Hi all

I have been perusing other dog forums and have just been advised that OH and I shouldn't be considering a GSD as our first dog.Quite frankly I'm feeling gutted about this response.

My OH was brought up around GSD's as a child which doesn't make him any the wiser really but he has a passion for them. I'm prepared to undertake any training that I need to help the 3 of us grow together.

So I would be incredibly grateful for your honest opinions on this, and please don't hold back afterall although we have our hearts set we're not prepared to be unfit parents either as it wouldn't do anyone any favours.

:( :(

Thanks

perhaps it isn't the perfect pup for them ..it sounds like you know what you want so good luck ......
Inca

Thanks Inca, however we are mature enough to back away from this choice if it is considered a mistake, we really do have the best interest of the dogs at heart.

I saw a GSD in the park this morning, he put the biggest smile on my face because he wanted to play fetch with his owner which proved to be a very difficult task as his choice of stick was the size of half a tree - good luck trying to throw that! :)

My first dog was a GSD & I was all of 8 years old & I saved up & bought her myself & just one or two years ;) (well quite a lot of years) later I still have a GSD & would never be without one

As long as you make sure that the puppy you choose comes from parents that have had all the health tests done & who have good temperaments themselves & the puppies have been well socialized & you keep that up along with training I don't see why you shouldn't have a GSD as a first breed

I completely agree! I have never owned one (too much hair and too much gob  ;-)  )  When I was a child I went to a riding school and the owners wife bred GSD and they were wonderful. There is no reason why you shouldn't have one as your first dog as long as you find the right breeder and put the effort in. My first PUPPY was my first BC although he wasn't my first dog, I was also told not to have him, he was the best decision I ever made. :-)

Thanks CM, it means alot to me to hear this.

LOL!!!! We're as old as we feel :)

Thanks MM, really appreciate the vote of confidence - and as you know we are researching this like crazy so I really hope it turns up trumps for us.

Makes me 10 years old then LOLOLOL I now know there is a BC puppy for me & I'm now counting the days down for his arrival here !

I was told I could never manage a BC or a GSD now 4 BC's & 10+ GSDs later I think I can, lol it's the cavaliers that run rings round me

Where is your pup coming from? I know it is ISDS from some of your other posts so I am just being nosey ;-) edited should have said that was for MM (oops)

Ignore my PM - just saw your edit!

MM congrats on your BC, please do tell us when he/she arrives and what you will call it!!!

I call mine anything I like, most of the muttered words are unrepeatable here ;-) but he seems to answer to them. Oh the joys of having a puppy :-)

LOL! Ahh the language of love!

is this a M/R one? as opposed to a L/C one?

I think some days I am about 6 and my dog is embarressed to be seen with me LOL LOL LOL

Please don't be put off getting a GSD. They are a much maligned breed, and there is no reason why a GS is unsuitable as a first dog. I can't believe someone made this comment. You have been very active on this board in connection with researching into the GSD, dog ownership and choosing a suitable breeder, and it is more than obvious that both you and your partner are serious and caring people who will give a dog a great home. You have put more care into this process than most average dog owners bother to make.
As long as you put the dogs best interests first - it is healthy, well cared for and loved - which I know it will be from everything you have said, and as long as you have the time, financial security and space to give a dog a loving home, there is no reason why a GSD is unsuitable as your first dog. I have grown up around GSD and they are one of the finest breeds in my opinion. You would have to go a long way to find a breed more loyal, more intellegent and they make excellent companions. They are wonderful with children and become a core part of their family unit. They are wonderful dogs, and I couldn't imagine being as confident around dogs as I am if I hadn't had a lot of happy memories as a child from the GSD.
I have waited all my life to be in a position to get a GSD, and if someone had made such a comment to me, when there are people out there who buy dogs without putting the thought and care into the whole research process as you and I have, well, I think they have no right to comment. Don't loose the dream and the chance to give a GSD a wonderful, loving home, as well as letting that dog enrich your life.

Take care, and goo dluck with your puppy! xx

NannyOgg thank you so much for such a wonderfully warm and caring email. It means alot for your support, and I'm so glad that you have such a wonderful passion and love for GSD's. We know that everyone has their favourite and there is so much to know about each breed but I agree with you fully, it comes down to the owners - how much time are they willing to spend and invest in their puppy. We mean well, we want to do ourselves and our pup proud, and I'm so looking forward to the day when I can introduce you to our new pup - photos, progress and all. There will be mistakes and failures as there is with anyone taking on something they have never done before but dedication and a willingness to learn and better ones self in the process has to be a good thing. Thank you, you have made my day, and I'm delighted that you have found such joy and happiness with a GSD.

