Recommendations for Service Dog Breeds - Page 1

Good Evening,

I have recently posted questions regarding the GSD puppy I purchased. Now being informed more, (hindsight is certainly 20/20 unfortunately), if it is the case that I cannot use/train her to become a Service Canine, I would like to request input regarding expertise and expert opinions from various breeders what breeds they think would make appropriate Service Canines. The GSD breed as recommended to me due to:

1.Iits intelligence; physical stamina; its herding instincts so as to protect me; its alert attentiveness to its environment; and its protective instincts.
2. I travel; am in various locations, some of which are over seas, (yes I am aware some countries take a different view of Service Canines however my employer being Uncle Sam provides ADA rights be extended to me while I travel); and the fact that I am alone and am at a distinct disadvantage with my disability in terms of being alert to my environment.

I do not need a show worthy animal. I also do not need an overly “high drive” canine. I have no intentions of personally breeding whatever dog I am blessed to obtain. The canine companion/mate I would need does not necessarily need to be able to go to the dog park and play. In fact I am not much for that. I DO need it to be well with other dogs when I travel and most certainly when I visit friends with other dogs and cats. However this I think is a training/socialization issue from what I have researched. I would very much like to have one that, barring tragedy will live and work with me as my companion and partner for at least 10 years not including the first year to work through its obedience and then subsequent training. (And yes I am aware training for both of us will be on going our entire lives.)

I AM highly active, biking, kayaking, running, gym, walking, etc. etc. hence again the recommendation for a GSD. However, if the information I was given is in error or there are differing opinions and reasons can be offered as to why I might look into a different breed, please provide them.

Here is a very good article I have read regarding reputable breeders. Taking the information I have learned through this most recent experience, and now doing my own research, I will begin looking for another puppy only to make light inquiries while I await the results for this little girl. Here is the article I thought to take my cue from. Thank you everyone in advance for your comments and opinions.

https://rufflyspeaking.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/puppy-buyer-ettiquette/

For the moment though, I am fervently hoping that this is something which can be corrected with diet and rest. For despite her rough start, her temperament is absolutely wonderful and I am truly in love with her. And to be a bit of a "proud mom” every where I go she draws Ooos and Ahhhs! :-) She is truly beautiful and a joy to have.

with your situation and requirements perhaps most logical would be to buy an adult, already trained dog.

Excellent suggestion! Thank you! I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of that but I really appreciate it!

For all the reasons you tell us you have already been given, and because I know there are members and past users of PDB who have or have had very satisfactory GSD service dogs, whether these were just their own dogs who grew into the role or were supplied and trained already, I do not think you can go wrong if you stick to the idea of the GSD. Of course, there is always an element of 'finding the right one', but that would be true whichever breed you chose (eg not all Labradors are perfect !). Val makes a very good suggestion; this also has the advantage that you would not have to wait for the current pup to grow up before you can rely on her to do things even the best trained puppy might not be up for.

Dare I suggest you might even try to get an older dog now but keep your puppy, in the hope of eventually having an 'understudy' or a 'spare' ? Any chance that would be a possibility ?

Hundmutter: That is an AWESOME idea!!! The area I am moving to, the new SD trainer I will be using, whom I’ve THOROUGHLY researched and vetted ALL of their contacts, has a relationship with Skyhaus GSDs. So far, from what I have found this breeder appears, on the surface to be a good one. Let me throw this out to anyone on here: Does anyone recommend any particular breeder who might have say a 2 year old GSD, either male or female, that is acceptable for SD work? What an EXCELLENT idea. And my family can take care of this little one when I travel and it will be good for her!

I think the idea of a young adult or adult dog would make perfect sense...But to find what you want might be the challenge...I would suggest for you to find someone who understands what you're looking for...Someone who you trust and has the knowledge of what temperament would work for you and your lifestyle...
Choosing a dog for your needs is the most important part of the process...

~Bob~

Another plus: you'd still get the fun and experience from training up the pup as you had intended, with the time pressure taken off because you had a fully trained dog working for you (whether you do that yourself first / in tandem, or get one that has been trained elsewhere). I think Bob is right when he says you need to find somebody who is willing to listen to your precise needs and take enough time to match you up with the 'right' young adult - but it is worth bearing in mind that in the UK we tend more towards the vast majority of assistance dogs of all kinds which are supplied being trained in advance; there is almost always an element then of a residential course to 'tidy up' the relationship between dog and owner for the best fit, but it works fine most of the time.

If you wouldn't mind, junkmail, I would be very curious to know who you're working with or who your puppy is. I think I might know. If that's the case, you have a good resource for service dogs, HOWEVER, I question the breeder recommendation, if I am right. The person I am thinking of got a dog from the breeder, but lives nowhere near them and really doesn't know what goes on there. Those in that area are of a different opinion. I could be totally wrong, too :D

Please send info privately.

I am talking about the first recommendation. I haven't ever heard of this Sky breeder you just mentioned.

Jenni78: I am very hesitant to release any information until I make a decision how I am going to proceed. Even then I doubt very seriously I will do so unless it is to gain legitimate information. Q Man PM’d me regarding questions of another nature, unrelated to what you are asking, however in answering (him?) I answered the reasons why I am being so careful.

Given my experience at this time I am anticipating there may have to be a legal issue pursued unfortunately and I have no desire to “air dirty laundry” in public:
1. its annoying
2. it looks unprofessional
3. it IS unprofessional
4. it would just look like I’m an aggrieved and unsatisfiable customer, and finally
5. I find it beneath me.

I deal with people directly. If I have a problem I will tell you. We will communicate and come to an agreed upon understanding and solution. If we cannot we both walk away. However, if:
1. laws and standards are violated or...
2. if unscrupulous behavior is engaged in, and...
3. such results in harm to an innocent person or creature, (in this case the pup), and...
4. I can take the time to address it...

Then I will seek measures of recompense within all legal means and leave it to the legalese folks to sort it out because "you’re just not worth my time." This is why I am being so careful. As has been stated earlier in the thread, people get away with things because others’ don’t call them out. Or to quote Edmund Burke, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing....” It takes only a little effort to gather information and then send it off and keep tabs on the people who are supposed to do something about it. And this can be done so easily now with an occasional email, a phone call, and a letter every now and then to spur the officials on and to let both them and the person(s) involved, “Yes, you got away with it...up to a point.” And then leave it at this.

Lastly, I don’t honestly feel social media is where grievances should be aired. Its.....annoyingly dramatic. I know I can come off sounding condescending so if I sound this way I do not mean it. I won’t apologize for the ay I sound because I truly believe these things. However I also do not MEAN to sound condescending. ;-)

My pup has her consult with the Ortho surgeon tomorrow. At this time, unless something changes, I am leaning towards the conservative path with diet, work, therapy etc.