German Shepard and Yorkie??

[Bella-Boo]

Hey everyone! Well my husband is a k9 cop with the military and we are in the process of adopting his dog from work which is a German Shepard. The dog is a 6 yr old male and my Bella will be at that time 11 month old female. How do you think they will do together? I know we need to socialize them very well but I'm just not sure because the German Shepard is already 6 yrs old and being a working dog is somewhat aggressive to unknown people and dogs. When we bring him home he will be in a muzzle at first while we introduce them, but I'm just wondering if any of you have had a similar situation or have any advise? Thanks

[s13silviagirl]

Eh. that is a hard one! I would hope that he can be de-trained since your husband has worked with him. He should listen to commands. He should be obedient. But, you just never know with a dog that has the potential to be aggressive. My hubby was an MP. That is a really tough call. Personally when you said

I'm just not sure because the German Shepard is already 6 yrs old and being a working dog is somewhat aggressive to unknown people and dogs.

scared me. I wouldn't think I would want to deal with that dog on a personal level. How is the dog towards you? What if the dog attacks someone when you move back from Germany? To me, that is a scarry situation all around. Not trying to discourage you or your hubby at all, but giving you my two cents. Hope that helps you.

One last thing. Ask the hubby what he thinks. He works with the dog. He knows the dog. Does he think it is possible to re-train this pooch to be a better dog socially and not be in a 'working mentality' all the time?

Best of luck.
Lisa

[Bella-Boo]

Thanks for your input. The dog is well trained and listens well to commands. He also is great around my husband and also me. He has never shown any aggressive behavior that I have seen. I just know that it is possible with any animal. My husband and the other dog trainers that he works with thinks that he will be fine as long as we introduce them slowly and socialize them well. I personally think that it will be ok as long as we do those things, but I was just wondering if anyone else has brought in an older dog to their home. It is a lot easier with a puppy than when they are full grown so I was wondering if there are any suggestions I should know about. Also, I wonder how Bella with act towards him, if she will be aggressive. How have other yorkies done with bigger dogs? Thanks

[spr377]

Originally Posted by Bella-Boo

Hey everyone! Well my husband is a k9 cop with the military and we are in the process of adopting his dog from work which is a German Shepard. The dog is a 6 yr old male and my Bella will be at that time 11 month old female. How do you think they will do together? I know we need to socialize them very well but I'm just not sure because the German Shepard is already 6 yrs old and being a working dog is somewhat aggressive to unknown people and dogs. When we bring him home he will be in a muzzle at first while we introduce them, but I'm just wondering if any of you have had a similar situation or have any advise? Thanks

I have a German Sheperd and 2 Yorkies. My Sheperd is very good with the two little ones, however, I do not leave them alone (at all). Dogs play by mouthing each other, when a Sheperd does this, half of a Yorkie fits in it's mouth. Even if they don't mean to hurt them, it is always a possibility.

[Yorkiekids]

I hope it all works out for you.

[s13silviagirl]

Originally Posted by Bella-Boo

Thanks for your input. The dog is well trained and listens well to commands. He also is great around my husband and also me. He has never shown any aggressive behavior that I have seen. I just know that it is possible with any animal. My husband and the other dog trainers that he works with thinks that he will be fine as long as we introduce them slowly and socialize them well. I personally think that it will be ok as long as we do those things, but I was just wondering if anyone else has brought in an older dog to their home. It is a lot easier with a puppy than when they are full grown so I was wondering if there are any suggestions I should know about. Also, I wonder how Bella with act towards him, if she will be aggressive. How have other yorkies done with bigger dogs? Thanks

Oh, I see where you are going with it now. Guess I read it the wrong way. If he is worked with, he shouldn't pose a problem. But, like said above. I don't think I would leave them alone together. Best of luck with him! Hope it all works out!

One question out of curiosity... Why are they allowing him to be adopted out? Is he too old for service any more? Or will he be with your husband at his next command and work still? Just curious. I always thought that service dogs were always left at the base and got different handlers. Thanks in advance!

Lisa

[Bella-Boo]

My husband is able to adopt the dog because it has a bad nerve in his back and can no longer be used as a working dog because of the high amount of work they do. Usually the dogs are left at the base and the handlers get a new one at the new location. But in this case it's either we adopt him or he gets put to sleep because he can't be used for work anymore but will make a great pet. I don't want to see that happen because he is a great dog so we are going to do what we can for him. Plus the handlers become very attached to the dogs they work and it is a dream for most of them to actually get the opportunity to adopt their dog.

