Here is a question for all you knowledgable owners of GSDs.
If I have heard this once, I have heard this a thousand times.......
"your supposed to get the GSD after you have kids...otherwise they may harm them".

While I just adopted this GSD from a rescue (she is exactly 1 year and displays all the proper GSD temperment).....we are considering starting a family.

I find this statement about getting the dog as a puppy AFTER one procreates....nonsense. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> I have read much on this, but would rather post this on a board where people have them (GSDs) in a variety of circumstances.

What are you opinions on this topic? I am aware the word "training" will come into play. And of course, it should.

The youngest person that Auster has ever lived with was 12. When I took her to the mall for a dog event (parade of breeds) I had to keep her away from strollers because she wanted to lick the kids. Her only socialization as a young pup with children was the neighborhood girls (youngest was almost 8 or so).

As long as the dog has a good head on their neck and they realize that people come in different sizes/shapes, etc. there shouldn't be much of a problem IMO. The human that is trying to raise a puppy and a young child at the same time is probably more of a problem <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> .

I can only relate my own tale. We got our GSD before having a child. When our daughter was born Bosco was almost 2. He has instinctively been extremely careful around her (you have to see a 115 GSD tapdancing around an infant to understand) and is very protective of her. He is also, to say the least, very tolerant ( as an example, she accidently fell directly on his head/muzzle the other day and he didn't even flinch).

We have made strong efforts to teach her to respect him and do not allow her in or around his crate which is his "safe" zone. Yes, he is extremely jealous of the attention she gets, but has never acted out against her. We also try to spend extra time with him to avoid this problem.

IMO it was easier to get him before having her. He was housebroken and trained which made it easier around the house. No issues with teething, biting, etc that you get with a puppy. At almost 2 he was mature (relatively) and seemed to understand his status in the home.

good luck to you.

Thank you for your imputs. I believe this to be the best forum of all. Real life scenarios.

Colleen,

I personally don't think it matters very much (with most dogs).. a good training program is the key to success with children. The reason I say most dogs is some dogs which are super rank might have a problem with a new family member...like a child.. but still can be taught correct behaviour. But either way they have to learn.... in fact even more important for people with no kids to train for kids... if that makes sense.

Colleen,

The one suggestion I would make is one or the other. My preference is for the dog to be 1 1/2-2 years or the kid to be 3-4 so that the child understands some basic manners with the dog. Mixing 2 babies can be a problem as a puppy just doesn't understand why it can't bite and play hard with a small child.

Our GSD was 1 1/2 yrs old when we had our first son. I was a little concerned because he had never been raised around children plus he had been raised inside the house with us. He has turned out to be the BEST GSD we have ever had and is extremely close with my oldest son who is now 7 1/2 years old. I think it all depends on the temperment and nerves of the dog. We never left Lennon alone with my son but allowed him to interact with him as a baby and get used to the crying. After listening to it all of the time, he was more than happy to move outside and just come in for visits! All in all, it worked out better than I could ever have hoped for. Once again, it depends on the nerves and temperment of the dog and I do feel it's a good idea to wait until the dog is 1-2 years old.

Colleen, I feel that common sense prevails here. Get the dog when ever you feel like, really.

I have 4 kids and my 2 dogs are very different w/ them. One is very gentle, and the other could care less.If she is focused on some thing and they're in her path, she wouldn't care if she sent one flying!( SHe actually knocked my 7 year old unconcious-for a few seconds-by accidently bumping her while they were both running around on my lawn!)

Why I say to do what you want is because the dog will adjust regardless. Either way. And you will always be w/ your baby anyway as they start to walk etc. Since you will never leave a dog w/ a baby unattended it is really up to you to be dilligent and watchful over both the dog and the child.

Training and understanding your individual dogs temperment are extremely important. This will guide you as to how you allow them to interact.

Just my opinion anyway! I got my last puppy in Feb/2002( born 1/1/02). My last child was born Nov.2001., they are actually 6 weeks or so apart.That was fun... LOL.. but alot of work!!

Good Luck whatever you decide <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

This is such an informative site. I am so glad I found it. I am an excellent pet owner with much to learn, but I value these imputs.

Colleen

Our male GSD was 15 months old when I had my son. We were careful to allow the dog to sniff the baby in my arms as soon as I came home from hospital. The dog stayed in the living room with us all afternoon / evening and was not excluded at all.

I think this was important as the dog could have associated an exclusion from the room with the arrival of the new baby. The dog was never left alone with the baby.

After a few months, we moved the baby into the nursery to sleep at night and the dog automatically took up a guarding position right accross the entrance to the nursery. He would also guard the basket which was the baby's daytime bed.

Now my son is 5 years old and the dog obays his commands - they are great friends!