considering getting a GSD, but would like advice! - Page 2

My living situation is similar to yours, my father and I live in the same house, I have the whole basement to myself (basement is large, partially finished, big bedroom, full bath, exterior windows, etc.)
I'm also going to college right now, we live in the Otterbein college community and our backyard borders some of their sports fields.
and we have 8 dogs, 3 are male and 5 are female....none of the females will listen to my dad so they are 100% my responsibility. 
4 years ago I rented a big room on OSU campus for the summer and I had a couple GSDs with me, that was quite an interesting time!  
Both college/university campuses are very enjoyable to walk dogs at.   

The amount of exercises a GSD needs depends alot on how you exercise it.

I have a setup that allows me to fast trot my dogs at about 9-10 mph while I ride on my bike. This way 30 minutes every 72 hours can be enough.

The problem is being alone for too long each day. I think this is the limiting factor.

Please be aware that they shed, a lot and all the time.  It is called "fur"niture for a reason. 

Also, listen to the others.  Be very clear and honest with what you are expecting out of the dog.  All dogs are companions, so that should not be the criteria.  Here are some questions to ask yourself.  Based on how you answer them, that will tell you what dog is right for you.

Outside of school/work, what do you do with your free time?
     Are you into the outdoors (running, camping, hiking)?  GSDs love the outdoors lifestyle.  They love to be on the go.
 
What about if you leave for vacation/medical emergency?  Who will always be able to be your back up for the dog?

If you move out and into an apartment, many places will not allow GSDs.  Are you willing to do whatever it takes to keep the dog with you?  Never, Ever, go into getting any dog with the "if it doesn't work out, I can always find the dog a new home."

Define what you mean by housetrained.  
        Any dog will go to the bathroom in the house if you miss their signs.  This does not mean that the dog is not housetrained; this just means you missed the dogs request and the dog could not hold it any longer.
        Housetrained also means:
             What does the dog do when you are not there (lay and wait, cry, destroy).
             What does the dog do when someone comes and knocks on your door.
             What does the dog do when you have a friend over.

Financially, dogs in general can be expensive.   I recommend budgeting around $125 or more a month for a large dog.  This covers food, vets, toys  (my dogs will put me in the dog house without remembering those).  Add more for training.

All GSDs require training.   They can be a very large, powerful, and destructive dog without this.  No matter were or how old the dog you get is, plan on professional training (more than what Petsmart delivers).  Both you and your dog will be much happier.  "A great dog is a well behaved dog." 

Rescue dogs are a great way to start.  Look around.  Asks lots of questions.  If they hesitate to answer you (this is not the same as not having the answer), this is not the correct place to get your 1st dog. 

Good luck.  GSDs are a wonderful breed.  You are in the right place to get good, experienced information.

I was going to mock you for spending so much fawndallas but then I remembered I will be spending about 300USD worth monthly on gas and club training alone haha...:/ Thought I was all smart on the raw feeding and 3 dogs...

I too was a responsible young dog owner and stayed so throughout my life so I'm not going to judge. Just be aware that you probably won't live at home always and finding a place that allows GSD's may be hard! Good luck!

Yeah...I didn't think I was averaging that much...but then I really looked at it over 2 years. 1 emergency vet vist sucks up the money. For someone in college, all it takes is one emergency to send them to either the poor house or heavily in debt.

If we all remember too, that 1st perfect dog...... No mountain or reason stands in the way of giving that dog the world on a silver plater.

I have to agree with the others here. What is it about the working dog breed that peaks your interests so ? Are you prepared and ready for responsibilities that comes with owning such a  dog ? What if he destroys something that belongs to someone else ? I have two such wonderful dogs and they are and can be a handful.  vaccines, rabies shots, general dog stuff,and food costs !  I reccomend sitting down and draw up a budget plan. See if the dog can really be of benefit right now ? 

I animal is not just something that you leave behind or a throwaway when you get tired...

So true fawndallas!