German Shepherd

[Carpe Diem]

My son has saved up money and really wants to get a German Shepherd. (He is old enough and responsible enough. He has proven this with animals.)

What would we need to know about GS before purchasing one? What is the most we should pay? Is Heidelberg the only place locally for us to look?

[eaglesprings]

A friend of mine recently adopted from Heidelberg, and seems very pleased. I'm not sure if there are any others around this area, but perhaps in the Greater Houston area?

Wilson will probably be able to give you a good bit of advice on this. Best of luck to you in your search!

[cgwoolf]

Only thing I know that you need to know is train the dog very well. That breed, along with Pinchers and other dogs usually used as "watch" dogs do have a basic temperament. And it needs to be tempered. That breed also has a tendency to "turn on you" at some point in time. Not sure I'd ever fully trust it around kids...maybe if the kid/dog grew up together, I don't kinow.

[Carpe Diem]

The guy next door trains German Sheperds and is going to help us. You're right, that is a concern of mine. (He was just a wee bit loopy last night when we were asking him questions. We have to catch him at a good time.) :)

[Wilson]

I'd get a rescue :). GSD Rescue of Houston had to close, but another group is forming (has formed?) - I just don't remember the details. Hopefully, Rosa will chime in...

I don't think that GSD's have any more tendency to "turn on you" than any other breed. Good training and letting ANY dog know it's place within the pack is a MUST. I'd invest way more $ in the training that I would purchasing a Heidelberg.

[Realtorchick]

I have to make a correction. One adopts from a rescue/shelter and buys from a breeder. I'm sorry to be so picky but it's a sore subject with me.

That being said if you are wanting to buy a puppy, Heidelberg is the place to go. From what I have read, they are very responsible breeders. They won't even let a pup go until it is 12 weeks old. If only ALL breeders did this, we would have less dogs in shelters.

If you want to adopt, GSD rescue and some all breed rescues have fantastic dogs needing homes. Just search on www.petfinder.com for a GSD and you will find many dogs in need.

GSDs are powerful and strong and should be properly trained and so should the owners btw. I beleive that dog owners need training as much as the dogs do. But ALL dogs should go in for training, no matter the breed.

Please buy some books on teh breed and research them carefuly before deciding if this is indeed the breed for you. I love many breeds but I know they are not the right one for me so i stick to the ones that are.

[Carpe Diem]

Realtorchick, do you know of a local GS rescue?

[Realtorchick]

Let me send out an email and see if they've started up yet. I know a new one was forming.

[Realtorchick]

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX284.html

These folks have a lot of GSDs. From what I can tell, the dogs are in foster homes.

Also SAFE house in Spring has this pretty boy http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9271951

and there are some lovely one at the Montco Shelter.

[mdonn76405]

Alot of people like Heidleberg, but I have bought 3 from them and they all had hip problems. GS are very loyal and are wonderful dogs. It will bond with one family member but will be loyal to the whole family. He will give his life to protect you. Check pedigree of the puppy and have it checked for hip displacement before you seal the deal. Last time I bought one, it was $600.00.

[schnauzermom]

JMO but Milo the rescue sounds like he would make a great dog for a teen. It says he is playful and active but is crate and potty trained. I would go check him out.

[Realtorchick]

and don't let the heartworm thing scare you off. I adopted one of my Beagles with heartworms and after 12 months of him taking heartguard, he tested negative and has been negative ever since. Some rescues will treat and some only have you put the dog on preventative. I opt for the preventative, it's easier on the dog and there is no down time as with the conventional treatment. I'm not saying that's how SAFE house does it, because I don't know their policy. I'm just giving my opinion on the matter. I even have an article if anyone wants to read it that discusses the pros and cons of hw treatment

[Realtorchick]

From GDS REscue:

Rosa, There is a wonderful group in town called Greater Houston GSD Rescue, with a lot of wonderful dogs and five more to be posted soon. It is a new group and will have bios fo all the dogs up in another week. I am the president and intake coordinator, and you can reach me on my cell at 713-553-8392, although I am in the Cascade Mountains right now and it si not working well. I will return to Texas Monday evening and would be happy to talk with her. Thank you for your help in putting her with us! Julane Swank

[Carpe Diem]

Thanks for all of the information. I will give it to my dh and son and let them see what they want to do.

[Wilson]

I can safely say that their prices have gone up significantly! ;)

[Wilson]

Keep in mind that whatever they pick is likely to become *your* dog when your ds heads off to college! I have deliberately calculated to have no kids or pets at home by the time youngest is 18-19yo!

[MomTimesFive]

A friend of mine recently adopted from Heidelberg, and seems very pleased.