[altigger74]

I had tried to bring one of my two year old labs into the house recently. Cody went insane. He was terrified. She just wanted to play but it scared him alot. He just hid and when I took them outside to go potty he was growling and barking and then he jumped up and grabbed her throat and was growling and biting! I was shocked I've never seen him aggressive towards anything! She just looked at him like "what is this thing?" I'm sure it would have worked out if I had the time to work with both of them but I was overwhelmed at what had happened. So my lab went back into the pen with the three others (I think she was thrilled to get away from the thing that was crazy) and Cody went back to his normal self. If you work with both of them and watch them closely it should work. Just be patient and work with them both.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Bella-Boo

Hey everyone! Well my husband is a k9 cop with the military and we are in the process of adopting his dog from work which is a German Shepard. The dog is a 6 yr old male and my Bella will be at that time 11 month old female. How do you think they will do together? I know we need to socialize them very well but I'm just not sure because the German Shepard is already 6 yrs old and being a working dog is somewhat aggressive to unknown people and dogs. When we bring him home he will be in a muzzle at first while we introduce them, but I'm just wondering if any of you have had a similar situation or have any advise? Thanks

A well trained K9 Cop dog is probably one of the most predictabgle dogs around. It should not be agressive unless it's handlers life is threatened, or it is given a command.

Those dogs have to be very predictable or they would not be able to be used K9 cop dogs. those cops need a dog that they know will behave in a certain way, not a dog that might go chasing after small dogs, or attacking children.

I would guess GSD will be very tolerant of the yorkie. I would not leave them alone together, but I would not be afraid of having them together.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Bella-Boo

Thanks for your input. The dog is well trained and listens well to commands. He also is great around my husband and also me. He has never shown any aggressive behavior that I have seen. I just know that it is possible with any animal. My husband and the other dog trainers that he works with thinks that he will be fine as long as we introduce them slowly and socialize them well. I personally think that it will be ok as long as we do those things, but I was just wondering if anyone else has brought in an older dog to their home. It is a lot easier with a puppy than when they are full grown so I was wondering if there are any suggestions I should know about. Also, I wonder how Bella with act towards him, if she will be aggressive. How have other yorkies done with bigger dogs? Thanks

Actually a large breed puppy would be more of a concern than an mature dog. A puppy would be bouncing around wanting to play and the yorkie could get injured. a mature dog will most likely ignore the yorkie.

[crystalsmom]

I absolutely love German Shepherds, they are a lovely loyal breed. My yorkie has pretty much played with lots of large dogs but playing and living with them might be a different story. Do you think this GS would take commands as well from you?? If you do decide to take him in be sure they meet on neutral ground such as a park etc. Good Luck, it would be a hard decision for me to make too.

Here is a picture of a GS and Chi working in Ohio to sniff out drugs.
The Chi is a female I have another one that shows her little bullet proof vest better if I can find it. Double click on this one.

[crystalsmom]

I found it with the photobucket link.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...rper_03_01.jpg

[Bella-Boo]

Those are great pictures! The GS that my husband works that we are going to adopt is a bomb dog! Thanks for all the great advise everyone!

[TootiesMom]

I had a full grown lab when I got my babies. She is very well trained and it worked great! she was QUICKLY trained to "be easy" with the little ones and all is great.
I NEVER leave them alone, simply because a 90 lb dog can do alot of damage without even realizing it....
neither of the babies were aggressive towards her because they were so small when they came home.
I love watching the big and little ones togetheer, it is just to cute! She lays down to be on their "level"...
good luck!
d

[chuey]

Hello there!

I can offer some imput here, but again, its based on MY experiences with my dogs, so here goes...

I have 5 dogs! Two VERY BIG GERMAN SHEPHERDS, Diablo and Ginger, and 3 yorkies- Brutis, Destiny, and Creasy Bear, at 4lbs and under.

I have had Diablo since he was 6 wks old and have done some EXTENSIVE training with him. I am no professional, but I am proud that I have a very well balanced and behaved dog. Ginger came to us at 18 months from a GS rescue and was very unbalanced. Working with her DAILY and going by Diablo's example, she really got better and was no longer as dog excited/aggresive as when she came to us. I wouldn't change her for the world now!!

Having a LARGE dog in the home, changes the situation greatly regardless of how trained they are. Accidents can happen. You can just do your best to make sure things don't get rough or crazy.

My GS's are mostly outside but come in a lot and to sleep. The yorkies at first were in their x-pen and I introduced them little by little. They are really good with eachother. Amazingly, I give most of the credit here to the big dogs. I have trained them more, so they are much more obedient. I have no excuse for letting my yorkies get away with murder!!

As for you dog, I'm sure he is going to be just fine. It takes a special dog to be a police K9. I have worked with many in my field. They are exremely intelligent and know when they are "working" and when they are at home. There is going to be a transion time for your GS. He is going to miss work and have some stress in the begining. I think it will be good to keep him busy and give him a new job. Kind of like keep him as a security dog, lol. He can watch over you guys and the baby! Teach him new tricks, (i.e. getting the paper, dragging the laundry basket, fetching a beer, you know...)As you know, his loyalty will go without question.

Some concerns would be his bite history. Since your husband worked with him, he would know what his good and bad tendencies are. Does he bite only on command? Does he bite just to bite when not told to? And most importantly, does he LET GO on command? Or was he mainly used as a NDD? Narcotics Detection Dog? Although their history's aren't a "for sure" predictor of what their future behavior may be, it's good to just be aware.

There are many rewarding experiences to having large dogs. The sense of security is irreplaceable- even if you have guns in the house! lol! I enjoy jogging with my dogs and other outdoor activities that make them feel special. Best wishes with your new baby and feel free to PM if you have any more questions or want to hear any more GS-yorkie stories!