Male or female

[DOGBOBY]

Hi
I am hoping to get a german shepherd in the near future to join my family i was wondering for a first time shepherd owner which sex would be the best if anyone could help with this that would be great thanks

[Belles]

I've always had females, but we have our first male rescue. Either choice would be good as long as there is a spay or neuter. Females can be a bit more dominant at times, but it solely depends on the make up of the dog.

I also hope you adopt through a GSD rescue. There are some fantastic dogs available.

[DOGBOBY]

Thanks for your reply,i am hopefully getting one from a rescue as i want an older dog rather than a puppy,the only thin the shepherd rescues in england normally say german shepherd experience necessary si hope i will still be able to get one thanks again

[Belles]

DogBoby,

If you were to sign up for some obedience classes with your new dog, I bet you could get over that hurdle. Really, almost anyone with half a lick of sense can handle a shepherd, but they do require some additional training.. actually, you are the one being trained. LOL

I'm sure you won't have problems. A rescue GSD would be lovely.

Where in England? My husband was born in Manchester, but raised in Australia. You can guess we have United stuff all over our house. LOL

[DOGBOBY]

Hi
I live near bath in wiltshire i know manchster well great place thanks for the info

[Hedgewitch]

Sex is not what is important temperament is what is important.

When you get a puppy, you need to get a puppy, which fits into your home and meets the needs of your family.

By this I mean, If you are part of an active family you want a puppy who will grow up to be an active dog. If you are part of a family who is, more laid back you want a dog, which is more laid back.

Some dogs have a higher play drive, a higher prey drive, a higher pain thresh hold and on the other-hand a lower play, prey and pain threshold.

All of these things go into consideration when picking the perfect puppy for your family and your needs rather than picking what sex.

Puppies can be tested at about 8 weeks of age to get an idea of their temperament.

The breeder you get your puppy from should have you fill out an application explaining your needs and that of your family and that will help the breeder select the perfect puppy for you.

[Belles]

I disagree about temperment testing.

You cannot say with any certainty that a puppy test is going to reveal what the activity level of the dog might be in the future. You may get some hints on temperment, but a puppy temperment test is not a guarantee by any stretch. This is a fact. And.. I've never seen a laid back GSD at age 9 months.. LOL. If you have a laid back 9 month old, you have a problem. An almost fully grown puppy that is normal and active can be very overwhelming to first time owners.

Alot of breeders "think" they can predict temperment, but they can't. The only way you have a better indication of temperment is to meet the parents and ask alot of questions. Even then, breeding is but one piece of the puzzle. Too many new owners make the mistake of buying from what they feel is a reputable breeder, only to have the puppies raised in an environment with little or no discipline or training. Then, they wonder what happened as they are taking the dog to the pound because of behavioral issues.

Your filling out applications and breeder discussions are great - assuming one goes to a responsible breeder, but this is another problem that is very common. Who is a responsible breeder and how do you know?

I've had dogs from both - rescue and breeders, so I am not biased one way or the other, but for a first time GSD owner, you better know what you're getting yourself in for and ready to make a committment that many other breeds do not require.

My advice for a first time GSD owner is to skip the puppy phase and get a dog that is a year or two old, has had training and make sure you're ready to continue the training methods and that you have the right attitude and set up to keep one of these dogs both mentally and physically happy.

[DOGBOBY]

Hi
yeh i think that is what i am going to do i dont want a puppy anyway was going to get an older dog from a rescue centre thanks for your reply

[bobbie]

I agree with Belles, You are getting an Adult so Please , Study, study, study. If U R not a STRONG ALPHA trainer this may not B the right dog for you in adulthood. Much bonding, trust, obedience is needed from a rescue along with WHY the dog was given up, prey drive and do U have children in household? Totally differenant then with a pup whom U can start with fresh. Good luck in your choice and considering the GSD. bobbie

[Ruth]

Sex does not matter. It is all in how they are raised not matter what the breed is. If you are looking for an older female we have one that is in our rescue here is a link to her page on petfinder http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=14498118

Sadly she was used in the same maner as a puppymill dog forced to have 4 litters back to back. However this has not affected her any she is such a wonderful dog.

[DOGBOBY]

Hi Ruth
thanks for getting back to me she is lovely if i was in america i would definetly have alook but i am in england thanks again

[Belles]

we can ship! LOL

[DOGBOBY]

lol there are plenty in this country that need rescueing pages of them want them all