Considering getting my son a GSD for his first dog... advice?

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tRidiot

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My son has always had a big thing for German Shepherds. He likes big dogs (so do I), but I think the disciplined protector type is where he is coming from, mainly.

The Wife and I have decided he is probably old enough now to begin to learn the responsibility of caring for as well as adequately training a dog, and we like the idea of himhaving a constant companion who is well-suited for defense and intimidation should the need arise. My son is also still young enough he has the energy to keep up (12 1/2), unlike us. lol

So, of course, I envision Timmy and Lassie, constantly by each others' sides and my son being protected from any and all threats while we aren't with him. Yeah, a bit optimistic, perhaps, but the bond a boy can develop with his "first dog" can be pretty special, so we're entertaining the idea.

I'm not paying the $2k-5k I see from special top breeders in the Tulsa area, etc. Of course Craiglist has some for sale without papers in the $250 or so range. This is more reasonable, we feel. We're not worried about papers and showing a dog, but we don't want something from a puppy mill that's been poorly-bred or could have temperament troubles, etc. I know some people will say, "You get what you pay for," but I think there are likely decent deals from decent folks out there with good dogs. I'm just not paying used-car prices for a puppy.

So, I'm open to ideas, if you guys know of people in your local area who have some good pups for sale, we're looking to adopt, perhaps. Also would like feedback on training programs and such, as we will definitely be doing that. Likely some in-person local training as well as perhaps some purchasable training programs, like on DVD or something.

It's all new to us. We have 2 cats, they're idiots, one is somewhat loveable, the other is a psychotic freak I'd just as soon the GSD ate as soon as he outgrew her. :D Of course, the wife is concerned about them getting along - I think starting at a puppy age, he'll have time to get used to them, while they generally get over their rage in being displaced as the sole underfoot assassins in the home.

So what do ya'll think?
 

okie362

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I've had GSDs off and on my whole life and grew up with them as a kid. A pup is the way to go and when they bond he'll have a friend for life (dogs life of course). Just keep in mind they are a working breed and require a lot of interaction and exercise. They are also very intelligent so often have a mind of their own.

And they make great fishing partners BTW.

IMG_0416.JPG
 

tRidiot

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Just keep in mind they are a working breed and require a lot of interaction and exercise. They are also very intelligent so often have a mind of their own.

And they make great fishing partners BTW.

I am definitely learning this. Lots of reading and learning to go, and we know we are going to need to keep him active as can be.
 

donner

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obviously you'll do what you want, but if you are in no hurry and aren't in need of 'papers' i'd suggest you watch the local rescue shelters and spaces like petfinder. We're always seeing GSD mix puppies come up for adoption from some of the poorer rural communities that don't value spay/neutering. One place, Tunica Humane Society, seems to get a good bit of them. They just found a beautiful white GSD the other week IIRC.

In my opinion, pure breeds are often overrated as they sometimes come with some genetic issues that mix breeds do not. Plus, adopting from a rescue/shelter saves two lives.

But again, that is just my opinion. And as was said, intelligent dogs are great but often obey because they want to (not because they are trained to!)
 

Annie

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Here.

https://austerlitzshepherds.com

Every single GSD I have ever had (Nero makes number 6 now) has come from Susanne's kennel. Remember Jackie? The "there will never be another like her Jackie"? Yep. She came from Susanne's.

Nero is going on 11 now and I'll get my next, and probably last, pair of puppies from here when he passes.

Her puppies are phenomenal. Raised with cats, chickens and other dogs, and socialized from birth. Tell her I sent you. You will NOT be sorry. You are welcome. :Heya:

Btw, our 2 grumpy 18-year-old cats HATE the dogs. They aren't afraid of them, mind you, they just HATE sharing. They have finally resigned themselves to just quietly but openly displaying their contempt as they walk by but Jeez Louise those 2 can hold a grudge. The dogs don't even look up when they saunter by anymore. Lol
 
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rc508pir

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Here.

https://austerlitzshepherds.com

Every single GSD I have ever had (Nero makes number 6 now) has come from Susanne's kennel. Remember Jackie? The "there will never be another like her Jackie"? Yep. She came from Susanne's.

Nero is going on 11 now and I'll get my next, and probably last, pair of puppies from here when he passes.

Her puppies are phenomenal. Raised with cats, chickens and other dogs, and socialized from birth. Tell her I sent you. You will NOT be sorry. You are welcome. :Heya:

Btw, our 2 grumpy 18-year-old cats HATE the dogs. They aren't afraid of them, mind you, they just HATE sharing. They have finally resigned themselves to just quietly but openly displaying their contempt as they walk by but Jeez Louise those 2 can hold a grudge. The dogs don't even look up when they saunter by anymore. Lol
Hip dysplasia late in life?
 

Hump66

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Here.

https://austerlitzshepherds.com

Every single GSD I have ever had (Nero makes number 6 now) has come from Susanne's kennel. Remember Jackie? The "there will never be another like her Jackie"? Yep. She came from Susanne's.

Nero is going on 11 now and I'll get my next, and probably last, pair of puppies from here when he passes.

Her puppies are phenomenal. Raised with cats, chickens and other dogs, and socialized from birth. Tell her I sent you. You will NOT be sorry. You are welcome. :Heya:

Btw, our 2 grumpy 18-year-old cats HATE the dogs. They aren't afraid of them, mind you, they just HATE sharing. They have finally resigned themselves to just quietly but openly displaying their contempt as they walk by but Jeez Louise those 2 can hold a grudge. The dogs don't even look up when they saunter by anymore. Lol
This times a million. I got mine from Austerlitz and she's been amazing.
 

mugsy

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I would suggest that you get/borrow and read this book from the Russian Orthodox Monks of New Skete monastery - they raise and train champion bloodline GSDs and their training methods are excellent. They also have an excellent discussion of the way to properly temper/dominance test puppies.

Link to New Skete Monks books on training/raising dogs: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...nks+of+new+skete's+the+art+of+raising+a+puppy

The biggest single mistake made in getting any dog, but which can be critical with large, potentially dangerous (but actually wonderful) breeds like the GSD, is selecting based upon looks and not temper/dominance. Also, I will second the note above that if your son isn't committed to regular daily exercise and interaction - don't get a GSD, it will end in frustration for all. These are pack oriented working dogs not lap dogs (in general) not to be left alone all day or kenneled - IMHO - without very bad results.

My 2 cents.

BTW - I love this breed and with good selection, considering how your son can and will live, they can make the most loyal and faithful of pets/companions (I will not say "fur baby") because the human is not a parent he/she is the owner and master...if not then the dog will be.
 
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