 4 GSDs were adult or almost-adult rescues, and once you satisfy yourself of their temperamental stability, it's simply a matter of getting your vet to have a right good root at the elbows, hips and spine to make sure there aren't any problems there. No need to have non-breeding dogs hip-scored.
On the temperamental stability, one of the big advantages to going through a reputable rescue is that their foster carers will already have lived with the dog for a period of time, and will have a fair good idea of where the dog is coming from