My uncle's dogs just had a litter and I'd be able to get one for free. 
So I'm trying to decide. It'd stay in the house and I'm worried about when we are gone for work if she/he'd get lonely. it's just me and my LO and I thought it'd be extra protection outside of the alarm AND my LO loves dogs. Any ideas, tips? Give it to me straight!
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What is your outside situation? Do you have a fenced yard? They do need quite a bit of energy. So if your planning on just walking the dog for bathroom breaks that's probably not enough. I also think they can be very "mouthy" when young. It takes quite a bit of training to teach them to only chew their toys. Lastly think about shedding. They do have a lot of hair!
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When trained well, they can be great dogs, though!
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I grew up with German shepherds. They are great dogs. But, like any puppy/dog, they need to be trained when young and they need lots of exercise (especially when young, so they get worn out and sleep while you're gone, instead of using that energy for mischief). I would personally invest in a crate for him to stay in while you're at work (remember, puppies can only hold their urine for the # of months they are, plus one. So, if it's 2 months old, you would need to let it out every 3 hours at the most). He might get lonely at first, but you can play music or leave the TV on so he doesn't feel alone... Maybe get him a stuffed animal to cuddle with.
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I know several people who have them. They have lots of energy and are very smart so they need a lot of exercise and training.
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I really know very little about dogs but I can say we have a dog who is high energy (some type of herding dog) and making room in our budget for doggy daycare made a huge difference in the manageability for us. He is a great dog but he is even better when he gets a day or two each week to really run and play all day. So if the energy thing is a potential issue that might be an option.
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Yes! Grew up with one and have raised two on my own. I will always have a German Shepherd in my home. They are loyal and smart and athletic, and also so silly and game-orientated.
With all that said, a German Shepherd puppy is so much work. You are going to have to work on bite inhibition with them--there is a reason they're called land sharks! They are also called velcro dogs--they want to always have you in they're eye sight. You really must train them to be okay with being by themselves. And @T.H.O.U. is right about the shedding--it is unreal, but worth it!
Our girl is serious about protecting our home, and I think she would serve as a serious deterrent to anyone thinking of trying to break in. I haven't seen in her yet whether she would actually attack.
Do you know if your uncle raises working dogs or show line dogs? (They can also be a combo of both.)
I can tell you much more, but it might be better for a wall post! Ask me any questions. I love talking about dogs, especially German Shepherds
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I've had three German Shepherd mixes (including my current puppy). Love the breed, great family dogs. The GS we had growing up was like a second mother to us kids. She was super protective of us and my dad trained her to never even snip or growl even if my baby brother pulled her ears/tail, poked her in the eye, anything. We got our second GS when we were all older, so he was more of a lazy spoiled pup but he was still protective of his family and home. I can already see our new puppy is protective of her home, although she's such a cuddlebug!
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I had a German Shepard growing up and she was my favorite dog. She shed a lot, though.
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I do have a fenced backyard, so that's a big plus. The shedding makes me a bit more nervous!LOL I know we have a field across from my house where he can run if he gets tired of the backyard. They are show or anything dogs. Just regular dogs i guess.
I'm still thinking on it. They are only 10 days old, so I have a long time to decide unless someone else snaps them up!
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Great dogs- but require lots of physical and mental play. I also will warn that they are known as fur gators or land sharks as pups-very mouthy, which for families with young children can be a big turnoff. They need boundaries and lots of direction.
If you have dedication, time and lots of patience, then go for it!Edit: I personally would reccomend against it- just because my GSD pup is now 3 years old and required so much work and still does. We had many sleepless nights, potty training, loud barking - definately things to consider. An older trained dog would probably be a better match, if you are really really wanting a dog. I would never get one just because one is available.
Good luck in your decision regardless! -
BYB or actual breeder bred? Free is one thing, but turns into not so free when they are poorly bred and have knee issues (or other joint issues, but knee's stand out, some are bred with such brutal angles these days!) and then you're into oodles of money in vet bills.
I think the thing I hate the most about the Shep's I see, is that people didn't give them the time they needed as pups and/or proper socialization and they get out to pee/poo and go right back in, I guess I feel bad for the Shep's in my area/what I've seen, but same can be said for any breed. So long as you can give them the oodles of time they need as youngin's, I'd say go for it, but there isn't a lot of time to give them that good start and they can go sour quick (and they get big so fast!)
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And to add onto what @Beebug said, even breeder bred dogs can have issues. Pure breds seem to be more prone to certain health issues. The working line GSDs don't have the crazy angulation she mentioned, helping to keep their hips in good shape. My GSDs have had sensitive stomachs, so I pay a lot of money for their food.
The shedding is a lot, so if you're a clean freak, it's a definite consideration. It doesn't bother me.
The exercise my GSD needs isn't extreme. She snoozes most of the day. She usually gets just one walk a day, and she likes it more for the sniffing/squirrel hunting than for the physical exertion. We did tell the breeder that we wanted a good family pet dog, so she picked out just the right pup for us. She does have a high socialization/mental stimulation need, and if that is not met, she's a pain.
After raising one puppy by myself, I said I would never do it alone again. It is definitely a two-person job. The rewards are great though, making it all worth the effort and time.
Let us know what you decide!
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