This is a placeholder text
Group text
by beetree on 18 February 2010 - 16:02
It is hard to be general in this discussion, I used you because you have your preferences but usually allow a different point of view exists, and have helped me see around my first impressions before, it is not personal, this discussion.
by MaggieMae on 18 February 2010 - 16:02
.
by MaggieMae on 18 February 2010 - 17:02
by Mystere on 18 February 2010 - 19:02
Similarly, the working-line breeders know that many of their puppies are going to go to pet homes. That is why temperament is emphasized so much. There are working-line dogs that can be, and are, just fine in pet homes, because of their very stable temperament. I know of one that went to a pet home, and the breeder saw what he missed out on a 18 months later. The bastard then "traded" the pet owner a V-rated show dog and a bitch, in order to get that pup back. He competed with the dog, which is probably the best thing he ever bred: high drive, stable temperament, very social. I loved the dog. The only reason I was not even tempted to ask about buying him were that I had a similar dog I was very happy with already, and I never want anything with that kennel name. (Sorry, can't help it.) An over-the-top drive dog has an off-switch and is just as much of a "lay-about" in the house as any other. Do you need to give them a bit more exercise to blow off? Sure, just as with any large, working- breed bred to retain some of that ability.
Every breeder , whether schutzhund-oriented, show-oriented, AKC ring show-oriented, etc. knows that many, if not most, of what they breed is going to go to a pet home. Granted, occasionally, a working line breeder breeds a litter that is so uniformly drivey and has such great temperament (usually from parents who are worked and trialed, so folks know where the pups come from) that all the puppies go to working homes. When those puppies impress the hell out of people in the schutzhund clubs in the area, you can count on that breeding being repeated, and all the puppies spoken for from working-homes. That is the exception. Usually, once the puppies are tested at 6-8 weeks, it is easy to distinquish the high drive, hunt-search drive, retrieving fools with the strongest nerve from their siblings with less drive, more nerviness, , or other characteristis that may not be desired by schutzhund or SAR folks. It is also relatively easy to spot those independent (and possibly handler-hard) pups that may be better suited for police work. Sometimes, you can even spot the puppy whose temperament and interaction may indicate suitability for assistance-training.
Sometimes, the talent may not be readily in evidence, such as dogs naturally gifted as alert dogs. Beetree--I will pm you to explain this one.
by Prager on 18 February 2010 - 22:02
Beetree
I, for one believe that proper GSD could be taken on any training path and do well there. That is The beauty of true GSD. I always breed with this motive on my mind. And my dogs go to:
1. 70% to families, elderly and single women and single men as companion and/or protection and protections of victims of violent crimes, handicapped support dogs.
2. 15% to Police, S&R, Security,.....
3. 10% to breeders and trainers for resale
4. 5% to Sport SchH or PSA .....
When I breed a litter I strive for every pup to be able to satisfy any client from point 1.-4. if trained properly.
Off course there is a statistical bell curve within the litters and amongst the litters. Thus the more extreme pups go to police and sport and the calmer ones go to elderly and families....and so on. But any of my dogs must be able to fulfill any task if trained properly. I suply dogs to all 4 groups and rarely get a dog returned from any of them.
90% of the time I get calls from relatively educated people who if nothing else want a working dog. They do not want show dog. Thus I produce working dogs. Thus these people are voting with their $$$$$$ for a working dog. Also please keep in mind that in point #1. above these dogs are working in the most demanding environment. (You may call this section pet, but I call it a working dog!) What is harder then for dog to live with bunch of rowdy kids and be safe and tolerant to their inexperience in the life around a dog and accept friendly visitors and protect against unfriendly ones and all that with mediocre training. Nothing I dread more then to worry to get a call from a family dog owner telling me that their dog fail to protect them effectively or that their kid got bitten by my dog.
Police dog at least, has an professional handler who usually knows what he is doing . But family GSD?!! That is a true worker!
Prager Hans
http://www.alpinek9.com
by wrestleman on 19 February 2010 - 01:02
by Prager on 19 February 2010 - 02:02
you got me. Sorry for being PC. I meant to say that they are better then John Q. Public. Also I said "usually". So I am sorry OK?:)))
Prager Hans
by MaggieMae on 19 February 2010 - 02:02
Yes, I own a German Showline. He is definitely NOT a disgrace to the Breed -- he does not walk on his hocks nor does he have a "roach" back or a severe "sloping" back. He is perfect in my eyes, and that is all that counts.
by Slamdunc on 19 February 2010 - 02:02
You are invited to come to my K9 units training one night, hopefully we'll be able to change your mind about the skill of some Police K9 handlers. Please bring your super well trained dog and eye protection. I'll provide the 1 mile track across highways, fields, and streets up to a building (if you can find it) that you can search in complete darkness for one or more hidden suspects. I'll also provide the 9mm Simunition and the gun to use. If you are sloppy or make a mistake, you will be shot with sim rounds. They only hurt a little and usually don't leave too much of a bruise or a cut. Head shots do hurt and we don't wear helmets. Keep in mind while actively engaging one or more bad guys you need to control your dog and not get either one of you shot. You may need to engage the decoy and shoot him while your dog is on him, if your dog hangs around long enough.
Being a K9 handler is not all about flashy obedience, it's about controlling your dog, having your head on a swivel and getting the job done. If you want flashy obedience I can do that for you to.
Jim
by GSDtravels on 19 February 2010 - 03:02
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top