Is it possible that I may have a GSD who does not fit the "norm" in the sense he really has VERY little interest in lots of exercise?

Our "Van" has basically zero "prey" or "ball" drive, and just wants to be velcro dog, on my hip at all times. I love this, but I thought for sure he would be, as I expected, wanting to run, walk, play etc. And while he does indeed have about 3 spurts of "fun energy" a day where we play catch, "go get it" etc etc, and he does run to do that. In one day we taught him "got get it" "bring it" and "let go" And he has a lot of energy when playing like this, but after about 10 min, he takes his toy, and goes to lay in the shade and chew happily, until he falls asleep.

When we take him for walks, he is perfectly happy to just mosey along slowly, and loves to just lay in the grass at the park, and watch all; the kids play, and other dogs romping. He will run with me if I tell him "lets go!" But he is just as happy walking. One 30 min park trip yesterday and he slept for like 2 hours afterward!

I am NOT complaining AT ALL. I guess I just had prepped myself for having to run with him and have ACTIVE play time many times a day (we have researched GSD's and totally knew what we were doing when we got one). Like I said, he has no desire to chase after anything, incl. our 6 chickens. He is interested, but no real desire to "go get them!" He mouths the kids a bit when in his playful moods, but that is better now with the "let go" command, and we are starting training, hopefully next week, after he is neutered.

Anyone one else have a "laid back" GSD??

Yup! Despite the norm, there will always be variation... which is a good thing! Besides, didn't you pick him out because he was already known to have very little prey drive?

Basia is low maintenance and very non-demanding... settles in the house without a problem and if I'm being lazy she doesn't complain...yet when we're active, she is very active. I consider myself lucky! I'd put her in the middle of the spectrum of drive and energy. Sounds like Van is just on the lower end of the spectrum.

Liz, I believe that there are certain GSD's especially in the males that are more of the flock guardian than the flock herder. I had a big male that had low prey, low energy. He was the watcher, even as a pup he would just lay down and observe. But he had the protective nature. One day we were out walking and he changed posture, growled and changed which side he was walking with me. I couldn't figure out what his problem was, but I soon spotted a Woodchuck, he was protecting me from the little monster that was growling at us.

Also you recently purchased Van. It takes dogs a while to really get comfortable and let out who they are. The trip to the park may not have seemed much to you, but to Van, a new owner, new place, new sights, new smells is a lot for a dog to take in. Dogs can tire themselves out by tracking, it isn't the physical exercise but the mentally processing all the smells, so it tires them out mentally.

Yep. He sounds like a great family dog. Give him more time to settle in. I think I would love this dog for a young family.

Yep! Didn't want him chasing the other animals or kids, but I didn't know when they said little prey drive, they meant none. lol I am actually thrilled. lol Just shocked!!!!

How old is Van? Some of this might change...

We just took him to Petsmart for the first time. He liked it. Liked seeing so many other dogs. lots of sniffing. When I was deciding on a couple new toys he just decided to lay down at my feet. People literally were stepping over him in the isle and he didn't care. Too funny. Now he is passed out at my feet here in the office!

Van is 18 months.

I have a feeling that a lot of this is because he was a kennel dog. How much exercise did he get previously? What is his muscle tone like? As he builds more muscle tone and gets used to having a full life he will probably become more energetic.

He was very well exercised, every day, multiple times, extensively, and has fantastic muscle tone. And, he ran a lot with the other dogs. I took him to the vet for a once over right after we brought him home, and the vet said he was in great shape. So, I am not sure thats the issue. It would make sense if his muscle tone had been low though!

Not wanting to borrow trouble, but a few things to check would be joints or tick disease...

Ok.... no worries about trouble, love all opinions. He is not like lethargic or anything, just I expected him to need a lot more exercise than he seems to need to be happy. He was given a good go over (really good) by our vet when we got him - he didn't say anything about either. His hips and elbows are certified as well. BTW, he loves his time playing with our Pomeranian. She is definitely in charge, but it is so fun to see them together. Right now he is asleep at my feet, and she is on the other side of the room asleep as well.

He just sounds like a great dog, be happy!!!!! (I know you are)

yes, if kreative sold him to you as a pet, then they have indeed tested him out and deemed him a very good home body... I think you are very lucky to have gotten exactly what you want in a GSD and your situation.

Schnickle Frittz... thanks. We have had a great experience, the whole way through the process. Never felt pushed or like they thought they "had the dog" for us, but so much wanted to be sure we were matched with what we needed. I see you are in Fairfield... we are in Vacaville! Have you heard anything about Alan's Canines for training? I am looking for some good local training support... any suggestions??

Ours is very laid back, too, unless she is in hunting mode. I was really concerned about her health for a while there because she's so lazy laid back. It seems to be "just her."

oops just saw this again... I have heard of Alan's canines... but honestly... nothing good or bad... just of them... how are things going?? I saw a lady training a GSD by Northbay Medical center ( I was driving past) and thought automatically of you... then thought... you wouldn't be there in that area unless you lived there...

Things are going well. He is still barking at my husband, but it is so flipping weird, because he walks beautifully with him, plays with him, etc.... but then starts barking and wont stop. We are starting with Alan next week. It was going to be sooner, but I had some health issues pop up.

I did go out of town for three days with all but one of the kids, so my husband and son were home with Van. No problems all weekend. A couple little barks here and there, but nothing massive. They took lots of walks, played A TON, and my husband worked with him with his basic obedience, treated lavishly, and they have a GREAT time. I came home, and while he didn't bark much at my husband that evening, the next AM it started again! Dave (my husband) continues to be the only one to feed him, treat him etc, at the suggestion of his previous trainer as well as Alan.... so Van sees that good stuff can come from people other than me. My husband is now on a 2 week business trip, so our son is feeding him. But I know for a fact when Dave comes back the barking will probably be even worse, so I look forward to our training with Alan.

Van is awesome with the kids, loves to run back and forth wile they are in the pool, and lay next to the steps with his front paws dipped in. He gets sop excited when they come home, he often goes and grabs a toy and brings it to them to play. I was in my room the other day folding clothes, and Van was near the foot of my bed. My son had been on the floor reading a book. When I realized he was pretty darn quiet, I looked over, only to see Van and Lee (my son) sound asleep together on the floor. I will post a pic.

We are in total love with our awesome Van, and I just need to help him to trust my husband..... it really makes me sad!

My sleeping "boys!" Sorry for the bad quality, it is a cel phone picture.

This is the same with our female. The gradual change from busy pup to
laid-back adult snuck up on us.