Winning Over A Critic... - Page 1

I am writing because I would like to ask if anyone has any advice on how to win over a critic of the breed. I'm asking, because the person in question is my husband.  He feels that the German Shepherd, in general, is a psychotic animal that is prone to unpredictability.  He feels that we could never trust one with our children, either in our home or in the yard.  I don't agree.

My avatar pic is of my last GSD, a male I mistakenly obtained through a puppy mill when I was too young and stupid to know any better.  I had him for five years before I met my husband, and although he thought the dog was nuts, the truth was he was good with people, other dogs, and with children.  He was hyperactive, a bit nuts in that regard, but since he had almost no human contact until he was four months old, he had a definite issue with abandonment.  He was not aggressive, although he did like to jump on people.  My Prince never bit anyone, never threatened anyone, and wasn't particularly afraid of things, but after being attacked by another dog who nearly ripped out his throat, he was more likely to run if threatened than fight.  All in all, not a horrible dog, but not the best in the world, either, especially when it came to nerves.  But I knew I could trust him with anyone, and that meant everything to me.

But damned if I can get my husband to realize that.  How do I prove to him that the breed is a good one?  Or am I simply doomed to spend my life with Border Collies?  Suggestions, anyone?

Crys.

lol missbeeb, there is always that option.....

kathy

option1.....dump the hubby

no seriously try taking him too breed events shows trails  ETC go to look at as many dogs as you can and find out what he wants in a dog.

the other thing is if you are serious about getting one then  you have got to be prepared to invest time into the training of this dog attend training classes and make damn sure you get it trained to his liking. esp in Obedience

if he can put up with border collies i would think a GSD is fine in my experience border collies are pretty nutty (more so than GSDs) 

you need to talk to him and if he wont entertain the idea you cant really get one as this would be unfair on him and the dog:(

a well trained GSD is a dream to live with. but it takes a lot of hard work. there are good and bad in all breeds the bad ones are either poorly trained of badly bred.

good luck

 

Finding out why he feels this way is obviously the first step. Two people definitely have to be on board when it comes to wanting a dog......... do you have any GSD rescues in your area, or breeders of nice GSD's? Somewhere, in addition to shows or trials, which would present the dogs in a positive light. (Rescues often come with some baggage it's true, but a good rescue person will know the breed and vet the dogs carefully before placing them, or showing them to you if you carefully explain your situation.) My husband was a bit  skeptical when we got our first GSD ( he thought they were all serious police dog types) and it took him a few weeks to warm up to him - but when he realized how sweet, loyal, loving, and playful this 3 year old fellow was he was completely won over, and it's been the breed for us ever since.

I wish you luck in your conversion campaign - if even the smallest doubt on your husband's part remains however I wouldn't do it - you don't want something happening (however innocuous) and to then have him say "I told you so". 

Another option: Get an adorable little long coat GSD pup and convince your husband that she's a Border Collie mix.

More of the border collies I've met have been biters and hyperactive than the GSDs I've met! Find your local AKC training club. Don't go to a schuthund club, he won't get it. Scope it out yourself first, as there are often a few problem children at every club. Then go find an advanced level class and get him to sit in on it with you.

That's a tough one. I fostered a border on and off for well over a year and all my GSDs have more stability put together than little guy did in one paw.  You may want to point out to your hubby that the biggest problem with both breeds occurs when the owners don't give them something to do.  And of course you will see more problems with GSDs, they are a much more popular dog.

I find it interesting he likes border collies, I hope I don't offend anyone here (which I'm sure I will) but the border collies I have seen are whacked out, and these are ones that do herd sheep.  When there were no sheep to herd, one dog spent the whole afternoon herding a poor cat, wouldn't let it leave the spot it was in.  They are too spun for me, and that applies to  everyone I've ever seen.

I'm lucky that I don't have the problem you do, because there is no other breed for me, even with the many problems this  breed has.  Do you know of anyone that has a stable intelligent GSD that has nice conformation?  I'd take your husband on a road tour and let him see some great examples of the breed, maybe a schutzhund club?