"I have to make a correction. One adopts from a rescue/shelter and buys from a breeder. I'm sorry to be so picky but it's a sore subject with me."

Unless ES's friend actually gave birth to the GS, IMO saying that she "adopted" from Heidelberg makes perfect sense to me :rolleyes:

[Wilson]

Heidelberg is a local GSD breeder. Rescues are non-profit, and breeders are for-profit. I think that's why people like RC like to draw a line about what the process is called. You purchase puppies through for-profit breeders.

[Realtorchick]

thanks Wilson, couldn't have put it better myself!

on both the difference between adopting/buying and the becoming "your" dog once kids go off to college.

[Wilson]

Thanks... now I feel like adding that I think kids (even responsible teens) are mere apprentices to the work that it takes to care for a dog or other large pet.

[Carpe Diem]

Keep in mind that whatever they pick is likely to become *your* dog when your ds heads off to college!

EXCELLENT point I hadn't thought about Although I wouldn't mind one. I grew up with one named Pepper.

[Carpe Diem]

Thanks... now I feel like adding that I think kids (even responsible teens) are mere apprentices to the work that it takes to care for a dog or other large pet.


I agree. If we take this on, dh and I are fully prepared. (Vet visits, etc...)

[Realtorchick]

http://www.ghgsdr.org/availabledogs.php

You can even apply online here.

[Rocks and Pebbles]

All large breed dogs...including mixes...can have problems. My son just got a Heidelberg puppy, Natasha, who is now 14 weeks, the age they are allowed to go home. We had a male Heidelberg, Wade, who we adopted, and a female, Shelby...also adopted. Both died last year at the age of 12. They had spinal myelopathy which is a danger in this breed, but at 12, frankly, they are going to get sick and go from something. Ours were a delight and are still greatly missed. Neither was trouble-free, but no breed is. We intend to have Natasha x-rayed and evaluated using the Penn hip program so if she had any problems, they can be caught early and repaired. It is amazing what can be done for hips these days. Heidelberg's are large, handsome dogs and I have always found them to have easy-going, steadfast temperaments. If you do buy from them...or any other breeder, make sure at least the sire...and grandsires... has an OFA number showing that his hips have been rated good to excellent. Many breeders don't OFA all females. Heidelberg leaves that up to the owners (all dams are actually co-owned), and has sole ownership and control only of their studs. (kind of weird...remember this when looking at breeders: they are all nuts...wear hip boots at Heidelberg, then ask a GSD person for clarification on the nuttier stuff...they can be a trip). Son's baby was $1100, her brother was $100 more....BUT they do have some guarantees...and the price is based on their evaluation of the puppies at 10 weeks. The closer they are to show quality, the more they will cost. I have a few books on shepherds...Wilson can get them for you if you want to read about the breed, some are older and rather out of date but full of information on the history of GSD's that is worthwhile...and info on WHY the breed standard is the way it is....angles and proportions and all. You don't need a show dog, especially if the faults are in coat lengths or ear set but you want to meet the standard to make sure everything works together as a GSD should ...movement, temperament, vigor, and stamina. Rescue dogs are great...like I said we have had two and happily so, but you'll save a lot of heartbreak and heartburn by choosing one that meets the standard in all the important areas just as if you were purchasing one for top dollar. I saw a number of dogs at a rescue in Dripping Springs...they have a facility you can visit and bring your other dogs and kids. Some were on Petfinder. The shepherds petfinder said were at the MoCo shelter were out of date listings...we tried several times. I think some were taken by the breed rescues, and we haven't seen any more. I'm still looking for a young male but I'm sure when the time is right one will turn up. The people down the street have a lovely guy and he may be being bred later this spring...not too sure of that story...but I'd take one of his pups in a heartbeat.

[Carpe Diem]

Thanks for all of the information R&P. And everyone's response(s). :)

[TXrose]

Keep in mind that whatever they pick is likely to become *your* dog when your ds heads off to college! I have deliberately calculated to have no kids or pets at home by the time youngest is 18-19yo!


Our dog is 10, our youngest will go to college in about 3-1/2 years. He probably won't live much longer than that. He's really starting to slow down a lot this last year, but he's very healthy. That is one reason I won't let her get another dog right now because I know I will be the one taking care of it when she's gone and I just don't have the time she does to put into having a dog....

[eaglesprings]

Our dog is 10, our youngest will go to college in about 3-1/2 years. He probably won't live much longer than that. He's really starting to slow down a lot this last year, but he's very healthy. That is one reason I won't let her get another dog right now because I know I will be the one taking care of it when she's gone and I just don't have the time she does to put into having a dog....


