I know this group is populated with dog-lovers of all descriptions. As such, I seek your collective advice. I grew-up in a household that included two Norwegian Elkhounds. The last passed-on when I was 18 or so. I've not owned a dog since. I have a twelve year-old son who desperately wants a dog. Next to the faithful and constantly shedding Elkhounds, GSs are my favorite breed. I've become acquainted with a Cincinnati PD K-9 officer, and her beautiful Shepherd. This dog just recently sired a litter of pups. Unbeknownst to me, the officer and my wife have discussed ways to break me down and accept one of the pups. Their first attempt will be to e-mail me some photos in the next few days. Before I see them, and fall in love, I have some questions.

I have (for the city) a good-sized yard..maybe .7 acres. How effective have you found an invisible fence to be with a dog this size? To what degree do you find temperament to be a result of breeding vs. a result of rearing? Along those lines, at what age is it worthwhile to take him to obedience training? What steps can be taken as a puppy to avoid excessive barking. Finally, I would assume that the dog will bond with me as the Alpha male. Should I be the only one to issue commands/rewards, etc., or should my wife and son be included?

Thanks in advance.

I will be interested to see how this goes. I darned near got a GS pup last year; only reason I didn't is that it would tie us down a bit more than we want at the moment. I'm not at all sure I was smart letting the chance pass me by.

There is what looks like a pretty fair book on the subject, "How to Raise a Puppy" by the monks of Skete (sp?). It does look like a bit of a job to do it right, but it ought to be done right.

If you do this and post any pictures I am probably a goner.

Good advice!

http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/books/bk.html

Working dogs are generally "saner" than the general population. There used to be a lot of "very high strung" GSD's out there.
My opinion on gender is to get a female. I think they are smarter and more "homebodies" than the males. Neutering her early if you are not planning to breed her is a good thing to do as it cuts down on mammary tumors later in life. After three estrus cycles it doesn't matter.
Good luck..

We had a female GS that was the best dog we have ever had, and was the most intelligent and most trainable, as well. Among other fringe benefits: she virtually house-broke herself. As a working dog, she also lived to walk on leash -- working, after a fashion.

The down side: she developed severe skin problems, and was allergic to fleas; some Shepherds seem to be prone to such. I'd look into that issue carefully within the individual breed line before acquiring any pup. Ditto, any tendency toward hip dysplasia.

We never found the alpha male thing to be much of an issue. Our shep bonded to the entire family. However, when more than one family member is present, only one should be giving the dog commands. Otherwise, it tends only to confuse the poor dog. This is an issue you ought to talk over with a trainer.

Obedience training is definitely recommended.

Your yard seems adequate, but the crucial point here is, Shepherds, at least as much as most breeds and probably more than many, are very social animals. A lot of time alone is an invitation to boredom, and that's when sheps can get destructive.

The dogs do need exercise; be willing to commit to regular walks, which your shephered will come to love and will look forward to.

At 12, your son is a perfect age for a dog like this -- assuming he wants a dog. Our kids were 8 and 11 when we got our shep; she was a fantastic companion and confidant, particularly for our older son during the teen years. But again, remember that these are very social animals, and will be happiest when they're with their family.

Don't worry about the bonding part; that will happen right away, given even a modicum of love and attention.

Good luck with your potential new family member!

Bill

I'm not an expert in the 'dog field' but I'll tell you what I've done.
We got a Gordon Setter when she was about 7 months old. Trainer said it was great age for obedience training. My daughter and I both took her. It wasn't an advanced class, just the basics-heel, sit, stay, down(as in lay-down), off (so she doesn't jump up). She listens to me as the leader of the house, but I keep working with both children and their enforcing the commands and giving rewards. My wife does a pretty good job also. I want the dog to realize others in the house are also in charge of her so she doesn't think she is superior. The training never stops, just have to keep teaching.
I installed the inground fencing (3 hours of crawling on my knees to bury the wire), but it's worth it. (I live in the city w/ 3/4 of an acre property). The fencing kit came w/ the training instructions. FOLLOW THEM and it will work. She knows her boundries and stays in the yard. She only crossed it once, got shocked and ran back across before I could stop her. She cowered on the back porch and never crossed the line again. If the collar battery goes dead, she doesn't know it and still stays in the yard. The disadvantage is the fencing doesn't keep other dogs OUT of your yard. ADVICE: measure the amount of footage for the buried wire and buy a spool with at least 50' more. When you bury it, try to make it one loop and don't splice pieces together. This will only cause a place for corrosion or problems. Then when it quits working, you won't have a clue as to where the break in the line is. They do make a wireless system, but I didn't like the price.
I don't know the cure for barking. You can buy a correction (shock) collar, but I don't like this idea. My neighbors did this w/ a yellow lab, and the dog doesn't bark anymore. I WANT her to bark if there is a stranger or if someone approaches the house. Our dog barks because she wants them to play, but they don't know that. It's a great advanced warning system.
Whatever direction you decide, good luck. Dogs take a lot of work and make sure to give your son lot's of the responsibilities: feeding, Cleaning the land mines out of the yard twice a week (especially just before you mow), etc. The dog will respect the family more if everyone works with them, not just you.

