Just bought show/Sch1 dog as pet - need advice P1 - Page 1

We just purchased a German shepherd dog (imported from Austria) who is Schutzhund trained (sch1) and who has received at least 2 Vv2 ratings at shows in the EU. The dog seems to have a great temperament and is VERY loving. (unusual for a male from what I understand) We purchased this dog PRIMARILY as a family pet and as piece of mind for my wife when I'm working at night. She has a good background in dog handling (worked with mastiffs for years) and I have none. I would like to continue with the Schutzhund training as well - but as something to develop a relationship with the dog and to give us a "job" - but not as our primary purpose - the dog being a "good citizen" is the most IMPORTANT thing! That means being able to walk among the public (people and pets) live in our house and respect our property, and be obedient – as a pet! I've already seen some of the Schutzhund training principals that "skirt" around dealing with behavior that might not be acceptable in a pet (i.e. we don’t let males around each other - they can fight which might lead to the destruction of the drive in the lesser dog in the battle) - obviously a dog on a walk in public will come in contact with other male canines and needs to be composed. The above was just one example - the dog seems VERY sound (and his breeder was very proud of his temperament - justifiably so in my opinion) but we need to set the boundaries for the dogs new role - while at the same time we don't want to screw him up either. The one issue we did recognize right off is that he is STRONG and PULLS a lot on the lead. It may not have been the best situation (lots of other dogs around a no familiar handler around) but he doesn't seem to know heel/fuss (which is silly - I know he knows it - he had to for his sch1) - which has us concerned. Can anyone comment on the best way to approach this situation? I think my biggest fear is that we've been so cautioned against doing something that would hurt the dogs drive that we're uncertain as to what we can do to handle the dog and teach him our rules. Thanks, -Calvin

As posted on the other boards, bond with the dog first, let him get to know you and you get to really see how he is. Get with a local schutzhund club that can help you out :)

Having gotten a SchH3 male not too long ago primarily as a buddy for my younger female, I can attest that taking the time to bond with your dog does go a long way. Just because your dog has a SchH1 does not mean that he will listen to you right away, as he knows you are not the trainer that he learned from. This will change the longer he has been in your home and you have begun working with him, as advised, through your own local schutzhund club. Good luck!