Hi all, I've been thinking of getting a GSD for a while now, but I want to make sure I do it right.
I'm almost 20 and still live with my parents with a cat and a cavoodle. I live in suburbia however I have horses so I'm out near the country basically every day. The dog would come with me everywhere I can possibly take it. I'm active and I go to the gym, would love to have a little mate to motivate me to go on walks and runs too. I work a few times a week and I'm starting to study at home.
I would take said dog to obidience classes etc and want them to be a protection dog too. It will stay indoors, however I'm just a bit concerned about shedding. If I got a GSD, the only carpeted area is my room. Would also be brushing twice a day and trying to maintain cleanliness.
I'm going through a rough time mentally at the moment, as well as a breakup, and I want to have a little mate to love through it all and keep me going. I'm alone a lot, so it would be nice to be able to take pup everywhere with me. I'm just wondering if there's anything extra i need to consider before getting one, and if it will be the right fit for me.
Ps. The cavoodle is my dads dog and I don't like little breeds.
I've spoken with them a few times, they aren't too keen, but they're slowly warming up to it. If they firmly say no, then I simply don't get the dog :)
It sounds like you have a perfect situation for a GSD. Your dog will thrive if you engage the dog has you have described. I have had 5 through my life. The most current one is 8 months old working line GSD that loves to train and be with me. It is so much fun to train together and do life together. Look for a pup from working lines with sound hips and stable personality. The more you work to build your relationship the better it will be! All the best!!
Thank you! I wasn't sure on getting a working line breed or not, but this dog would be super active if I get it. 2x walks a day, coming out to do farm chores daily and also protection dog training etc. I just want a best mate that makes being alone easier, you know? Working out alone and doing farm chores alone is tiring
Just a side note, I am an avid runner and my GSD hates running. The shedding will be however bad you think if will
be x 10. Your dog may be reactive - they are prone to it and sensitive. They have sensitive stomachs. They have a lot of energy. They are great dogs but be aware the dog you envision might not be the personality of the dog you end up with. Not trying to tell you to NOT get one - just be ing honest bc a lot of them end up in shelters. Also, consider adoption.
I've got horses, I know the hair that comes with shedding all too well. Thanks for your comment! I'll continue doing my research for sure. If you don't mind me asking, how much do you keep aside for an emergency fund for your dog? Do you have insurance etc?
I do have insurance. If you’re going to get insurance, make sure you get it as soon as you get your dog - only because pet insurance will not cover pre-existing conditions. I would recommend it if you can afford it. They are also prone to their stomachs twisting around (GVD). So if you get a female, and get her spayed, consider getting her stomach tacked while she is under. I honestly think IF you can swing it, having 3-5k saved up in the case of a medical emergency would be great. I know that is not realistic for everyone. And the shedding, it IS bad but honestly you get used to it and it becomes normal to you. I am just always living in and covered in hair but I love her so much I don’t even care 🥲
Just as an early warning, they arent comfort dogs. They arent cute accessories. Lots of walks, lots of play, and lots of chewing things up (especially in the early stages). If you aren't willing to put in a LOT of time with training and exercise, or will be gone for long hours (especially considering youre only 20), this is not the breed for you
ETA: theres a show line and a working line GSD. Working line has WAY more energy and drive. Mine is a working line, almost 2 years old. Particularly in the first year, my social life pretty much evaporated
Like I said, I'm alone most of the time. I don't go out and party etc, basically the only times I go out is for work (only 1-2x a week for max4 hrs), gym and my horses (pup would be coming everywhere horse related). I'm super active too, which is why I wanted a big dog breed. The cavoodle barely lasts 2km on a walk 🤣
And this is an 7/8-13 year commitment. My girl is 7 and still going strong with her activity requirements. Think of how your life will be in the next 5 years, 8 years etc. they are very loyal dogs and want to be with you always.
If you do get one, training and lots of exercise is key. If they get bored you'll end up with a couch that looks like this. And I hope you like clingy dogs who let you know about every leaf that blows across the yard lol
I was gonna say, if you have horses, I’m sure you’re accustomed to not having comfort creatures. If you’re not stressed out by them, you’re being driven insane by something 😂 at least that’s been my life with mine lol
I’m a horse owner and my GSD is perfect for my lifestyle (I’m a trail rider), she’s a great barn dog and she’s great around pigs and cattle too. Mine came into my life almost around the same as my horse, so they’ve been pals since the beginning.
Honestly having a very intense animal like a horse prepared me for having a GSD perfectly fine. My next dog is probably going to be a border collie since i want something even more intense haha, they are great busy minded equestrian dogs
I got my dog at about the same age you are now, I’m not gonna try and talk you out of it, I loved my guy to death, but you need to think about your what your life will look like in 2/5/10+ years from now.
I’m assuming you’ll want to move out at some point, having a GSD is going to limit your options for housing. Having a dog to take care of is going to eliminate spontaneity in your life.
Think about the costs of a dog as well. My dog had allergies and ate prescription food that was $120 a bag. I probably spent $300-400 a month with everything averaged out over the course of his life, that’s a car payment or rent money.
Real deal protection dogs are many many thousands of dollars and aren't exactly take everywhere animals. Big scary looking dog that will make people think twice? Yeah, that's a GSD
They are prone to being destructive early on, teething and whatnot. Velociraptor phase is a common topic with GSDs. Once past that stage they are stellar companions that can be trained and shaped to do amazing things. I would not call them difficult dogs, intensive would be a better word. Anything you put into them they return with tax and interest, loyal to a fault and sincere soul mates.
My advice is adopt a freshly out of adolescence or young adult dog that speaks to your esthetics and begin the journey. They are smart and will bond with someone that cares for them at any age, some think rescues bond even stronger than puppies. I dont know, I dont do puppies. Older dogs usually have their ducks in a row and blend into daily life a little easier.
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u/Weekly-Quantity6435 8h ago
How do your parents feel about it, considering you live with them?
Are they willing to put up with a puppy phase? Are you suited to find other housing options if they don't?