With the bigger dogs, you do have to learn how to be boss woman. My kids joke that our GSD listens to me since I am the alpha-witch. All puppies pull the old, “I am going to defy you to see if you are in charge”... once or twice. After that, they fully understand their position in the family. That being said, my husband works some nights and travels. It is very nice having your own security force. They hear things we can’t and I swear they can sense if someone is close to the house. I can look at him and know he would die protecting his “pack”. There isn’t a doubt in my mind. The hair.. well, it sort of is accepting some bad with a whole lotta good. An animal type vacuum, some brushing and changed vents.. you’ll get use to it. We did!
I love your description of it. Completely LOVE GSDs! Mine is so respectful; a complete prince.