Is the German Shepard a good dog for a single mom? .
I am a single female with a 3 y /o daughter. I want a dog that is big enough to look imposing but also has a kind and gentle disposition. I want a dog to be a member of our family. I want to go where we want when we want without fear of wild animals or wierdos. Is the GSD a good option??? I have only had one dog before and he was a beagle. Am wondering if the GSD is safe with kids and able to be socialized by a somewhat inexperienced owner. I am not big on dog hair but I figure that I will love the dog so much it wont bother me and I will vacuum a lot. I am honestly more of a cat person but I feel that I will get very attached and could love any animal. We live in north mi. So very cold winters very hot summers. Please offer advice if you think the GSD is a good choice or if I should reconsider?
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
German Shepards are great family dogs but they do require a strong pack leader. When you get the dog make sure it has a good disposition to start with. The dog should be calm and submissive and make sure when you first get him to take it for a long walk before you even walk in the front door. The walk will designate you as the pack leader. Make sure you have the dog walk beside you or behind you. If the dog walks in front of you it will be the pack leader and will cause you problem down the line. When you finally get home make sure you walk in the house first to also establish your dominance. It would also be best to take your daughter on the walk also, either walking or in a stroller with the dog following behind her. She will be seen as a pack leader and she will have a dominant relationship with the dog.
A quick note, make sure you praise the dog or feed it when it is in a calm submissive state. In any other state you will be reinforcing the behavior.
I hope this helps
I am a single female with a 3 y /o daughter. I want a dog that is big enough to look imposing but also has a kind and gentle disposition. I want a dog to be a member of our family. I want to go where we want when we want without fear of wild animals or wierdos. Is the GSD a good option??? I have only had one dog before and he was a beagle. Am wondering if the GSD is safe with kids and able to be socialized by a somewhat inexperienced owner. I am not big on dog hair but I figure that I will love the dog so much it wont bother me and I will vacuum a lot. I am honestly more of a cat person but I feel that I will get very attached and could love any animal. We live in north mi. So very cold winters very hot summers. Please offer advice if you think the GSD is a good choice or if I should reconsider?
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
German Shepards are great family dogs but they do require a strong pack leader. When you get the dog make sure it has a good disposition to start with. The dog should be calm and submissive and make sure when you first get him to take it for a long walk before you even walk in the front door. The walk will designate you as the pack leader. Make sure you have the dog walk beside you or behind you. If the dog walks in front of you it will be the pack leader and will cause you problem down the line. When you finally get home make sure you walk in the house first to also establish your dominance. It would also be best to take your daughter on the walk also, either walking or in a stroller with the dog following behind her. She will be seen as a pack leader and she will have a dominant relationship with the dog.
A quick note, make sure you praise the dog or feed it when it is in a calm submissive state. In any other state you will be reinforcing the behavior.
I hope this helps
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