Ok so I adopted a German Shepherd mix today from the animal shelter. He is a very good looking 2 year old dog, and even my mom loves him (My mom isnt crazy about dogs, but we dont live together, she just came along to see). I went there originally to see a Doberman (which was the dog I was planning on originally getting and have been researching) however the dog that I met with was NOT a friendly dog at all. Like she wouldnt even eat the treats that I was trying to give her, which she would scarf down when the lady from the animal shelter was feeding her it. I didnt mind however because I realize that dogs are like people, and a certain chemistry has to be in place. Well my mom and I saw this German Shepherd and we thought it'd be nice to just take him out into the animal shelters huge gated grassy area to see how nice he was. I have to honestly say I have never seen a sweeter dog in my entire life. The dog actually hugs people and is a real sweetheart, the dog was very calm but still energetic and playful. I just really felt alot for this particular dog. So we filled out all the adoption applications and are picking him up next week (after background checks and reference checks and what not). My problem however is that I dont know anything about German Shepherds. I've spent the past 2 months roughly researching Dobermans. I am going to spend alot of the next several weeks studying German Shepherds to figure them out, but can alot of the information I read up on Dobermans be applied to Shepherds? I plan on taking it to the classes and such, so that I already got covered. Anything that you guys think I should know about German Shepherds would really be helpful, because I am clueless. I mean, are Dobermans and Shepherds a world of difference in dogs?
Also before anyone goes off saying I shouldnt have adopted a dog I know nothing about and all that, I already realize it was a spur of the moment decision, and yes I already know I should have researched the breed first. However I honestly feel that this will work out well, I just need to learn about the dogs a little quicker then I did the previous breed of dog I had studied.
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You can learn the basics. Observe your dog's behavior. You'll be the one to know him best. Take him to obedient classes. Raise him with love AND structure. Keep in mind he's a working dog. Needs physical and mental exercise. We need more people like you around. Thank you.
I bought an Australian shepherd the day after I read up on them and I am doing great I learn pretty fast, so you'll do fine!
Anyway german shepherds are a wonderful breed they're protective, playful and very loving dogs... Just remember when you get a dog from the shelter that he has already developed a personality meaning he will probably have certain behaviors that you may not agree with. so patients and dicaplin needs to start when he starts to feel comfortable or even before..
You can study all the info you want and it still will not answer all the questions. Training classes and lots of love is the best way to develop a relationship with any dog no matter what the breed. Dogs all have different personalities and needs just like people do. You and your new dog will have to learn each other.
There is nothing wrong with adopting a dog you might now know much about as long as you learn and investigate before it comes home! Dobermans and Shepards are similar but completely different dogs. Dobermans as you know are one person dog and associates everything with that owner. Sheperds are intelligent as well, but is capable of taking orders and liking other people more quickly. You were smarter to go from Doberman to Sheperd that the other way around due to people's lack of knowledge on Dobermans (I have one myself). There is so much information explaining the differences, just read up and you will be ok. Please be sure to go to obdience school, they are such intelligent dogs and catch on quicker than my hound! LOL.
They're actually pretty similar. Both are loyal, intelligent, and protective. Everything you've already learned about training still applies. GSDs are strong-willed and need to be handled firmly. As you've seen, dogs are individuals, so it's just a matter of figuring out what works best for your dog. The only significant difference I can think of is that GSDs need more grooming. Good luck with your new dog!
German shepherds are loyal and friendly.dont give him a bath.If you want to you can do it once or twice in a year.Doberman is a dog which is more aggressive,little weaker than german shepherds,and some times harsh even with small children.i have many dogs as well.if german shepherds are 100,then dobermans are 10.Hope this helps........and one more thing,German shepherds are only loyal to their owners,but friendly to everyone.in my german shepherds,out of ten,no one has ever harmed anyone.it is a very good and well protective dog!!!!
I don't think they are a world of difference. Just remember a shepherd does require a lot of exercise. I've owned 5 of them and they are great dogs. Very friendly, loyal, and affectionate.
I've only known one doberman up close and personal. He was a really nice dog, really big and strong, but very friendly.
David
http://sites.google.com/site/dogtrainingsuccess/Ho...
The biggest clue is that they were both shelter dogs. Dobes and GSD's can both be quite dominating because of their size and temperament... but the best resource I could give you is a website:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/
Long lists of the basics on most all breeds out there, and links to enthusiast sites. It's where I found my perfect friend. :)
Oh yeah, german shepards are like the most sociall and affecionate dogs I know, and though dobermans can be good dogs, they run a little more on the aggresive side.