So when one considers opening the doors of ones home to a GSD what is in store? The first thing to remember is the furry little bundle encountered in that first meeting, who sniffs you in a nervous suspicious manner and may then back away rejecting your kindly motions of stroking or patting will within a relatively short a period of six months become a totally different package.

At eight/nine months of age you have got a strong big dog (Ralph was around 40kg at this age) with bounding energy and a highly intelligent mind. Either you stimulate him/her or they amuse themselves...... maybe in a way which you don't find amusing! You have got a dog, which considers you the most important person in his or her life. They fret if you are out of their sight.