Finding the right dog - Page 2

would be good to know for start what is behind of "I really don't want to get taken advantage of again like I did with my current dog"?
there are dogs with different character/temperament but no dogs, who cannot be trained to some sort of learned performance.

What takes years?

A person gaining knowledge?

Or

A breeder working their dogs?

If it's the knowledge, are you saying be impatient and just listen to others? How does he know who to listen to? Does he just listen to breeders? And if he's going to blindly listen to breeders, I hope he takes my advice and finds someone that works their dogs and can see them work in person. References are great, but they're only as good as the person giving it.

This is like buying a car. Plenty of sleazy sales people trying to pawn off their lemons to the person that doesn't know squat. Get educated. Find out what brands work , pop the hood and take it for a ride.

I mean it takes years of watching dogs to really learn what is training and what is genetic, and how to look at dogs and decide if they are what you want. Often, watching a dog on a training field is not going to tell you everything you need to know.

That's why I said to find a club. They can point him in the right direction. Those people are actually involved and will have better intentions than someone trying to sell him.

I'm actually getting confused why you wouldn't want him to gain more knowledge and to rely on people that have experience and knowledge in what he wants to do with this puppy. It doesn't take as long as you're saying to put a few pieces together. And that just reiterates looking for breeders that worked , work, have worked, titled, etc their dogs. If it takes years, how does a breeder do it that hasn't done these things?

ValK, you can search my post history and see the story of how I got scammed. Basically though I bought a dog that was supposed to be something that it wasn't and three years later I am still waiting on those pictures to show up, turns out a lot of people were ripped off by the Von Wyzal Kennel. But we still have the dog and although he cost us an arm and a leg (medical bills) we love him dearly and wouldn't trade him for the world.

I found a group that I can work with in Lubbock TX although it is still pretty far away(3hrs), and got a message about some pups for sale out of this litter pairing below. Was wondering if someone could give some feedback on whether this puppy would be a good candidate.

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_dog/dog.html?id=2634949-alorha-vom-ofk9

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_dog/dog.html?id=2634948-ciroq-von-kachina

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/breeding.result?father=2634948&mother=2634949

Seems to be a repeat breeding, sire and dam owned by the same person?
In case you are interested, MEET sire and dam, and ask about any progeny.

Questions you should ask:

- Health of sire and dam (HD/ED/allergies, anything else)
- Health of progeny
- Temperament and working ability of sire and dam
- Temperament and working ability of progeny
- What makes sire and dam worthful for breeding in case of health, temperament, and working ability (actually tested, NOT based on pedigree)?

Otherwise I am with Vito. Try to hang around in the clubs, watch by yourself, and ask. You will see a lot of different dogs -try to find out what you really like.

A good breeder will train and compete, and will not be afraid to show his training and his dogs.
I know we are talking about the United States, that said formal "titling" is few and far inbetween, but working and testing should be a "MUST" for any "working dog" breeder...

But never forget: Even the best breeder using the best dogs sometimes produces unhealthy or unsound puppies

- that's life, and shit happens.

Any warranty will only help in case you either are willing to give the pup you raised and got attachéd to back, or you do have space and nerves for a third dog...

All the best!
 

Research at clubs can take time, but it is well-invested time to get a dog that will be suitable for you. It also gives a breeder a chance to talk to you about your training experience, to match you with the right pup.

So far as that litter is concerned, I would ask the breeder what is the objective of that pairing and what are the goals for their breeding program.

I agree with ValK when he said:"It would be good to know for start what is behind of "I really don't want to get taken advantage of again like I did with my current dog"?". What happened? What is wrong with your dog? In any case, do not expect to get definite - go there or here for good pup.
Opinions are like elbows everybody has a couple. Getting a new dog is an experience which only you can create and evaluate.

Getting a dog is an experience creating event which only you can positively influence. Educate yourself about the purpose of the breed and identify your self with it. Then look for a breeder who subscribes itself to such original purpose. As I have said above talk to many dog people and talk to many breeders and find a breeder who has dogs which you like and who is saying not what you wnat to hear, but what makes sense to you and is logical and fits breed's purpose. Then try to be a friend with such breeder. Allow him or her to be your mentor. That could be done long distance over internet or phone. Listen intently and ask for help. Then let him select for you what you are looking for. Generate your own experience and do not get stuck on first person advising you regardless of how charismatic they are.

Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.
Auguste Rodi
 

nick3981
ValK, you can search my post history and see the story of how I got scammed.

scam part aside...
it looks like you wasn't concerned about working abilities when you started to search for first dog.
at least you did state "searching for a new addition to our family and he will only be a pet no show or sport just obediance".
now it's appears you looking for "great working female that I can train/compete".
i'm curious what kind of training have you done and level of experience you achieved with present dog?