So me and my wife have pretty much decided we're getting a German Shepherd on our income tax. We'll be getting it (most likely a male) from a breeder for about $1200. It seems a bit high but her dogs are AKC registered and genetically tested to prove pure blood line. She gives them shots, dewormed them and also has a 1 year policy thing dealing with hips and joints (going to look deeper into that). She also starts early development obedience training. I've been talking to her and she seems like a legit breeder/trainer that has been in the business for a while so I think my money is well invested.

My point in posting this thread is I was wondering if anyone can recommend me cheap or free learning material for puppies and dogs? I'm looking at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/german-shepherds-for-dummies-d-caroline-coile/1101748979?ean=9780764552809 and it looks like it will cover a good bit of the basics. She recomends Leerburg.com that does have some free material but the bulk of the important stuff is sold by dvd's ranging from $40+ which seems a bit rediculous. Yeah I'm spending $1200 on a dog but the way I see it is the dog itself is worth the investment, $40+ for a dvd seems like price gouging when I can probably get the same info elsewhere and at a more reasonable price if not free.

German Shepards are work/guard dogs and are known to really nasty biters (I believe they rank 1st for worst bites above Pitbulls and Rottweilers) but like any dog you have to properly train them and raise them right. If you're getting a male and not planing to breed him then nvder is a must, I did it to my male dog and he's 1000 times better then I could ever hoped. All I'm saying is do more research before getting a German Shepard, I've heard to many sad stories of people buying them thinking they'll be good for companionship only to be taking it to a vet to be put down (due to bites or attacking people) or taking them to an ASPCA shelter cause they couldn't handle them.

As a puppy, you definitely should walk your dog as much as you can, get him to interact with as many dogs and people as possible, so that he's comfortable around his own kind and people. One of the worst traits in a pet is being timid. Timid dogs just exude a field that more dominant dogs pick up and exploit, and are more likely to retaliate due to fright. A well socialized dog will be more confident, and a confident dog will be a more happy and stable dog. Giving it daily walks will also allow your dog to release a lot of pent up and nervous energy, which is a very good thing.

If the dog does an inappropriate action, immediately let it know that was wrong. Correct bad behaviors now, rather than later. Be firm, but don't be harsh. If it does something good, give it lots of praise, as dogs do tend to be really receptive to positive reinforcement. Oh yeah, and when giving them a treat, have them sit patiently and try make sure they gently grab the treat from your hand, instead of trying to make them catch the treat or bite it from your hand. If you do this, the Shepherd does tend to be more spatially aware of its own mouth and bite, and will likely lead to less accidental bites.

The nice thing about shepherds though, is that they are smart, loyal, and do aim to please. As such, they can be relatively easy to train, but you NEED to remain vigilant about it, and be aware you are handing a dog who will grow up to be at least 60lbs. With males, they do try to challenge authority, as that is the nature of a dog. Always put yourself as the dominant dog, and all family members, including the children, as a higher rank.

I did own a German stock female german shepherd (so she was smaller and more lean than the American breed), and she was a great dog who also know how powerful her bite was, because she was well trained. Shepherds can also be great dogs and companions, but you have to treat them like a dog. Shepherds do respect authority, and can be very enjoyable pets when raised correctly.

German Shepherds are at risk of a condition known as hip dysplasia, a genetic condition in large dog breeds which has become rather common in the Shepherds due to inbreeding by unscrupulous breeders. The leg sockets in the hip are too large for the leg bones, which can cause the dog all kinds of pain and arthritis in the hips, as well as dislocations. The usual fix for severe cases is hip replacement surgery, which is very expensive and unpleasant for the dog while he recovers. That's probably what the breeder is covering with her hip and joint policy.

Ich bin Commander Shepard und dies ist mein Lieblingshund in der Zitadelle.




Ok bad jokes apart.I had one. He died when he was 9. He was quite aggressive with someone from outside my social circle. Probably something common with dogs created to guard things. But it's worthy if you know how to handle. They're very close to their owners. At least mine was.

I think you're right on the power of their bites. My dad owned one for a short while (it was about a year old when he got it) but he couldnt handle taking care of it because he was disabled but managed to give it to a lady who owned and raised them. I'm on the fence about breeding him. I've considered studding him out later but I feel that it might be more trouble than it's worth (with raging dog hormones) so I am leaning more towards nvdering. It will be a few months before I can get him because the litter isnt even born yet so I'm getting up all the info I can.

I actually own a timid dog right now (dachshund), while she doesnt go out of her way to attack people she does cower and tail tuck. She was like that when I got her from my inlaws because they did not socialize her and for the first 2 months of her life they kept her in their house. I'm taking the time to play with her and walk her every day to try to get her out of it. I've also read that timid behavior in dogs can also be genetic and her father was timid, but still a very good dog.

She has the larger dog breed, all of hers way ~100 lbs.

I'm also looking to move soonish as soon as I can find a place that gives me what I need along with a fenced in back yard. I currently do have a fenced in back yard but the land lord is too cheap to repair the old rotten fence.

Ah, thanks for the info. Will be good to know.