I have a 110lb GS that I call “the beast” or “beastie boy.”
His real name is Oliver and he is such a love. Mostly well trained though he is sometimes stubborn.
He’s very protective but not aggressive or mean and has never bitten anyone. He’s very friendly once he has determined one is a friend and not a foe. But we have run into people he did not trust and he won’t let them near me.
German Shepherds are a breed that require a lot of work and training. Unfortunately, not everyone takes the time.
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I adopted a rescue GS many years ago. She had been tied to a doorknob with a pan of water and left there until somebody came along and noticed her and took her to animal friends. When I adopted her, I led her to my car and she immediately jumped in the backseat. I think all dogs “know” when they are rescued. I called her “Gypsy” which is why my pen name here is the same. I learned she liked people but hated and attacked other dogs. I could not take her to any dog parks and had to be careful when I walked her. She was very strong. Other than that, she was great dog. I had her for almost seven years but cancer took her. I still miss her. I’ve adopted Dobermans since. Lost one in February, adopted another one in June, and lost her two weeks ago. Still devastated.
Hey I have an Oliver, too! He’s a rotten little mix. With us and our older son, he’s sooooo loving, gives hugs (which is weird). The best retriever ever.
Our younger son comes over and Oliver is just downright rotten. Growls, barks, pees.
Oliver is the kind of dog that makes you not like dogs lol. 🤦🏻♀️
Got him at 8 weeks, too. Bottle fed little snowflake haha.
Petey
>German Shepherds are a breed that require a lot of work and training. Unfortunately, not everyone takes the time.<
They definitely need socialization and training. I did sports with my dogs. I have done tracking, at which GSD’s excel. It’s an activity where you must trust your dog. It is the dog who knows where the track is, and how to find the scent if the winds blow it off the actual track. My dog loved getting out in the fields, following a scent. So did I for that matter. We did other things too, but the main thing she wanted was to get out with me, without having to share her person with the other dogs.
My tiny 45 pounder is extremely protective. I have to touch a stranger for her to be ok with them.