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by marjorie on 06 July 2013 - 02:07
ok- I guess i am what everyone here doesnt like about american culture and german shepherds. I love my dogs- they ARE part of my family. They are companion and kids to me. I love to cuddle with them and love what they bring to my life. If I wanted a Golden I would have gotten a Golden. My breed is the GSD. I like an intelligent dog! Casey James can move like the wind. He can grab hold of something and hang on for dear life. He is not an object to me and I dont live vicariously through him.I have nothing to prove by having a German Shepherd. I just enjoy the breed. He would lay down his life for me. I am sorry but I dont see anything wrong with a German Shepherd being a pet. They make wonderful pets! He brings joy and smiles to my heart. I marvel how he can pick out his green fish toy from his yellow, when I tell him to bring me the green or the yellow. He never gets it wrong (so much for dogs being color blind- the 2 fish are exactly the same!) He is happy being busy or can just veg out in the house. Today he swam for 5 hours, and was still raring to go. I was exhausted after all that swimming, so he came inside and winded down immediately, when I did, though I know he still had energy to burn. I have a problem with people who dont think a German Shepherd should just be a pet. He is loyal, almost to a fault, and if anyone threatened me, they would be made short shrift of. He watched the fireworks with wonder and joy, never flinching when the m-80's were exploding all over the neighborhood to the point where the ground was shaking. He is a joy to live with and never chewed or destroyed anything in the house, even as a pup. Should I not have a German Shepherd because he doesnt work? I think not- this is America, and we have choices here. He lives a better life than most people do, and I am sorry, but I see nothing wrong with that. I have a right to have a German Shepherd and raise him as I see fit. There is no one size fits all, in life.
by Baerenfangs Erbe on 06 July 2013 - 02:07
There is nothing wrong with keeping a GSD as a pet. You wouldn't believe how much freedom and how spoiled my dogs are. Afterall, not every puppy goes into a working home. The majority is sold as active pets and most Schutzhund Dogs are just as much kept as a pet as yours.
I think it's a matter of definition and semantics. While to me GSD's are working dogs that are bred for a purpose and I mainly treat them as such, they are also spoiled rotten pets. I just don't expect certain things. I would never kiss a dog on the nose while he's feeding, I don't mess with their food on a daily basis, I don't expect a dog to be good around kids at all times. A dog is a dog is a dog is a dog and I don't humanize a dog like the majority of the "pet-pop culture" does.
I went with a friend to check on American Bully pups. They called the strongest dog out of the litter an asshole and mean. They said a puppy can't bite your legs, shoes or tug on the pants and I told them that that is exactly what I want to see in a puppy. I want them to be outgoing, bold and hang from my pants. I expect scratches and puppy "love marks" but they said that the puppy is aggressive and a bully.
A couple of months ago I had two boxer pups in training where I was told that the pup has an aggressive mean streak. He was just being a puppy... people expect dogs to be perfect the moment they get them. They don't understand that raising a puppy is work and that breeds like Bullies, Boxers, GSD's or Rotties have certain traits and think they are aggressive at 9 weeks....
I think it's a matter of definition and semantics. While to me GSD's are working dogs that are bred for a purpose and I mainly treat them as such, they are also spoiled rotten pets. I just don't expect certain things. I would never kiss a dog on the nose while he's feeding, I don't mess with their food on a daily basis, I don't expect a dog to be good around kids at all times. A dog is a dog is a dog is a dog and I don't humanize a dog like the majority of the "pet-pop culture" does.
I went with a friend to check on American Bully pups. They called the strongest dog out of the litter an asshole and mean. They said a puppy can't bite your legs, shoes or tug on the pants and I told them that that is exactly what I want to see in a puppy. I want them to be outgoing, bold and hang from my pants. I expect scratches and puppy "love marks" but they said that the puppy is aggressive and a bully.
