German Shepherd or Border Collie puppy: Which is best for a new owner?

Actually neither one would be good for a first time dog owner. Both dogs are very headstrong with a high prey drive. If you do get either breed I suggest you take them to have professional training (with you) so you will be able to control the dog appropriately. If you really pressed me to pick one then I would say the Husky.

An apartment is no place for a large breed herding dog like a German Shepherd. That is a very bad idea as these dogs need TONS of exercise, attention and training. They are not a good choice for a first dog as they can have a lot of behavioral issues if someone is not experienced with the breed. I would say a dachshund is your better choice.

Hello there! It's great that you are reaching out for advice and help. Your mother may be right that a German Shepherd may be too much for you to take on at your age. They are highly active dogs that need at least 30-45 minutes of strenuous exercise twice a day as well as mental stimulation and lots of behavioral training. It is a lot of responsibility and a big time commitment. Maybe if you made out a schedule showing your mother when you will walk, play with, and train your dog, then she will allow you to get on. I hope this helps :-)

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can absolutely have a German Shepherd inside. However, keep in mind that they are high energy dogs so it will be crucial to ensure regular exercise and daily walks. For example, it would be good to at least give him 1 hour of playing/exercise time daily which may include long walks for instance. Generally, when picking up a new pup I just recommend to go with the puppy that appears to be the happiest to see you. Also, it is important to make sure the puppy seems happy and healthy which is why it is recommended to have them evaluated by a veterinarian after picking them up. Good luck! Nothing like a new puppy!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I personally prefer Labrador Retrievers though German Shepherds can make great pets for the right owner. Since you already have a German Shepherd and know how to work well with them then getting another German Shepherd would make sense. German Shepherds in general can be quite strong willed just like you described lunging at people and yes a female could do it as well. Labradors are easier to train. Good luck!

Most dogs do well with a companion in the home. It will take some initial training on your part to get Bruno and a new puppy used to each other. I would recommend not leaving the new pup alone with the older dog until they are used to each other. It is also important to make sure the older dog still gets plenty of attention and exercise when the new puppy comes along. Good luck!

You can get a new puppy at any time. All breeds can get along with one another just fine--this is really an issue more of basic personality. Puppies in general do well with each other because they are usually more energetic than older dogs, and tend to bond very quickly. Hope that helps!