Good choice, Tx. Rose, but you reminded me of my own cat when I left home. I only moved 30 miles away, so was in and out a good bit, but it was just a couple of years after I left that she got so sick. I had grown up with this cat, practically! Even not living at home, I was involved with her health care. I'll never forget, though, when Mom came to the little convenience store where I was working, and told me, "You're not going to like why I'm here." I told her, "You are NOT putting MY cat to sleep!" But, there was no other choice. She was suffering, and had gone through so many extensive treatments, already. I barely even got a chance to tell her "goodbye." Every time I went to the car to see her, another customer would walk in the store. It was such a heartbreaking time for me, but I finally told Mom, "Just go. She's been through enough."

You are a wise woman. I think we know when the time is right for a new pet, and when it isn't. The last thing your college bound child needs is to get attached to another pet. It's hard enough leaving one!

[Realtorchick]

I went to Montco today to pick up some dogs and saw the GSD there, WHAT A BEAUTY! seemed very calm. certainly worth a looksie.

[Rocks and Pebbles]

M or F? Or don't you know. I can't bring myself to go see...heaven knows what I'll come home with but maybe I'll send son tomorrow. Might even foster if it come to that.

[Realtorchick]

I believe the one I saw today was the Male as he was in the yellow room. The female would have been in the green room as she came in today. He looks happy despite his situation. That's always a good sign about their personality.

Male (http://www.petharbor.com/detail.asp?ID=A082717&LOCATION=MTGM&searchtype=LOST&start=4&stylesheet=include/default.css&frontdoor=1&friends=1&samaritans=1&nosuccess=0&rows=10&imght=120&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_animal&nomax=1&fontface=arial&fontsize=10&zip=77379&miles=200&shelterlist='MTGM'&atype=dog&where=type_DOG,breed_GERM%20SHEPHERD)


Female (http://www.petharbor.com/detail.asp?ID=A082819&LOCATION=MTGM&searchtype=LOST&start=4&stylesheet=include/default.css&frontdoor=1&friends=1&samaritans=1&nosuccess=0&rows=10&imght=120&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_animal&nomax=1&fontface=arial&fontsize=10&zip=77379&miles=200&shelterlist='MTGM'&atype=dog&where=type_DOG,breed_GERM%20SHEPHERD)

The male came in on the 17th, the female today.

[Rocks and Pebbles]

The yellow room is the kill room, right? So he has until Monday at 8AM if I was correctly the last time I checked there. The girl should have until Wednesday AM. He looks young...I got his ID and I think I'll ask to foster to see if he "fits" and if a home can be found so much the better. Don't suppose e-rescue would snag him for me, if I promise to foster him? I am assuming that this is the animal control side, not the Humane Society...do you know what time they open on Sundays? They close at 3 so I am assuming 8 or 9ish for the rescue groups to pick up animals.

[Rocks and Pebbles]

A belated rebuttal to a myth about GSD's...the breed hasn't got any more tendency to "turn" on their owners any more than any other...and probably less. It isn't the breed that turns mean it is the mistreatment of the dog. A dog which is abused can turn fear aggressive, and if it a large, powerful dog, it is can cause damage. However, small breeds, notably the golden American Cocker Spaniel due to an inherited seizure disorder, send far more children to hospitals and plastic surgeons each year than large breeds. GSD's need to learn manners around kids and especially company, so a game of rough-housing doesn't trigger the dog's protective instinct, but I was raised with the breed, my kids were as well, and as long as they are taught to be gentle they are wonderful with kids. A GSD who knows the Rules will die before breaking them. One thing, female GSD's tend to be more person protective, while the males are a bit more territorially protective...one reason police use more males - females will sometimes refuse to leave their handler if they think he needs protecting. And females tend to adore men and boys, while males love women...so your son might like a female. These are only tendencies...my female was my best friend and quite able to love everyone in the family as well. The new baby has eyes only for my son...both my husband and I are second rate...though she deigns to accept treats and kisses from us. ..and I'm sure will love us too.

[Rocks and Pebbles]

The GSD RC told me about is slated for adoption after his surgery. He is lovely and would have been perfect for our family...right age, size, temperament...dammit. I may go back and add a secondary hold on Tuesday. There is a quasi shepherd there...brought in from that Splendora seizure that I may end up fostering. Kinda rough looking and brindle, for heaven's sake...not good in the rear end...but he looks friendly and he talks. He'll be there for awhile anyway, there may be legal issues, as well as health concerns.

[Carpe Diem]

I hope you end up fostering that one just because you sound so lovable and caring. Those animals just need some love and attention!

