Im thinking about getting a german shepherd..?

Question

BUT I need some more tips.

I'm doing research because I can't get another dog for another month or two (which my great dane/saint bernard will be a little older then 6 months)

How are older ones with new things like children, dogs, etc? (1 year or so)

Can they be left home alone for 2 hours with my other dog, or?

How hard is their training at a year old? Well in a typical shepherd.

Or if you have any other suggestions or dog breeds you think would be best?

THANKS

--and OBV they wouldnt be left home alone together until after a week or two and I know they'll be okay , maybe even a month!

Answer 1

I love German Shepherd dogs. I bought one some years ago and kept her until she died. They get big but they are one of the best dogs to have. They will give their life to protect you. You are not going to believe this but we stay in the woods and her and my son was walking and a bear came out(yes I did say a bear) and she stayed there and protected my son until he was in the house. That has to be love and courage because if I was a dog and a bear came out, I would have been gone, he would have had to protect himself.  They are smart dogs, it was easy to train her, we even taught her to play hide and seek. They do become attached to you, they are loyal. But if you are still not sure about them, call up dog trainers and ask them about German  Shepherds and then you will hear it from the experts

Answer 2

in my own personal experience of old dogs with new ones, it wasn't very good.

we have a german shepard, who was at least 4 years old (human years) and then we got a wrott weiler puppy, we tried to introduce them gradually so they could get used to each other, and they seemed fine but then one day after a couple of weeks the german shepard attacked the puppy, she survived and they are fine now, we just had to discipline the other dog so she knew the puppy wasn't a threat.

They were both girl dogs aswell.

i guess it depends on the dog, is it okay around other dogs.

its not hard training the dog, the ealier you start training the dog, the less chance of it getting bad habbits.

i think german shepards are great dogs, they are loyal, and fun to be around, they are quite good with kids, but i really wouldn't let little kids run around alone with a excitable puppy, you never know what might happen.

Answer 3

I have has several GSD in my life and because they are very smart, a little training goes a long way. They are just fine left alone for a few hours. They will just sleep. Spend as much time as you can watching the 2 dogs interact before leaving them alone together. One of them will show dominance and sometimes you have to let them do it their own way as long as a fight does not break out. One of the Sheppard's I got was rescued from the pound and he was a older dog. He was great with kids as all my Sheppard's were. I think you are making a wise choice getting a GSD.  

Answer 4

An older German Shepherd Dog, if properly socialized at a young age can be a great companion for young children. It's important to consider the age of the child involved. GSDs have a very rough play style. They will knock over very small children and can at times demonstrate herding behavior which can be very inappropriate.

If the GSD that you're interested in has been around other dogs in the past and has been socialized with other dogs, they should be fine. I think the introduction should go very smoothly.

The same general rule applies to cats and smaller pets. If the dog has been around them in the past, I think you will have no problem. If you're considering adopting a German Shepherd Dog from a shelter or rescue organization they should have temperament tested the dog and should be able to tell you whether or not the dog can be placed in a home with children and other dogs.

A one year old German Shepherd Dog is still considered a puppy. He will play and will need to be taught boundaries. It's very important to socialize a one year old GSD. They need to be exposed to new situations and people. I highly suggest an obedience class. Training a one year old German Shepherd Dog is simple. They are a very intelligent breed that learns readily. They tend to be very eager to please and will do what you ask of them. However, they need to respect your authority. A GSD allowed to get away with inappropriate behaviors at a young age is a dog that will be a huge problem for you in the future.

Two hours home alone is certainly acceptable. Do you plan on crating him while you're gone or will he have the run of the house?

All in all, a one year old GSD is a puppy. They're just a bigger puppy!! If you're looking for more of an adult dog, I would suggest a dog around 3 years of age. At this age, GSDs are fully mature and their temperament and traits are apparent.

If I can help with anything, feel free to e-mail me!!

Answer 5

Ok my father in law has a beautiful german shepard. and he is only 2 years old and he is HUGE!

they are like big babies and adore they're "family" you..babies.. etc they are super sloppy and love to l**k and play so the environment has to be upbeat they love to run outdoors. and love to bark at strangers. Ace just turned 2 and he could sit , stand, give his paw, give kisses the whole 9 yards..howeverrrr i think my father in law took him to a class for all that etiquette. I have to stress that german Shepard's gets really really big so I think it might SCARE your baby more less as oppose to hurting her. So try something small like a chihuahua , or shitzu good luck to you!

Answer 6

They are generally ok with children, the children need to familiarise themselves before going into doing things like constantly stroking them because german shepherds do get annoyed with constant attention. they should be able to be left aloen for 2 hours with your other dog AFTER you have been with them and made sure they do not fight or attatck eahcother, there training is usually good, especially if you are firm, but fair, reward them for good things etc, they are lovely dogs, we only  had to get rid of ours because it had anal furunculosis, but if you get one, i hope yours doesnt get it hope this helps (: x

Answer 7

that's mean little dogs are great. They are the same just smaller. You shouldn't hate them :(

Answer 8

  the dog should be ok around kids, they are actually very friendly. They do however have a tendency to get cataracts as they get older. I had a shepard and he was fine after the younger kids got used to him ( they can be very intimidating).

Answer 9

they are fine with children but need to be watched until the child knows how to act around them...yes then can but they need to get along...very very easy 3rd smartest breed....GSD's r the best breed around in my opinion!