considering getting a GSD, but would like advice! - Page 1

Hey everyone,
Im a new member here, whos always read the forums but just decided to join.

So I'm considering getting a german shepherd (this is still just a thought, no decision yet) and I'd love some feedback on whether a german shepherd would be a good fit for me. 

For starters, if I do decide to get one, I know I would like to adopt/rescue one, preferably an adult who is already housetrained. The dog would be mine, but I live in a basement in my mothers house, so the only way she said she would allow a dog is if its not a puppy/was already housetrained. I also do not want the dog for show, so pedigree isnt important as long as the dog is heathly. My biggest concern is the amount of time that the dog can be left home alone. Im in university, so I would be gone from my house for about 4 or 5 hours on weekdays, but other than that, the dog would be able to accompany me. Is this a reasonable amount of time for the dog to be home alone? I previously had a cocker spaniel (years ago) that we were forced to give to some family friends, bc he had such severe separation anxiety that he needed a home where there was always someone home. 



At this point I havn't made any decisions yet, so any feedback would be much appreciated! 
Thanks in advance! 

I would suggest you do a lot more Homework before getting a German Shepherd. While they are very adaptable, they do need a good amount of excersice. 4 to 8 hours is not a long time to be alone. However, you need to trust the dog to be alone. Make very sure this is the kind of dog you want. German Shepherd are not for everyone.

Not an ideal situation for a German Shepherd. They don't want to be left alone in a basement for up to 8 hours. They want to be with you.

I think you would be fine with a lower drive GSD.

You can contact few rescues, shelters and when you are ready, there could be a nice older, and calmer dog for you.

Many good dogs need a home and if you don't care about papers, a rescue dog would be an excellent choice for you.

Good luck

Maybe, but until she's got a real place of her own, how much do you want to bet her Mom will be the one taking care of the dog?  Just sayin'. I'd wait till I had my own place, then I 'd get my own dog. It is a big responsibility.

Bee, who knows, everybody has to use their own reasoning. I took care of dogs by myself when I was 12 and got my own puppy at 14 and took him to some trials and worked in an agency with him. All my funds went to him and of course when I needed help my family helped but I was able to do it.

But we all have to decide if we want to take on such responsibility.

You are right of course. And I may be right or wrong. Good luck OP, hope it works out for you.

I think the better question to ask yourself is if getting a dog in general at this point in your life is a wise move vice breed consideration. All dogs have the same basic needs starting with companionship.

Leaving the dog alone for that amount of time in the basement unit is not really relevant. It's how you spend the other hours of the day with the dog. Hopefully you are phyically active.

The GSD is a versatile dog.  With patience and a good dose of self-honesty, you should be able to find a dog with an appropriate tempermant to suit your lifestyle.

I commend you for considering the GSD rescue as a source.

Since you are going to a rescue, you might want to consider an older dog with a really calm temperament.

Older dogs can be easier to get in the habit of having a dog.  Just make sure that the rescue organization is fully aware of your lack of experience.  It would also be great if they allowed a trial period.

Good luck to you and your future pal.

Michele, Pharaoh and Mariah

I, too, went to a university, was gone for several hours during the day, and kept a perfectly happy young GSD. She stayed in her crate while I was gone, and when I got home we'd play hard outside and run. The thing is, they HAVE to get plenty of exercise, or they get destructive. And they are very prone to seperation anxiety. They're extremely emotional dogs, and some dogs will have seperation anxiety when their family leaves, even if it's for the day. I know Luna would tear my room to shreds if she was out of her crate. I suggest really researching the breed first. Having a dog is great even when you're in school, but you need to ask yourself how much free time do you have to devote to the dog? Are you an athletic person, or someone who would prefer to lay around in your free time? With Luna, she'd get a good hard run and play for an hour, two to three times a day. I know during my finals, it was a lower end of exercise, but I'd always try my best to make sure she was happy. Just read up on the breed and their requirements. They're great dogs, I wouldn't trade her for any in the world. She kept me so much more relaxed during school times.