Don't you wish you could help them all? :(

[Bonkers]

I fostered a couple of years ago for the old GSD group.....this was Bria, HW +....can't remember her stats, but she came to me skinny as a rail and sick as can be....hated cats...after two months of a B.A.R.F. diet and HW meds, she even came around to the cats! (I have one that DEMANDS friendship)

Bria ended up going to a wonderful home that even had a cat! I was so proud to see her get well and get that lovely gleam in her eyes again! So rewarding!

The GSD are by far my favorite breed. One of these days I will have another...but for now, I've got my hands too full to even foster another!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/128072794_a45c6b4284_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/128072789_4e4ab9810f_o.jpgso sick

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/128072915_72bc6988dd_m.jpgHealthy!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/50/128072810_13be29c1f7.jpgHappy Eyes!

[Realtorchick]

I'm glad to hear hes going into adoptions. But what happens if they dont get adopted? Do they keep them there indefinately?

[Realtorchick]

Look at that face!!!!

[Wilson]

Excellent job, Bonkers!! She's so pretty!

Gretchen came to us at 18m and was skinny (not that skinny, but about 10-15 pounds underweight). She gained about 5 or so the first year with us and then stayed at 85pounds - she still looked a little skinny, but better. She's got some stomach/digestion problems that really make it hard to keep food in her. Since we've had the puppy (got her in April? May?) Gretchen's put on another 10 pounds and looks *really* good. She's still got the digestion issues, but is absorbing *some* nutrition, obviously. I may have to suck it up and order that Canidae - does anyone have any experience with this food? Gretchen vomits a lot and has pretty serious gas and diarrhea more than I'd like to admit... we kept her on Nutro until about 2 months ago and I've been experimenting with every "sensitive" stomach brand at PetSmart... none of it works any better.

Nora (the pup) could probably eat a live cow and been none worse for wear with it. Gretchen can't eat anything with a little fat, anything coated in some kind of "beef" product, and I don't know what else upsets her stomach so badly. Here's the Canidae I've been looking at:

http://www.canidae.com/

Thoughts?

[Wilson]

I really should have started a new thread about Gretchen. Sorry!

[Rocks and Pebbles]

Silly...any thread could use an update on your lovely one.

The possible foster has problems I'm not sure I can handle. I'm sure his hips are not good and may be at the point where they cause pain. He didn't seem old...no white...such a crap shoot at the shelter. I don't want to bing home a sick animal and risk the kittens or Natasha, but he could be fine and the best dog in the world. It's hard to tell...animal control doesn't do a real good job of examining them...just the basic and HW tests, then you're on your own. I know they are short staffed but they always seem surprised when someone asks the staff if they even know what a certain animal's age/condition/temperament might be...and none too motivated to help you find out. This happened with the doberman I saw there also. I guess having to euthanize so many keeps them from getting more than minimally involved.

[Carpe Diem]

Bonkers, I LOVE the picture at the bottom of yours. It is beautiful.

[schnauzermom]

One of mine can only eat Iams in the blue bag. If he gets people food , forget it, he's sick, except for carrots and apples. He just has a really sensitive system. We've tried different brands that have more meat but then he ends up licking his paws and getting hot spots. The weird thing is that he is overweight and I know the vet thinks we give him table scraps but we don't. He is getting old (9) and if the issues get worse we may have to try some fancy food product but right now he is manageable.

[Rocks and Pebbles]

We went to the Barker Street store and they had some dog food made in small batches...all organic, some all veg. There may be something that you could try there. One was a just-add-your-own-meat mix.

[Wilson]

Is that the one in Sterling Ridge? I may go talk with them about it before I order the Canidae.

[Sonchyenne]

Barket Street is on Sawdust and Budde. VERY nice owners...Tell Jay I say hello if you ever stop by! :-)

[Realtorchick]

RP, the best thing to do if you want to foster a GSD is get in touch w/ the GSD folks and foster one of their dogs. They will at least have done the vetting on the dog and have some idea about the dog's perosnality.

The shelter is doing the best they can. They are overwhelmed.

[Rocks and Pebbles]

I haven't seen their dogs...and frankly would rather have adopted the other PB male, but he was spoken for. I have seen the mix and who else is going to take him if I don't? If I hadn't seen him...but like the doberman his face would stay with me for a long time. I'll foster through the shelter. Maybe get rid of some guilt. Either he'll find a home or he'll stay here.

[Realtorchick]

it's very hard to look at them in the eye and not take them...hence my going toda to go get a scruffy terrier I left behind on Saturday.

[Rocks and Pebbles]

Wasn't able to get there today but made multiple calls, left messages on several lines but no replies yet. Son is pretty sock with a relapse of flu...fever of 103...yuck. Husband is off tomorrow any may be going up there with me, but the dog would have a better chance if he was out of the loop until it was settled.