I do not understand how folks are lumping the GSD into the same lot as Rotts, Dobbies and Pit Bulls (especiallly).
These dogs are shepherds, not attach dogs. They are very smart and are well adapted to guard dogs with the proper training. But with poor training, ant dog can be turned into a bad dog.
I have the most problem with the yelpie ankle biting Fifi that is never on a leash as she "never hurts anyone".
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
TXiceman wrote: These dogs are shepherds, not attach dogs.
Ken
I know this was a typo, but I still got a kick out of it, since all of my GSDs have been "attach" dogs..they've attached themselves to me
Gary Shapiro
Spc. Dash - 10-year-old GSD
Spc. Lily - 7-year-old Greyhound
Spc. Allan (DOTL Rainbow Division) - waiting at the Bridge with Max, Willow & Dot
1992 Winnebago Brave 27' Class A
Dash on the dash - the only way to travel!
What I have found in the RV Parks in my area is denying these breeds by placing weight restrictions. I have found that the usually max weight restriction is 40lbs. and as low a 30lbs., with the exception of directly asking if it is a Pit should the pet fall within their guide lines.
I feel it is polite way to avoid the issue of having to list /voice any prejudices they may have, either personally or to comply with their business’s insurance policy.
I would like to add that the examples given are the Parks who are able to accommodate my size coach (40 feet). When I had my 30 feet coach, I’ve found the much older Parks would except a Pit. It was a non-issue, all they require is the pet be on a leashed.
Pops
Captain: Pops
Ist Mate: Harlee "Vicious Attack Dog" only if you try to move her when she's sleeping...
Trouble Maker: CALVIN
TXiceman wrote: These dogs are shepherds, not attach dogs.
Ken
I know this was a typo, but I still got a kick out of it, since all of my GSDs have been "attach" dogs..they've attached themselves to me
Having had a few attach themselves to my arm, all I can say is... thank God for bite sleeves!
On a serious note, the recent history (last few decades) of the breed has been a lot heavier on protection work than on herding work, and they fit in nicely with rotties and dobies. Not with pits, though, who don't have any real history in terms of protection or "attack" work. Pits were bred as family dogs and to fight other dogs, which is an entirely different matter.
And last I recall, they bite more frequently than pits do. Have to double check that, though.
About German Shepherds:
* They are very chewy when young. Chewy in..couch, drapes, carpet, matress, walls, furniture...as well as the usual puppy stuff like shoes, TP, cellphones, ect.
* GS' get bored very easily and do not like being left alone for long periods of time.
* Females seem to mature faster than males. Males are idiots until about 3 yrs old.
* They are a high energy dog and need lots of exercise. Expect lots of pacing back and forth for hours if they do not get enough exercise.
* They will blow a coat twice a year. Expect to comb and brush it 100s of times, and fill large trash cans with hair...all over a period of about 3-7 days. The rest of the year, they will shed normally.
* Plan on buying at least a 20lb bag of food each week.
* Young or older when you get the dog, expect a mega case of separation anxiety every time you try leaving it alone. This will last weeks or months until it trusts you.
As I read your list, I was thinkin' the Gretchen must be some kind of oddity in the GSD world!
paulm999 wrote: About German Shepherds:
* They are very chewy when young. Chewy in..couch, drapes, carpet, matress, walls, furniture...as well as the usual puppy stuff like shoes, TP, cellphones, ect.She has never chewed on anything that didn't belong to her.
* GS' get bored very easily and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. She is the ultimate lounge lizard. She watchs you leave, and then goes and lays down for as long as you are gone.
* Females seem to mature faster than males. Males are idiots until about 3 yrs old. Can't atttest to that one. Never had a boy dog.
* They are a high energy dog and need lots of exercise. Expect lots of pacing back and forth for hours if they do not get enough exercise. She loves to run, play frisbee and rock, etc. Has never, ever paced. Once again, lounge lizard.
* They will blow a coat twice a year. Expect to comb and brush it 100s of times, and fill large trash cans with hair...all over a period of about 3-7 days. The rest of the year, they will shed normally. This is absolutely true, even for Gretchen. A furmigator comb the best thing we ever bought.
* Plan on buying at least a 20lb bag of food each week. Gretchen will make that 20lbs. last two weeks. Eating is not high on her list of priorities.
* Young or older when you get the dog, expect a mega case of separation anxiety every time you try leaving it alone. This will last weeks or months until it trusts you. Can't really say about that one. We got Gretchen as a puppy and trained her according to the Monks of New Skete. All I know is that if a puppy is raised correctly, they will not suffer from seperation anxiety.
Walter & Garland - Camp Canine caretakers
Gen. Gretchen - 5 y.o. GSD - Special Forces/Seal/DOTL Cloudbusters
Gen. Missy - GSD/Aussie - Special Forces/DOTL Rainbow Division
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2008 Puma 25RBSS TT
20 lbs of food a week? Toby was 135 lbs and didn't eat that much. We did a lot of things with Toby and our blue tick coonhound we had that we were told couldn't be done. It just takes patience. Every breed has some inherent traits that you need to work with. I'm afraid to drop Riley off at the kennel tomorrow. The kennel owner is a GSD breeder-he's got PUPPIES!
Rottweilers are herding dogs. The Roman Army used them to heard the cattle they took with them across the world as they laid waste to their enemies. Dobies were bred to protect Doberman while he collected taxes. The ABPT used to be called the "Nurse Dog" and would escort small chilren to school when your grandparents were kids. I think you're confused on dogs and their purpose but I won't start an animal fight here Rotties, Dobies, ABPTs are all smart dogs with a desire to please and that has been exploited by their jerkass owner's desires. Back to the OP's post. I stay at State Parks because I travel with 3 dogs and most CGs limit by size or breed or quantity so I usually violate one rule or another except the State Parks which don't care as long as you obey leash laws (which you all should anyway). Get the dog that suits your needs and wants and love it.
-c
TXiceman wrote: I do not understand how folks are lumping the GSD into the same lot as Rotts, Dobbies and Pit Bulls (especiallly).
These dogs are shepherds, not attach dogs. They are very smart and are well adapted to guard dogs with the proper training. But with poor training, ant dog can be turned into a bad dog.
I have the most problem with the yelpie ankle biting Fifi that is never on a leash as she "never hurts anyone".
Ken
2006 Jeep Liberty CRD - sold
2005 Ford Expedition NBX
2002 Keystone Cabana
3 Dogs 1 DW
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