A couple of months ago I had two boxer pups in training where I was told that the pup has an aggressive mean streak. He was just being a puppy... people expect dogs to be perfect the moment they get them. They don't understand that raising a puppy is work and that breeds like Bullies, Boxers, GSD's or Rotties have certain traits and think they are aggressive at 9 weeks....
by Hundmutter on 06 July 2013 - 03:07
More and more pet dog owners seem to complain of 'aggression'
in their very young puppies. JMO but I believe this is a direct
result of too many non-doggy ppl now thinking they should have
a dog to complete their family. The whole switcharooney to dogs
becoming yet another common consumer item is that people who
haven't had an interest or a thought about how dogs 'ARE', in their
entire lives, have now become dog owners.
Marjorie - there is a big difference between having your dogs as
companion / pets, and people breeding dogs to BE pets. I feel
all dogs should get some opportunities to do the things their breed
or type was originally created for; that doesn't mean I can't also
cuddle my GSDs. I just don't disrespect them by dressing them
up, carrying them around everywhere, gurgling baby-talk at them
& about them, allowing them to create havoc or put themselves in
danger by lack of training, 'spoil' them with ridiculous fancy food-
stuffs made by 'pet kitchens' with their eye to the main chance,
(dogs can still have a treat at birthdays & Xmas !), or human meals.
[Perm any two from that list !] And I bet you don't, either.
PS In my experience those who deliberately breed out working
characteristics in Shepherds in favour of the more 'cuddly' qualities
are also in the main breeders who do not care too much about the
genetic health of their stock. [The example website found by SS
would be unusual in that respect]. I am sure, Marjorie, that you
followed the threds about hips and Epilepsy in relation to 'coats n
colours' about 6-7 months ago ?
in their very young puppies. JMO but I believe this is a direct
result of too many non-doggy ppl now thinking they should have
a dog to complete their family. The whole switcharooney to dogs
becoming yet another common consumer item is that people who
haven't had an interest or a thought about how dogs 'ARE', in their
entire lives, have now become dog owners.
Marjorie - there is a big difference between having your dogs as
companion / pets, and people breeding dogs to BE pets. I feel
all dogs should get some opportunities to do the things their breed
or type was originally created for; that doesn't mean I can't also
cuddle my GSDs. I just don't disrespect them by dressing them
up, carrying them around everywhere, gurgling baby-talk at them
& about them, allowing them to create havoc or put themselves in
danger by lack of training, 'spoil' them with ridiculous fancy food-
stuffs made by 'pet kitchens' with their eye to the main chance,
(dogs can still have a treat at birthdays & Xmas !), or human meals.
[Perm any two from that list !] And I bet you don't, either.
PS In my experience those who deliberately breed out working
characteristics in Shepherds in favour of the more 'cuddly' qualities
are also in the main breeders who do not care too much about the
genetic health of their stock. [The example website found by SS
would be unusual in that respect]. I am sure, Marjorie, that you
followed the threds about hips and Epilepsy in relation to 'coats n
colours' about 6-7 months ago ?
by Gustav on 06 July 2013 - 07:07
Are there really other people in the worlde that think like me?
...a respected German Shepherd person at that.....Welcome!
...a respected German Shepherd person at that.....Welcome!
by rtdmmcintyre on 06 July 2013 - 11:07
thank you all for posting. very interesting and civil thread.
Reggie
Reggie
by Blitzen on 06 July 2013 - 11:07
Don't you just shudder seeing dogs being pushed around in strollers and/or wearing clothing?
by marjorie on 06 July 2013 - 12:07
I saw one thread about epilepsy but didnt see it in relation to hip and coat colors? Link?
by scarreddecoy on 06 July 2013 - 13:07
I agree with many things that are said here. but i think all of this boils down to 3 things.
ignorance and money and way of life/raising.
Look at the agenda of most . Stores like pets mart that prey on and develop these types of people for money. Tv shows that have so called trainers which are not. etc.....
Political agendas because of insurance and etc..... to banning breeds in cities,banning dogs in public,etc...... or even liability to owners of their dog on there own property.
such as if some dumbXXX reaches over your marked fence and gets bit you are liable. So dew too many of these agendas people have been driven and taught to desire an animated stuffed animal. IMO.
Even personnel in Animal Control. Many have no clue. Shoot even many vets dont.
