[Sheefeadalfuh]

I don't agree, I just got a German Shepherd pup and he is now 5 months old. Had I gotten one from the HS or an American bred I would have issues such as fear biting, bad hips, dog aggressions and the list goes on.

If you are looking for a pure breed dog the only place is a reputable breeder. If you are looking for a companion, pet, mixed breed. HS all the way. I have owned a mix breed when I was a kid and he was a great dog, and still missed. Now that I am older I have had 3 pure bred dogs and would not have done it differently.

Training:
a good puppy socialization class
Take him everywhere, park, malls, playgrounds, expose him to loud noises, don't hide the vacuum,
Positive training classes, my dog knew sit, lay down, and a short stay, by 3 1/2 months old using verbal or visual only.
Exercise is always, be it walks, run, fetch, hide n seek and if I don't I can tell in his behavior
Training is 24-7, sit in the kitchen, shake in front of the tv, heel during walk, 20 mins a day on focused one-one training, waiting at door so not to run when any door is opened the list goes on on not on specific items it is just non-stop on the little things doing them all the time.

even having had several dogs the work is always more than can be described. I have a family of 5 helping, being a young single guy, to give it to you straight, it will be tons of work. A bad dog as we all know is the result of a poor owner.

What ever you decide, you are doing your homework and that is the best start to making a good decision.
Keep us posted

-Slyder