Ok, I have to brag here a little bit. I have a five month old male GSD. His name is Niko and he is perfect! I took him to the vet this Saturday and the vet was very impressed with him. He is already sixty-five pounds, very fit, perfect health and just as happy as can be. Our vet breeds gsd's and he said that Niko was better behaved than most five month old gsd's and apparently came from a great bloodline. Niko is my first gsd and I can’t believe that I have never even thought of getting one before him. He loves his crate, is house trained, loves the outdoors and loves my nine year old son and is very protective of him and me. Just this morning, my husband went to kiss me goodbye and Niko did not like that one bit, he growled at him.
Ok, I'm sorry for bragging so, but I am one very proud owner of a very special and healthy GSD! I would definitely recommend gsd’s to anyone wanting a large breed dog.

Cute story. This is in General Health Issues?? Hmmmm. . .

No more brags, we don't do that on this board. And you might want to consider the implications of your family dog growling at your husband.

That kind of behavior is unacceptable. Everyone in the house comes before the dog, he can't be allowed to aggress to any of those people. You will create problems for yourself in the future.

So, I'm moving this discussion.

Done <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

After it was posted, I realized that it was in general health topics and tried to delete it, but as you know, it wouldn’t let me, so I so apologize… I did notice and try to move it.
I also apologize if I bragged too much, and especially if “we” do not brag on here, I didn’t know that. As for being a dominate dog, he is not one, he is just more protective over my son and I because my husband works six days a week and twelve hour days, so he is not around as much as I am.
I hate to sound this way, but since getting Niko four months ago, I have posted a couple of concerns on this discussion board about some issues and just general topics and it seems that every time, someone has always came back and busted my bubble or put down what I was saying. For instance, one time I posted about him when he was 10 weeks old and was biting my sons pant legs… All I needed were suggestions on how to break him from this and all I get back is “I would take a dog like that” “You should give him to someone who might appreciate him”. I give up. Can you shed some light on how this discussion board works? At first, I though that I was coming to the right place, then when things are fine, I came to tell all how proud I am of gsd’s and I’m shot down.
I don’t understand

A 5 month old that is growling at your husband is not being protective, no matter how many hours your husband works, he is being a punk.

Just like a 5 yr old boy that has learned to kick or bite people. He is being a jerk, and if you don't handle it now, he will grow to be a bigger jerk.

Allison,

Try not to get too frustrated with the members of this board. Most of the people here are involved with working dogs and their opinions and responses reflect that. For instance, most of the people on this board would jump at the chance to own a pup that is constantly pouncing on pant legs because that is a sign of strong prey drive which is a mark of a good working dog. They sometimes do not remember that not everyone is involved with or wants a strong working dog. That said, they can and do still provide a TON of good information, knowledge, and assistance.

But, come on people, why can't we brag about our dogs just a little bit once in a while? Isn't that partly what the "general conversation" forum is for? I know Allison posted this originally in the wrong forum, but who hasn't done that at least once? Maybe Allison should not have termed it "bragging," but she was not so much bragging about her own dog as she was praising good GSDs in general -- she is very happy and proud to own a good GSD (and rightfully so, I might add). Why can't she say so here? I know many of us have done a little light-hearted bragging on this board, myself included and you too VanCamp. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Please don't anyone take offense at this post -- I am merely trying to play the devil's advocate and, if there really are "rules" against "bragging" even just a little, I am just trying to understand myself.

On one last note, Allison, I would seriously listen to what VanCamp and Deanna said about your dog's growling at your husband not being acceptable. It really is not. Even though your husband is not at home as much as you are, the dog needs to know that he is still a member of your family and growling at him IS NOT acceptable.

This board has been related to dog training since it's beginning. There are other GSD boards on the internet where brags and chit chat are welcomed openly. The General Conversation thread was opened as a test and it supposed to stay dog training related.

We are all guilty of throwing in extras on posts from time to time, but we do aim to keep this a "working dog board" and not an "I love my pet because" essay contest.

If you have a question, or a training idea to share, feel free. Brags can be directed to people who want to know via the PM system.

I love it when you talk like that.

Ron

Dear Allison,

I read your post and it did my heart good to see someone so enthusianstic over owning a GSD. In fact it was down right refreshing.

I am also fairly new to this site, so I am sure I have a lot to learn about their policies. But since I have had GSD since 1965 except for when we did a tour in Hawaii. And I dare say that there is not one person here who has not made a mistake in some area with their dog or dogs.
Mr. Van Camp was very helpful in helping find out something about my dogs pedigree, I am so thankful for the time he took with me. Thak you Robert for that.

I just see that some of the replys are rude, especially when someone really would like to find out something, or what they are doing wrong,and what might they do to correct it.

There is never an excuse for rudeness. Quote: My Mother.

Sincerely, Joyce M. Burrows :rolleyes:

There are currently almost 3000 members on this board. If each one were to make 1 post regarding there great dogs, that is 3000 posts to wade through to get to questions or to try and get an answer. Many of us have more than 1 dog (I have the three best dogs that have ever lived). Many have also owned several other great dogs in the past (I have had 7 others in just the working dogs). Then add the other wonderful dogs we have been involved with training that we didn't own. Start multiplying and you see why we have tried to keep it to questions and answers.

Allison,

I would be very concerned about the actions of your dog and your reaction to it. What you describe is the begining of a big problem. Your reaction to it is another concern. It may seem cute now, but what is going to happen when he decides to go beyond growling or decides that he is in a higher position than your son? Teach this dog the rules. He knows that your husband belongs there and your husband should have complete control over him also. It sounds like this dog needs a job and needs to learn what really is a threat. With out those things happening there is a good likelyhood you will have a problem with a family member or visitor.