Hello I have just joined this forum and was wondering if anyone could help me. We have bought a German Shepherd Pup and will be picking her up at the end of Jan.

She is one of 7 pups. They are with both parents in a good family home and look ideal.

I already have a cross Jack russell who is 5 and a very gentle lovely little dog but I have been told that GSD can be very dominent and to be careful because she could attack my Jack russell.

I am getting all worried now. Of course I am hoping that we can give both of them lots of love but I dont want the new pup to get jealous and attack our other dog.

My mother has a german shepherd a jack russel and a chihuahua and has no problems, as long as they are introduced properly and you make sure the new pup is not too rough with your little dog things should be fine puppy training is a good idea for your pup to learn some manners, you may encounter some little hurdles along the way but these can be overcome german shepherds are lovely dogs, good luck with the new member

Thanks for replying.

We have never had a big dog before and will make sure we do this properly. We will take her to dog training and i am sure that will help us. Sorry if this sounds silly but what do you mean about introducing them properly. We was just going to bring the dog home and hope it all went ok.

My husband has wanted a GSD for a few years and I have always said they are too big but have finally given in.

She is the most cuties thing i have ever seen and the parents are great looking dogs. I know i shouldnt worry about it before i even have her but i do want this to go well.

Hello and welcome along to the forum
Have you mentioned to the breeder about your little worries?

I agree. A reputable breeder who has spent a fortune on Hip scoring Haemophiliac testing their dogs, carefully researched and planned the mating to try to produce the most well adjusted and typical healthy Kennel Club registered pups possible will want to ensure that they will fit in smoothly into their new homes.

They will be willing and eager to answer any questions you have about training and socialisation.

GSD's of correct temperament live very easily with other dogs. I know many GSD's and a fair proportion of them live with small dogs where they are usually subservient to them. GSD's thrive on kind strong leadership. They need to have such a person and most often attach very much to their main Boss.

As long as you have avoided poor breeding (see here:Dog-Play: Use this guide to obtain a quality puppy from a responsible breeder) you should be able to rely on them.

GSD's are good dogs, as vixie said don't allow your new pup to be rough with your smaller older dog, it's not fair, she may hurt him which will store up trouble from the future. I hope your pup has been bred from strong confident parents, if it has been done correctly you will be picking up a confident pup. Ensure you socialise her properly, so she doesn't react badly to new things. Step in quickly if you see situations arising with the two dogs.

Thank you for all your replies you really have put my mind at rest. My little jack is only 5 years old and still very much full of energy, she can run for hours. I am sure she wil love having another dog to play with. I really cannot wait.

It never ceases to amaze me where this information comes from!

I have owned German Shepherd dogs for over 25 years, and much of what I hear about this breed is utter nonsense.

Firstly, what sex is your little dog? I always recommend where possible, to have a bitch and a dog. Usually, the bitch will be the dominant and both will live in harmony (there are of course exceptions to this rule).

Its extremely important that you read up on the GSD breed, and socialise her as soon as possible. they are intelligent, fearless, self confident and eager to learn. All will form close bonds with their owners, and they are not a dog for the first time dog owner.

Personally, I cannot imagine life without a German Sheperd Dog, and although I am still grieving for the loss of my own, we have already made plans to have another puppy from Zak's breeder, sometime in the Spring.

Best of luck, and enjoy.

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A dog's love will live in your heart forever
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Hello there. Glad you have replied and I am sure i will be seeking more advise.

My Jack russell is a bitch (misty) and my new pup is a bitch too (Tia). I dont know why but i am not getting a very good reaction from friends about getting a GSD.

This is Misty



This is Tia



If all goes to plan she will be home with us in a couple of weeks.

You will never have a more loyal, and steadfast friend as a German Shepherd, which is why they have great devotion to their human family. Since they are naturally suspicious of strangers, it does make them the perfect guard dog. It is pure ignorance that makes people advise against them as they are often ignorant about the breed.

GSD's are used widely around the world as police dogs, guide dogs, and utility dogs, which gives some indication of their versatility and intelligence. In the wrong hands however, they can be unruly, which is why I always recommend socialisation and training from a very early age.

Please ensure that you follow these simple rules and join a German Shepherd training group.

I do envy you your puppy, as losing Zak was like losing a part of me. She looks beautiful and I am sure she will make a wonderful family member.

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A dog's love will live in your heart forever
We stay when you're away