Dogs

By joshrocksvegas on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

All dogs are. it depends on the dog itself
Heres some info about them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_shephards
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By tera_duke on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

yes they are very energetic and playfu. The ones I know love to play rough w/ other dogs and looove, almost obcess about dogs.
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By woe on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

yes
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By naughtyangel_hottie on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

Definitely! And super-protective. I dont personally have one, but I know a couple who used to, they are great pets, but be careful when choosing one, Full-breed dogs can tend to have more health problems then a mutt would. But sounds like a German Shepard or a Lab is a great choice for you!
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By trusport on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

That depends on you and what kind of breeder the shep came from.
You only get out of a dog what you put into it. Dogs don’t just become good dogs on their own. Someone has to teach them to be good canine citizens. And if the person is reputable breeder that’s always a great start to having a well-behaved, obedient dog.
Obedience class will only help you and your new pet develop an understanding bond.
Don’t forget, that’s what dogs do best, run and play.
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By Jannet on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

Geman shepards are very good watch dogs. We have a male and he doesn’t like anyone who is not family. We can not take him out in an open field. I think it depends on how they are raised and if they are around others from early on. Keep exposing him to other pets and people and I think you will not have a problem. German shepards are very fun. I feel safe having him too! We also have a 4 1/2 year old child.
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By jaxchick23 on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

Yes they are, but they are also very strong willed and stubborn so that can make them hard to train.

I STRONGLY suggest that you research the breed fully before you just go out and get one.

I think that obedience training with a professional trainer is a must. You are obviously a novice at dog ownership, but hey, it takes one to know one.
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By childofthefifties on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

Mine has passed away a while ago but he was a wonderful companion, he loved walking in the woods with me and his favorite game was playing hide and seek with my kids. they always hid he always looked for them and he always won. Any puppy will take some care , time and attention but he will make a great friend.
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By dogriver on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

Sounds like a match for you. I have a shepard and she is the best, we got her when she was a pup and she is one of the family, loves the kids and plays gently with them and is also a great guard dog and coon dog, trees many raccoons. I recommend adopting a shepard or shepard X that is a tad older (one year or older) if you have no kids. Saves that puppy stage, which is tough, but worth it
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By jusme on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

I have known a few German Shepherds and they have all been nice, playful dogs if treated kindly. People who try to make them fierce wind up ruining the dog. I would like to have one but, 2 things keep me from doing this. They shed horribly! Dog hair all over the place! And, they tend to have hip problems because over the yrs. breeders have bred them to be lower in the back. Look at a good picture of one. This can be very expensive to take care of. But, they are still a nice breed.
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By rblankenship_rblankenship on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

i have had one full blooded, and one mixed! they are wonderful dogs!! great with kids too! make sure to have the hips check! they can be born with hipdisplasha(not sure on spelling)!
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By thmsnbrgll on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

German Sheperds are all of the things you want in a dog and more. They are very loyal, they get along fine with a family. They are just a wonderful breed to own.
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By HG on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

YES! I have an 11 yr old that is as frisky as when she was a pup (only a bit slower). We play tag…she knows how to fetch, but every once in awhile she wants to have me chase her. Then she drops the stick, I pick it up, and she chases me. They are lovable, intelligent, beautiful dogs.
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By linda z on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

Shepherds are wonderful dogs and very smart. But remember, a dog is only as good as his care taker.
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By catfan on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

Yes, they are very playful. I have a German Shepherd and she is a wonderful pet. She loves to play with tennis balls and will chase them as long as you will throw them. When we aren’t out to play with her she bounces the balls and catches them in her mouth.
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By Dogman01 on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

German Sheppard dogs were bred to herd livestock. But in the same dog you will find that they are a very loving, Protective family pet. But if you have never owned one you need to educate yourself about this breed. They are a very energetic dog. If you decide to get one you must put the dog in Obiediance classes. These dog even though can be a wonderful family dog they can be a very obstinant and dominant natured dog. The obiediance classes will create an unbreakable bond between you. But most important it will teach the dog to see you as it’s pack leader. This is crutial because the dog will see you as it’s lord and master and will respond to your commands with out hesitation. Another big benefit from O.B classes is that these dogs need alot of daily activity and mental stimulation and the classes provide this for him. But even when you are not at the classes you must be consistant and practice the obiediance drills on your own. The physical activity and mental stimulation that the dog gets from this will keep him well balanced and he will be more calm and stable when it’s time to just sit and relax in front of the fireplace. Socialization with other people and dogs is also a very vital part of the dogs overall personality development. Reason being is because they are very protective of their home and families you want to be able to take the dog places such as the dog park or on family outings and you don’t want a dog that will bark and show aggresion towards every one he sees. Now some people will tell you that if you socialize your dog alot that he will not be as protective of you and your family or home. They don’t know what they are taliking about. A dog that is properly socialized and for the most part friendly will still know when there is something not quite right. Especially a German Sheppard. I have 2 Shepards 1 German Shep and 1 Dutch Shep. The German is trained for police service work and the Dutch Shep is on his way to be. And they are both very stable,social, And loving dogs. They love my kids. Even kids that they have never been around can approch them. And the dogs are happy to let them pet them or throw the ball for them. Even adults can approch and the dogs will do nothing but sit there. And still when it come down to protecting me, my family,or my home, or when it’s time to go to work and catch a bad guy. They never fail me. (Best partner I ever had). I have been handling police k9’s for 12yrs and I know this breed to be one of the most intelegent, loving, protective, family dogs you can get. But they do need structure. So good luck. And I’m sure you will be satisfied if you decide to get one of these wonderful dogs.
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By bear2zealand on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

Yes, depending on the bloodlines that will suit your needs. Some of the working lines have very high drives. My East German boy can go all day. He never tires out before me. But, he would not be good in a home where someone has never dealt with his lines. Look at some of my dogs here http://vomhausbjarnegermanshepherds.bravehost.com/
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