I am and have been the pop to many GSDs. I was raised with my parents having a kennel for Huskies and German Shepherds from the 50's. They are the most intelligent idiots on the face of this earth as far as canines goes. The invisible fence will work but if she (get a female! you won't regret it) is determined to run through it she will. A 4 foot fence will be sufficient. You will have no better friend, protector and confidant than a GSD. But... you will have to let her know very early on who is the boss as well as the rest of the family. I have found that by cupping their muzzle with my palm and pushing it down and holding they will get the idea fast. Absolutely no pain but a little embarrassment for them, kind of like a dominate dog mouthing a submissive dog by the muzzle.
Alwasys make sure she has chew toys to keep the family shoes in good shape. Get her and you'll never have a regret except you'll never not have a Shepherd.
Gee, does it sound like I like these dogs?

On chew toys, stay away from the rope toys.

The best chew toy for a dog is a NylaBone (the full sized one)

Most dogs destroy the first 2 you give them, and they will have the 3rd one for the rest of their life.

I understand the desire for the invisable fence, but I still prefer a physical barrier, especially to keep other dogs (and kids) away from my animals.

Pertaining to the Invisible Fence......we have three labs on a two acre lot. We've had the inv. fence for 5 years and it is fantastic. It really makes owning dogs easy. Once trained, they won't go within 5' of our outer boundaries. FYI, I've always left a couple of flags up just to remind them, as we very raely put their electric collars on anymore.In the winter I put up some blue flags so they'll contrast with the snow.

Well... I have had GSD since I was about five... there is no more loyal and trainable dog out there BUT they need their "pack" and TIME! I have had several that had separation anxiety and its rough on them and us. Don't expect the dog to stay laying down if ya get up to get something off the shelf across the room its kinda a cross between a shadow and a hemorrhoid at times I loved em and they will get under your skin in good and sometimes annoying ways. I lost my last girl to old age 7 years back and miss her terribly. I have been wanting another but the commitment of time and resources is considerable and as said they are not a dog ya just leave home alone. Its not fair. Lot size is not as important as the time and I have never seen one tire of chasin a tennis ball well at least not quickly. A young boy and a shepperd can be an excellent match in energy... A boy and his dog ya know

GSD are like kids- you will get more rewards out of them if ya spend the time with them.

They are NOT for the casual owner- expect to be active with them if ya want a healthy happy dog.

They also make a great early warning system for home security.

I've been a GSD owner for most of my life. First, for your circumstances, I'd say get a female. A female GSD helped raise my 3 kids, and was a most wonderful companion and friend for all of us. I still miss her horribly.

Second, buy and read the books by the Monks of New Skete (don't recall the titles right now) on the breed before you get the pup, or as soon thereafter as possible. Those guys know whereof they speak with regard to rearing German Shepherds.

Socialize the dog with your whole family, not just you, and keep the commands consistent. A good GSD will have the vocabulary of an average 3-year old human, or better, once grown, but remember how easily you can confuse a 3-yr-old child! German Shepherds are my favorite breed, bar none, but require good guidance and consistent training. I owned one psycho male that had to be put down due to extreme mental instability and aggression at about 2 1/2 years of age, but the rest have been jewels, though with highly individual personalities.

My present GSD (a 2-yr. old male) only has one problem: a chase drive that is nearly overwhelming for him, combined with great energy. As long as he gets sufficient exercise, he does well. Let him lay around bored for awhile, and he finds a way to get into trouble. A couple of long sessions of "fetch" with a tennis ball will do the trick, most days.

Get one and enjoy!

I went with the invisible fence because we live in an isolated neighborhood. We know the few neighbors that live close by and the ones that have dogs, most are fenced in. We take our dogs to each others houses for 'play-dates'. The dogs love it! In the past 8 years I think I've only seen maybe 3 strays that wandered into the yard. A quick shout usually scares them off.

The last GS we had, walked through the invisible fence, hesitated for a split second when it shocked her, turned around and kept going. I swear that dog laughed at us. Wasn't worth it. I'm also for the physical barrier. If you don't, you definitely need to have her spayed because the invisible fence won't stop other dogs from coming in your yard.

We started our basic training class at 6 months. Since I was to be the main caregiver, I trained with her first. Then I showed everyone else what to do with her.

GS is a very smart and loyal breed of dog. Your son will enjoy it. You will too.

Thanks for all of the advice. A physical barrier just isn't practical in my case. The back of my yard is fenced, and stray dogs/children really aren't an issue. We do have deer in the yard on a daily basis.

If I don't think that the dog will have a good life here, I won't make the commitment...even if that means I'm the least popular guy around for awhile.

Sir, You of all people deserve a good GS. You are placing the dog before yourself and do not even have the dog yet. Looking down the road is the best thing anyone can do before acquiring an animal.
The responsibilities that go along with a well-deserving GS are astounding; the rewards, unspeakable. Good luck on your decision.

With only .7 acre and no physical barrier, YOU DON"T NEED OR WANT A German Shepherd especially if the dog is worth it's salt and for God's sake don't put that animal on chain or in a small enclosure. That kind of dog needs a place to run, they are jealious with their pets (you are the pet and dog is the owner with that breed).