New Puppy

German Shepherds are very good family dogs and great around children. Just be patient b/c you will be getting a puppy and all puppies have to go thru the same thing, potty training, chewing..jumping etc.. I don't know about having to get one at 8wks. I also got my dog from a registered breeder at 6wks. I grew up with shepherds. My best dog ever, was Rex, then there was Chase, Egor, Mason

Shepherds are good dogs, I have never seen one with a bad temperament and we always had them growing up, my dad still has one and he's great with the kids. You do have to watch them as they age, big dogs (and shepherds are genetically predisposed to this) tend to be arthritic. When you see them favoring their hind quarters its usually time to get them started on a chondroiten complex, which can be kind of expensive. You won't see that until he's around 7 or 8 years though.

As for a name, how about Winston? I always thought it was a good strong name but not overdone like a lot of others; Duke, King, Ace, all those ones. Sampson, we had a Sampson some years back, he passed a way, was a great dog (also a shepherd).

J.,

Personally, I would wait until your daughter was a little bit older to add a pet to the house. Old enough where she could take on some responsibility taking care of the dog.

That being said, we have two German Shepherds. I grew up with them, also. They're absolutely amazing dogs. They are smart, strong, protective, loyal and loving. With all of their great qualities, there are some things you should be aware of:

1) All dogs need training. Intelligent breeds like the GSD need it even more. Puppy classes, beginner classes, intermediate and even advanced will establish a strong bond with you and your dog. It will clearly line out the pecking order in your "pack". Everyone needs to be part of the training and the rules need to be enforced by everyone. Your dog will quickly learn if your DH allows table scraps and you don't. (And table scraps are a no-no IMHO). They will learn who the weakest link is, too. Again, they are so smart.

2) They are very active. An idle Shepherd is trouble. They need daily exercise to burn off their energy. If not, they WILL find other ways to burn it off. When I was a baby, our dog ate a wall during the day. I'm not kidding. She was bored and she ate about a 3'x 3' area of drywall. Another one ate the back of a couch in a couple of hours. Exercise is just as important as the training to have a well-behaved and happy dog in your home.

3) They shed. A LOT. With 2 at home, I need to vacuum every single day. That's not an exaggeration. I finally bought a Roomba to help me. You'll think I'm lying for about the first 8 months or so, but when their mature coat comes in...you'll see. GSD's have two layers of fur. They have a longer top-coat and a shorter, dense under coat. The undercoat is what they "blow" twice a year and it's like cotton balls coming out of them. You should expect to brush your dog every couple of days or at LEAST once a week to keep up with it and keep his coat healthy. I don't have the time to do this with a 2.5 yr old and a 4 month old and I pay the price. My groomer charges $45 each dog.

4) They are protective. My older girl (Sydney 11.5 yrs old) is very attached to me and is very protective. She's fine with our family and although I never allow our son to be alone with her, she's never shown any aggression towards him and will roll on her back for a belly rub from him. BUT, she doesn't like visitors in the home. Most times, I keep her away from new guests. Our younger dog (Raven 7.5 years old) is as sweet as can be but will stand off people and bark at visitors. She relaxes once we tell her to. But you never know what type of personality your dog will develop. I would suggest getting your pup around a lot of different people to feel comfortable around strangers. And be aware of his potential.

In my opinion, Shepherds are awesome dogs and I wouldn't ever get any other breed. But, you are taking on a huge responsibility when you get one. Look, my Sydney is a 11.5 years old and going strong! As long as you are ready to make the commitment to your dog, you will have a true friend to your family.

As with a lot of things in life, you will get out of it what you put in.

Good luck and send some pictures of the puppy. ( I wish Mamasource would allow us to post pictures.) If you want some recommendations on training methods and places feel free to email me (____@____.com).

T.

