[nagdu] German Shepherds

[Shanna Stichler]

Hi Joe,

Your experience with a Shepherd sounds similar to mine. GSDS tend to be 
a bit higher maintenance than Labradors in general. They need fair and 
consistent handling from go, and tend to push all your buttons for a 
little while just to see what they do. :D Mine have both exhibited some 
separation anxiety as well. They also love to work and need a purpose in 
life to be truly content.

They are also incredibly loyal to their person after that initial 
testing phase. My current GSD would work for me on the moon if I asked 
her to, I think. They are incredibly willing and love to learn. My GSDS 
have always been incredibly confident and unphased by chaotic working 
conditions, even thriving on the challenge. I also love that my 
Shepherds have all been social and excepting of strangers, but not 
overly affectionate with anyone except myself. My dogs at least 
certainly have a silly, playful side to them out of harness, but 
are/were quite serious in the work. My current female is a phenomenal 
working dog, but is not the easiest to live with, if that makes sense. 
She is a busy kind of dog in the house, always wanting to play fetch or 
tug, anything that involves interacting with me. She has no problems 
settling when we're out, but at home I actually had to teach her how to 
be calm in the house.

I absolutely adore GSDS, and will not work another breed, with the 
possible exception of a Doberman, if I can help it.

Best,
Shanna

On 11/25/2014 8:11 PM, Joe via nagdu wrote:
> Hi, I'm curious about people's experiences with German shepherd guide dogs.
> That may sound like a strange question coming from someone with experience
> with the breed, but as I consider returning for a second guide dog, I'm
> giving some thought to breed preferences. Mine was something of a handful,
> but his work ethic was outstanding. I'm curious to see if my experience can
> be duplicated somewhere else. I don't want to express interest in a specific
> breed based on my old dog's personality when perhaps the same
> characteristics could be found in another breed. Personally, I loved the
> smooth gait and serious persona. Yet, a few people claim they found their
> shepherds to be too delicate. Anyway, I hope the question makes sense. All
> thoughts welcomed. Appreciate it in advance.
>
> Joe
>
> --
> Musings of a Work in Progress:
> www.JoeOrozco.com/
>
> Twitter: @ScribblingJoe
>
>
>
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