Owning a German shepherd taught me more about self-awareness and safety than any class ever did

I think we largely agree. I have had this discussion before with many people, and the term I use is "Default Respect" (your term is "basic respect") and it only applies to my own dealings with others. It means, for example, that if I get into a fender bender with someone, I am going to treat them with respect and forebearance, understanding that I don't know them or their station in life. For all I know, this person might be one of the kindest, best, most capable people I will ever see. He might be a war hero. She might be the most amazing mother and wife, beloved by the community. I just don't know, so I resolve to treat them as such, not a gray haired confused man, or a disheveled woman who appears to be in a hurry.

I will continue to treat them that way unless they demonstrate that they don't deserve it by default. I endeavor to keep courtesy, but I don't have to respect them.

It would be nice to "expect" that in return, but I don't think it is wise to do so, especially in today's world. In my opinion, you need to remain mentally armored up to handle it in advance.

As I said, I think we see it somewhat the same way.

Any dog can be good, even if they just make noise that draws attention.

The difference between a Golden (say) and a Shepherd (say) is the reputation. People assume Shepherds are “vicious” and stay away from them, period, before the dog even bothers to notice. Even the tallest Irish Wolfhound/St. Bernard mix doesn’t rate on the “automatic switch sides of street” as highly as a Shepherd/Dobe/Rottie (if people know what a Rottie is). People assume they will jump in to fight.

Sounds like my Bella. She runs with my son in law—she is 4.

It’s funny with the GSDs, I get stopped at least twice a week. The men think she is beautiful and they pine for the GSDs they had as kids.

I would recommend any young man get a pretty puppy. They are chick magnets. I am too old and grey to imagine the women were interesting in anything I had to say!

This is Allen, Remington's buddy. Chris mentioned to me that he is trying to have these two adopted as a pair.

The beauty of these dogs leaves me speechless.

Thank you for all you do for them, Chris.

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