Hi, Congratulations on your new addition. I am not only an animal activist, but, I am a professional dog trainer. First, alittle advice. German Shepherds are known for hip problems. Make sure you check out the breeder, the bloodlines, etc..If you do not do your homework, you might be in for alot of heartache. I am not telling you this to scare you off of getting a German Shepherd puppy, by no means. I just want you to be informed. When you get the puppy, make sure to take the puppy to the vet to get thoroughly checked out.Now, here are a couple suggestions for names: Maximelliun or Maxwell (Max for short), Dakota, Sawyer, Winston. Good luck.

Hi J.~
Congrats on the newest member to your family. I would be concerned about where you are getting your dog from. Legally you are not able to purchase a dog or pup until they are 8 weeks old. You would also never get a pup younger than 8 weeks at a shelter because of this law. I would also be concerned about having a one year old around a puppy. It's hard enough to follow a one year old let alone be up taking care of a pup in the middle of the night. Plus, both like to chew and seperating the two is possible just an added thing on your plate. I wouldnt be worrying so much about the name as to how your one year old may be grabbing at the puppy and how your puppy will be rambunxious around your baby. If I were you I would definitely crate train your pup. For your dog he will need a place to go to get away from the kids that is his own and sometimes you will want to seperate the two. Talk to your husband and make sure caring for the pup soesn't just fall into your lap. You will need to take a six week old pup out in the middle of the night to train him. How do you feel about going out in the snow tonight? These are all questions I ask individuals prior to a dog adoption. My background is in Animal Science and I have worked at sme incredible shelters. One of the shelters is in Denver and it has over 200 dogs and 200 cats. I wish we had such an incredible place in IL. But, at this time we don't. You can get information on kids and puppies for free and also some really great helpful behavior stuff online at there website at www.ddfl.org They also have a behavior helpline. I understand that you have most likely grown up having dogs and raising them. Today there are so much out to help with the basic behavior stuff that it will help yu as a dog owner and a mom. Good luck with your pup.....as for the name...see who your dog is we have always named our dogs after there personality or a favorite place. German shepards are incredible dogs. Make sure to get his hips checked and find out if the current owners dogs have any hip dysplasia with the parents of the pup.

I like the names Rufus, Cosmo and Buster.

When our son was born, our German Shepherd was just under one and he did great. Dante, our German Shepherd instantly became protective of our son and now they are the best of friends. Your puppy will be excited and curious and may knock your daughter down, but he won't hurt her and there will just be an adjustment period. Just keep her away from his food dish. German Shepherds are generally very trainable and once you show him who the alpha male is, then you will be fine. As for names, we named ours partly after his father, whose name was Adante, and then partly after the author Dante of Dante's Inferno.
Good Luck and Congratulations, German Shepherds are the best dogs!

My mother-in-law have a german shepard puppy, he is huge!!! Just remember that the dog might knock him down with his hugeness. Oh and his name is Zeus!

We almost got a German Sheppard and the coloring is black & tan, so we were going to name him Guinness! If your fiance is a beer drinker he would appreciate it! We would have called him Guin for short! Best of luck!!!

me and my husband have two german shepherds, we got them when they were 5 months old. they were the last 2 in their litter and they are both females named ebba and leyna. we picked their names by looking on a german name website and picked the names we like with the meaning that related to the dogs personalities. they are now 3 and our daughter is 5 months and the dogs are so protective of her and love her so much. we have not had any problems so far. also friends have come over and brought their kids of all ages and our dogs get along great. one bad thing is that when they were still puppies they did tear up all our carpeting. they did a little "remodeling" for us.

Keep your daughter involved in the training. It's hard, but it's the best way to introduce the pack hierarchy to the puppy. Instinctually the puppy will look at your family as his pack, and will need you to set the limits and rules. We got a boxer puppy when my son was 6 months old and the only thing we had to be really careful with was the puppy teeth. They nibble a lot and it wouldn't take much to nibble off a baby toe or finger. Now both puppy and baby are 1 and they are the best of friends. Ive even caught my son in the dog bed with her taking naps. Good luck, and Congratulations! You're very brave taking this on, but all of the hard work will ultimately be worth it.