Don't be put off they are marvellous dogs and we have had other different breeds but I can't say that our GSD was any more of a problem than any of the others.  I would have another one tomorrow if my daughter was older and I had more time to devote to one, I love em :-)

Don't worry about this too much... I think when people say 'not suitable for a first time owner' this tends to mean 'not suitable for someone who has no idea what they're letting themselves in for!' ;)  With the amount of research you have done I reckon you know what you're letting yourself in for and you know it won't be easy, but it WILL be very rewarding :)

When I was considering getting my breed, several people on forums told me that they were not for the first time owner, that they were stubborn and too clever for their own good, and that I wouldn't be suitable as a dog owner anyway because I'm young and at university and my life circumstances could change... well yes, my life circumstances may change, but I would always consider my Archie in this, and would never forgive myself if one of my dogs ended up in rescue

The problem is that on a forum people don't know you, and therefore can't really judge.  I went ahead and got my pup anyway, and I haven't regretted it for a second! (even though he's destroying his bed as I type lol )

You're going about things the right way so I would say carry on with what you're doing, try to meet some adult GSD's and maybe even go to some training classes even though you haven't got the dog yet, this will prepare you for the hard work.

Just remember to take all advice given on forums with a pinch of salt ;)

Hi Tuti, I had a PM with the lady in question and we sorted it out which is great. She didn't realise that my husband had GSD's and that they were trained by a member of the SAS who taught the family how to look after a GSD. My husband feels that a GSD is perfect for our family. I only learnt last night that my husband as a boy took them into the showrings (?) at the dog shows in Portugal, he feels more than comfortable to handle them. The reason why they stopped having dogs all together was the fact that it hurt too much when they passed away. But this is a new life for both of us and we are excited to be making this commitment. I will continue on with my research and probably drive everyone mad on the forum with all my questions. Fern will be spending 80% of his time with me so I need to ensure I'm competent and ready to handle all challenges :)

The key question to ask yourself is what sort of first time owner are you?  There are many first time owners who simply haven't got a clue and don't make any effort to get a clue as they go on to be second, third, etc. etc. time owners.  There are however many first time owners who really learn about dogs before homing, go to training classes, etc. and bring up dogs that anyone would love to say are theirs. 

There are some breeds that IMO are definitely not for the first time dog owner (eg, akitas, IMO), but I would not class GSDs as one of those breeds - if you are the second type of first time owner.

From your extensive and painstaking research into the breed I would think you would be excellent first time owners. I am sure that most good breeders would be impressed by your committment and the effort you have put in to find out about the breed, and would be prepared to place one of their precious babies with you. Be honest with the breeders and they will do all they can to help and advise you on the most suitable pup for you.

Thanks Shadow Boxer. We are really hopeful that the breeder will come back to us to confirm us to meet the Dam this Saturday and that she will consider us the right fit for her yet to be created pups.

Benji, the answer to the type of owner is 'Research Fanatic' and 'OTT Perfectionist' but 'Passionate about Dogs' and 'want to be a good mum'.

:)

lol maplecottage that's exactly what I was like before I got my pup, I spent months reading about dogs and training, went to a couple of training classes, went to a show, talked on the phone to people who own the breed, etc.

When I first spoke to the breeder and she realised that I hadn't owned one of these dogs before she seemed a little reluctant, but when I went to meet the pups I think she could see straight away that I was serious from the way I interacted with the puppies and dam.  I think it would be pretty much impossible to pretend to be a dog lover with 5 squeaky puppies crawling all over you and trying to attack your shoelaces! :D

BTW have you been to any shows?  It's always nice to meet other breeders and get their advice :)

No I personally haven't been to a show, the breeder went to one a few weeks ago...we were hoping for an invite but alas none came :)

Starting to feel a bit worried as she hasn't come back to me on my email confirming the Dam's visit this Saturday - I hope I haven't scared her off :( then my search will have to begin again which means I'll be sitting in the park watching everyone else and their dogs having a great time for a much longer time than anticipated.

Patience....

I am like you - excited as hell and hounding (excuse pun...) the breeder for any news. Thank god she is a patient and kind woman! At least you are making the effort with seeing the bitch etc., most people don't bother. Keep your chin up, and I am sure it will all work out!

I'm really excited!! Just spoke to the breeder and if Saturday's meeting doesn't happen it's because the Dam is going on a wee trip to be mated :)

They're just waiting for the blood test results on the Sire and if all clear then she'll be travelling out for mating.

How exciting :)

One more step closer to being in that park with our own pup! (Provided the breeder considers us suitable!!)

Please have your fingerscrossed for us when we do meet the breeder! It's our first time to see a breeder and we want her to have faith in us but I bet we'll be so nervous!!

Oh, how exciting for you! Good luck with it, and I know how you must feel. I can't imagine why a breeder would not consider you as an owner, so I don't think that is even an issue!!!

xx

if youve done your research & still want one then GOOOOO 4 it! love of the breed can go along way,look now for some good training clubs you can join,so you have some help & youll have us!

border collies arent an ideal first time dog ,yet they got me!

I'm excited for you!
I waited for my current girl for over a year; i was lucky enough to know the breeder and was able to see the dam before she was mated, and during her pregnancy, and also was able to visit the pups as they developed. It was amazing; i felt very attached to ALL the pups though and was sad to see them go.

Lindsay
X