New Puppy vs. Older Puppy - Page 1

Ok everyone, I have a topic I am sure will bring many opinions. I have my own, but I am curious about what you all think. I am about to move into a new home (hopefully)and will have room to add a new working line puppy to my already crowded family. I have heard many people say buying a 8 month old to 1 year old dog is better than raising a puppy from scratch. The logic being that you can see the drives more clearly and you save time and effort. However I am a big proponent of raising one from 8 weeks on. If it were just me, I would probably opt for the older pup, but I have 4 kids (15 months, 3 years, 10 years and 13 years) and want to make sure I dont get a dog that I can't trust around my younger babies. Our current Arlett/Mittelwest male is 4 1/2 and is completely solid around my little ones. When my 3 year old leared to walk he would use Baron's ears to hold himself steady and still lays on his chest to "snuggle" from time to time. I have never worried about this relationship, but with a much higher drive, harder dog I wonder. I have had hardcore working dogs in the past, but not since I have had little ones. The new pup will be for Sch sport (club level) and home protection for the above described family. I am thinking DDR/Czech lines, but I wonder about age. Anyone ever bring a 1 year old dog into their home with little kids? One last thing, I did buy a 5 month old working puppy about 2 years ago, he bit my now 10 year old son, not serious, but enough to make him go bye bye. His was a case of poor socialization and extreme fearfulness. Whats to say anyone will raise a dog to 1 year old the way I would?? And the search continues....

Younger VS Older... younger may be more nippy, jumpy, play driven to extreme if your wish is a high drive working dog. older, maybe less nippy, jumpy, still have play drive but knows more of the "limits" if it's a home raised dog. My guess is you'll probably find the dog your looking for from a "smaller" breeder, who does work with the dogs exposing them to kids, cats, and other pets and people. Shopping, shopping, shopping, Call several breeders, Make several trips, meet ALL the dogs, and make sure the temperaments are correct, and do so by going and seeing for yourself. Contact some breeders who have some young pups and some older pups, this gives you the choice of the two, by evaluation of each pup, after verifying ALL temperaments of the dogs on the property. I say good luck to you and will look to see what others on this board have to say, There are alot of good people who frequent this with many good insights and opinions. :-)

with young children , 8 - 12 week pup is the way to go . as they all grow up and can manage the little guy . prey drive can be mantained easly and training becomes a FAMILY event. A expert can take an older pup but with your busy life style a younger pup can be molded how you like. peter cadman www.germanshepherddog.tv

I tend to agree with Peter on this one. A young puppy can easily learn to see all of the family members as "Alphas" of equal place. This might be a very serious test for a much older puppy or young adult. Bob-O

I have been thru this both ways and with small children the 8 week old puppy is the only way I would go.

I would say a puppy. If you want to make sure the puppy is going to be "WHAT YOU WANT" then you have to raise it. Invest the time, money and headaches but then you know there is no worries.

I would also in general say a puppy. unless you find a breeder who has younger children that interact daily with the dogs. I have kept puppies back from litters and later sold them at 4-6 months. Usually it is only one or two and they get to spend alot of time in the house with the family so are very use to all the noises and interactions. But in general I would have to say a puppy is the best bet so you know how it was raised. Mike

I would agree with the general concensus here and have to say go with a puppy. You can raise them how YOU want them to grow up, used to YOUR rules, YOUR family, YOUR DOG, PERIOD. I have noticed that the dogs I get as adults each come with their own set of quirks. The dogs I have raised from pups may not fit in were they sold to someone ELSE, but they are perfect for MY family. Having children is what really makes the decision for you. You need a dog that is used to YOUR kids, not someone else's! Puppies also bond better (IMO) between the ages of 7-12 weeks, than if they are older. Good luck in your search! Let us know how it turns out? :)

I am pleased to have you all agree with my thoughts. Finally, a decisive plan of action! Now, who do I buy a pup from? Just closed on the house, 2400sq ft and a HUGE yard for him to play in. Now the real search begins. Thanks to all!!!

a breeder who can show you parents and grandparents and possible a siblings so there a good feel for temperment. you should feel comfortable with the vender to. www.germanshepherddog.tv peter cadman friendly vs . high drive vs protective vs show good luck. 519-699-5589 i can sugest several.