OR the fact that so many people will pay astronomical amounts for puppies. so many want to get rich quick. i think my personal record was had a woman brought a doodle pup for training that she paid 6500$ for with no shipping. fads/ and crazes are detrimental to all. dogs, people, rights, etc.....
Im sure many of us could right books on this topic. As quite frankly it disgusts me. However in the interest of time and my blood pressure i want.
But the only thing i know of to change this is educate 1 person at a time!!! and continue producing role model dogs of the breed/breeds to work on changing ignorance to intelligence.
ignorance and money and way of life/raising.
Look at the agenda of most . Stores like pets mart that prey on and develop these types of people for money. Tv shows that have so called trainers which are not. etc.....
Political agendas because of insurance and etc..... to banning breeds in cities,banning dogs in public,etc...... or even liability to owners of their dog on there own property.
such as if some dumbXXX reaches over your marked fence and gets bit you are liable. So dew too many of these agendas people have been driven and taught to desire an animated stuffed animal. IMO.
Even personnel in Animal Control. Many have no clue. Shoot even many vets dont.
OR the fact that so many people will pay astronomical amounts for puppies. so many want to get rich quick. i think my personal record was had a woman brought a doodle pup for training that she paid 6500$ for with no shipping. fads/ and crazes are detrimental to all. dogs, people, rights, etc.....
Im sure many of us could right books on this topic. As quite frankly it disgusts me. However in the interest of time and my blood pressure i want.
But the only thing i know of to change this is educate 1 person at a time!!! and continue producing role model dogs of the breed/breeds to work on changing ignorance to intelligence.
by Hundmutter on 06 July 2013 - 13:07
Marjorie - I'm having some trouble making links
(got it right with one, two days ago but haven't been
able to do it since.
= klutz !) - but you'll find a
couple in the 2012 Hot Topics list:
one is "Chocolate GSDs !", another is "Meerduke
Machk's Short Life" ( and both carry refs to some
others I think).
(got it right with one, two days ago but haven't been
able to do it since.
= klutz !) - but you'll find acouple in the 2012 Hot Topics list:
one is "Chocolate GSDs !", another is "Meerduke
Machk's Short Life" ( and both carry refs to some
others I think).
by GK1 on 06 July 2013 - 13:07
Don't you just shudder seeing dogs being pushed around in strollers and/or wearing clothing?
Even if my opinion is that this practice is laughable, I recognize how lucky we are in the US to have the resources and option to treat dogs in this manner, as well to put down millions of unwanted pets per year in the control shelters due to our freedom to be undisciplined...and to have the time to sit down in front of computer and pontificate the topic.
Dogs are basically vermin in Iraq. I recollect the many hundreds of filthy, parasite infested feral dogs roaming some of the neighborhoods. Iraqis had no garbage or sewage removal infrastructure, let alone the resources to eradicate the vermin efficiently.
On the other hand, some of the biggest, protective and apparently well-fed and cared for dogs I've seen overseas, were guarding remote and rather primitive Afghan villages.
I've eaten the whale with my Asian friends, but if given the opportunity - will not taste the dog if offered. Or put a dog in control shelter. I rather play with them make their tails wag. But that is just me and my American dog culture.
Even if my opinion is that this practice is laughable, I recognize how lucky we are in the US to have the resources and option to treat dogs in this manner, as well to put down millions of unwanted pets per year in the control shelters due to our freedom to be undisciplined...and to have the time to sit down in front of computer and pontificate the topic.
Dogs are basically vermin in Iraq. I recollect the many hundreds of filthy, parasite infested feral dogs roaming some of the neighborhoods. Iraqis had no garbage or sewage removal infrastructure, let alone the resources to eradicate the vermin efficiently.
On the other hand, some of the biggest, protective and apparently well-fed and cared for dogs I've seen overseas, were guarding remote and rather primitive Afghan villages.
I've eaten the whale with my Asian friends, but if given the opportunity - will not taste the dog if offered. Or put a dog in control shelter. I rather play with them make their tails wag. But that is just me and my American dog culture.
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