[wakeboarder109]

So a friend of a friend has five German Sheppards which were being trained to be used in K9 units but were supposedly released because they were too nice. They are only about a year old. I've gotten a lot of mixed reviews from people about how they are very loyal but can get aggressive. I'm sure there are lots of owners on here. I'm debating picking one up today. Any thoughts?

[Wakka]

They are fuckin adorable, do it. One of my favorite kinds of dog.

[LateBraking]

Two of my friends have German Shepards, they're very well mannered and intelligent dogs. If they were released because they were too nice, I can't imagine that they would have any worrisome behavioral issues? I'd do it if I were you. I wish I had bigger dogs sometimes, but I still love my 2 Maltese to death.

[solefald]

I love german shepards. They are THE most popular dog in Russia. They are smart, well mannered and obedient. Will shed like a motherfucker, though.

[wakeboarder109]

I've always wanted a bigger dog that I'd be able to run and play with. We always had Beagles growing up which run away every time they pick up a scent. Any idea how they are with babies and little kids?

[solefald]

Originally Posted by wakeboarder109

Any idea how they are with babies and little kids?

They are great with kids. I grew up with german shepherd in the house. Never had a problem.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd_Dog

[PsychoSlug]

They can be great dogs, but be sure to enroll in obedience classes, puppy classes, or the like. Much like my favorite breed, the Rottweiler, they can be a handful for someone with no experience training a dog. Best of luck! Pics if you take the plunge!

[jpsum]

Smart dogs. They are actually not aggressive by nature - If they are, most are only trained to be that way like the police dogs.

[infinitekidM2C]

U lucky little bastard u OP.

My favorite dog of all-time...i'll be getting one at some point.

[arggg45]

I had a former K9 shepherd since i was 16 to last year. I miss the hell out of him, and he was the best dog I've ever had. As long as you socialize him where he isn't going to be trying to defend you against guests in your home or whereever, they make great guard dogs, and are generally friendly, albeit reserved.

Kaiser was the epitome of a smart-ass, and loved nothing more than to figure out where he could find hidden treats. In one instance, our mailman carried treats with him and would give them to dogs that greeted him at the door. Kaiser figured out that the white truck he drove must have had treats, so one day, he walked past the mailman, hopped up in the truck, and showed the world how proud of himself he was by just holding the box of treats in his mouth before proceeding to eat the box...

Mailman and I laugh about that to this day.

[Mx736]

I just got one and I love him. They are great dogs they do need training but they listen very well.
This is him at 10 weeks

[Gregxi]

First dog I ever had, GREAT dog.
I heard they love Bimmers

[Joekerr]

I've had two (at different times). Great dogs, my favourite by far!

But, training is key as is socialization for that breed, otherwise, they will think its their duty to protect you from everyone. They need exposure to other dogs, and visitors early on to understand.

But very intelligent. Mine figured out how to open closet doors to release himself from his cage while we were away.

[BMW F22]

I love german shepards. I wanted to adopt one but family doesn't like big dogs. They need a lot of exercising/socializing and they shed like crazy though. It's not like long hair but imagine a million of short pieces of hair...

[Negotiator]

I adopted a german that turned out to be a hound-german mix (floppy ears, shorter fur). He's a cool dog, but I think he had some emotional damage as a puppy. I've tried training him, and he has no major problems, but his emotions take over him sometimes. Since you're getting it from professional trainers and not from some redneck that had 30 dogs on his property, I'm sure you'll be OK. My dog is terrified of brooms, it will remain a mystery.

On the topic of breed though, they are super smart, and because of that they get bored. Sometimes the boredom manifests in something neutral, sometimes you come home to a half-eaten pillow and a dog that's had the foam expand in his stomach. >.>