[NAGDU] shepherds as guides

[Shanna Stichler]

Hi Kerri,


My GSD is lovely now, but she was initially a lot of work. She liked me 
when I met her, but didn't truly bond to me for at least a month. Once 
she and I did bond, I became her only person forever and ever, but it 
took much more work than I expected. Some GSDS are picky eaters, and 
some are not. I've owned 3 of them, and the males had a ton of food 
drive compared to my female, who is the poster-child for picky GSDS 
everywhere. Two of my GSDS have been pretty aloof with strangers, and 
one was ridiculously friendly.


In the work, they can be intense and driven. Mine thrives on challenging 
city work, and many GSDS are faster-paced and quick thinkers, but not 
all. In my experience, they do best if given pretty regular work, 
especially in the beginning. Mine didn't slow down much at all until she 
turned 5. :D


The main drawbacks with GSDS are that they can be vocal compared to a 
Retriever, and also they can have issues with separation anxiety. I 
recommend allowing them to practice spending time alone periodically to 
help the SA from becoming an issue.


These are my experiences, but each dog is diferent, as I'm sure you 
know. I love my brilliant and sassy diva of a GSD, and I will probably 
get another when that time comes. HTH


Shanna L Stichler, PHD, GDMI, IACP #7565



On 4/30/2018 6:56 PM, Kerri Sprecher via NAGDU wrote:
> Hi list,
> I have been curious about this for quite some time, but just hadn't gotten around to asking. I have had a yellow lab, a golden retriever, and a poodle, but have not had a lab-golden cross, or a shepherd. I'm sure the crosses are a combination of the traits of the lab and golden, which I am well-accustomed to, but I have always wondered what shepherds were like as guides, and their characteristics and traits in general. I just had my Seeing Eye instructor visit a couple weeks ago, and we got to talking about breeds, and she said that the shepherds that the Seeing Eye used to train were pickier eaters than more recent shepherds; I asked if they were still more standoffish or aloof to others except their handler, which I love about them, and she said they were friendly but yes, most are a little cool toward others unless they really get to know them. This is why I'm really hoping for a shepherd this time, although I'll be happy with any dog that works well and loves their job as a guide. So, I'd be very interested to hear from you shepherd handlers or those of you who have had them in the past or know someone well who has one; what I love about them most is their work ethic, loyalty, seriousness about their work, and their natural tendency towards being a one-person dog.
> I'll be waiting for some ineresting and informative responses.
> Talk soon,
> Kerri
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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