I have had six german shepherds. My first two were about 5 and 4 years old when my kids came home. Never had a problem. Make sure your child is reprimanded if she is rough with the puppy. Teach the dog to tolerate if the child puts their hands in the food bowl. I have loved all my dogs and wouldn't think twice about a shepherd around a child. How about a Samson, a Butch,or a Vinnie?

I grew up with German Sheperds and they were always wonderful to my brother and I. As far as names, how about Nike, Sabre, Jake, or how about something with a German twist. Just a thought. Good luck.

Congrats on your new puppy! I also have a new puppy (a little older though, 6 mon). Make sure you enroll your puppy in a training class so he can get the basics down, like potty training, walking on a leash, sit, stay, etc. Make sure the puppy knows, too, that your child takes priority and the puppy needs to be calm and gentle near your child.

Look up puppy names, yes they do have sites devoted to this. My hubby always has liked Max, Spike, Ace for masculine dog names so I understand what you mean. (Please do not name your dog Magnum, its the name of a prophylactic.) We ended up naming our dog Tucker, because it suited him. Again, try the puppy name websites they will help you decide on a name.
Good luck with your new addition!

We got our German Shepard when my 5 year old was 6 months old. She was the best dog ever they grew up together and played there were a few times once she started walking that our dog knocked her down but not on purpose she was just a clumsy puppy. On the other hand she is very protective of my babies she gets between them and anyone that crosses their paths. She sleeps in the hallway between their two rooms it really great.
As for a name we always let our pets "name" themselves. We wait and see how they act and they usually name themselves.

Chief
Boss
Kelan
Sampson
Lawson
Thunder
Dancer

I agree you've gotten great advice. Take heed in not buying one unless you plan on doing the training. These dogs, as well as other intelligent breeds have the tendancy to want to outsmart and outwill, and will need a strong, confident owner. You will need to be trained so that you can be a good trainer. I would suggest reading some Cesar Millan as well. Depending on your puppy's temperment, you might have to do more than basic obedience. I would also consider waiting until it gets a little warmer and less muddy, unless you have part of your yard that's cement, like a fenced driveway. Cleaning wet and muddy paws on a rambunctious pup who is just learning is a huge chore every time they come in the house. Especially the first 2 years when their energy level is difficult to tame. GSDs are great, we had a mix w/ an Akita named Brutus who passed a year ago. They are worth every penny and investment in your time. Good Luck with your new pup!

My mother has a German Shepherd and he is the most playful animal i have ever known. He is so kind and gentle around my children. I was worried with my 14 month old she grabs his fur and pulls herself up to stand. He does not mind this at all. She holds on to him and he walks her around the living room. It is all in how you raise and train your pet. The name of my mothers German Sheperd is "Copper"

At one time he was on his back for a tummy rub, well my 14 month old started to grab things that were sticking up and she grabbed the wrong thing. Copper did not snip at her at all. He rolled away from her and gently got up and walked away. I was shocked that he had done that.

I have to say with this breed, they are the best family pet.

German Sheperds are wonderful dogs! We have one and he was 2 before my daughter was born. He has done great with both our kids. You won't be sorry. Make sure to take him to obedience school and train him. If you walk and play with him regularly you'll have great success. Can't stress enough on the obedience training...etc.. like come, sit, stay, heel etc... Our Sheperd's name is Maximus after the Gladiator movie, but we call him Maxie for short. Our other dog is Samson. Best of luck to you. You won't be disappointed.

Hi, I have 2 dogs that are half Shephard, ones chow and shepard he's 1 and the oldest who is 8 is Rotti and shephard. I have 3 boys 4,9,11 and they have grown up with the dogs and have never had a prob with them. They are great. The oldest one is a girl and she has a bit of a additude. But the boy Santos is the smartest dog I have ever had. I think all dogs are born good, you just have to love them and treat them like family. Good Luck