My GSD lunges. Is it okay to adopt a new puppy or a female GSD?

There is a reason German Shepherds have been chosen as guard and military dogs for ages. They do tend to be protective of their owners and some do not do as well near other dogs. Serious training (and occasionally behavior modification medication) is needed to overcome this in some animals. Neutering also helps reduce protective or aggressive urges in male dogs. Best of luck to you and Bruno!

Bruno won't be fully mature physically and emotionally until he is at least 18 months to two years of age. That's because large breed dogs mature slower than the smaller breeds of dogs. But that doesn't mean you can't get a puppy now, and I would recommend having Bruno neutered before getting another dog. Unneutered dogs can and do become very territorial and aggressive when intact dogs enter their home, and that can cause a lot of problems for you to deal with daily. In addition, if you get a female, this can lead to unwanted puppies when she goes into heat. GSDs are a very active breed, and if you have the time and energy to give both dogs all the exercise, attention, and training they need, there is no reason why you can't get another GSD.

GSDs are very headstrong dogs as you are seeing, and it's great that you have done obedient walk training with your GSD! It's not in their blood that they always try to pull on the leash, as not all GSDs will pull, but they are very energetic dogs. Given that your dog still isn't behaving correctly 100% of the time on the leash, I would wait to adopt another GSD until yours in under control fully on the leash. That will make it easier for you to handle walking two of them at the same time :-)

I'm so glad you and Bruno have a strong bond! I don't think it's a definite that he and another dog will fight when the puppy grows up. However, I would recommend that you introduce them carefully and slowly, and always monitor their interactions until you are certain that Bruno isn't going to play too rough with the puppy. In addition, I would consider having Bruno neutered, as testosterone increases aggressive tendencies and can certainly contribute to dog-on-dog aggression in some cases.

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!

You can use a head harness, such as a Gentle Leader or Halti, to exert more control and to easily redirect Bruno away from any stimuli. Work with a trainer to reinforce basic commands, especially "sit", "stay" and "leave it".

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!