What to look for when trying to find an excellent puppy for Shutzhund ? - Page 1

Hi everyone,

I have a couple of questions that I'd appreciate some thoughts on.

First - I'm searching for a puppy with the intention of raising him as a sport competition dog (Shutzhund). Can you share with me your thoughts on what criteria you value most when looking at a litter and trying to pick that puppy? And how does that criteria reflect on your evaluation of the "fairness" of puppy's price? I'm evaluating few litters, some here in the US and some in Germany and all breeders tell me that "they" believe their puppies have what it takes to make it to the nationals.

And finally, does gender really matter? 

Second - With regards to importing. What is the process of doing that? I'm assuming that you don't just send your money to the breeder and trust that they'll send you the puppy? 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts; they are much appreciated.
 
Johnny Pena

Personally, I like to see the pups if possible.  I start by looking at what the sire and dam have produced in the past.  The female is just as important if not more than the stud, so I like a female that has produced high levels dogs before.  Once I've decided that the sire and dam fit my criteria I look at the puppies.  I like puppies that seek out attention from people, I avoid puppies that are very aloof or shy.  I like strong, confident, outgoing puppies.  I watch the puppies interact together and see who is the most dominant.  Next, I'll bring out a toy and see who has the most interest.  I will also try a rag and see who is the most intense with it.  Then I'll ignore the puppies for a while and see if the one I like so far seeks me out to continue playing or just for a little attention. 

While standing still ignoring the pups I may drop a large set of car keys near the one I'm favoring.  I want to see if it startles the pup and what the reaction is.  I like a puppy that jumps on the keys and runs away with them and keeps them away from the other pups.  You can do the puppy temperament tests as well.  I will pick up the pup and see it's reaction, whether it is comfortable or struggles to get away.  I like dominant dogs so I may hold the puppy on the ground for a second and want to see it try to get away from me.  It's kinda the opposite of the puppy temperament test theory.  I look for a lively puppy with lots of drive and energy.  My current dog loves to be held, he's 80 lbs now and still enjoys being picked up, but you won't hold him on the ground. 

I'll evaluate all the pups and rank them in my mind for various things.  I will pay a lot of attention to how the pups interact with each other and me being a stranger.  Any pups that are too shy or appear nervous are ruled out pretty quickly.  IMO, a good SchH dog should have a strong solid temperament and be comfortable and confident around people.  The dog doesn't have to be super friendly, just very sure of itself and it's surroundings. 

I know some excellent breeders here and in Germany and I don't think any of them will tell you that there puppies will be national level dogs.  And that is from breeders that have raised, trained and competed at the BSP, WUSV and USA Nationals with their own puppies.  Puppies are a crap shoot and no one can say what will happen to that puppy after it leaves their kennel.  And if the puppies are that good are they going to sell them to a stranger? 

JMO FWIW,

Jim

Just a personal thing perhaps... but the question should also include if this is ONLY a competition dog, or one who is to be a companion and family pet, especially with kids.  If I were a single person, aiming for National level competition with a dog I might choose a different pup than if I were expecting it to be my 24/7 companion and interact in all situations.  While my pup has tons of energy and drive, he is able to chill with the gang, and even has been going into the hospital Psych ward to interact with patients there.   Because of how I live with my dogs I don't think I want a dog/pup who is "ON" 24 hours a day.

A few things to add:

though i agree with slam and we normally do what he is saying is a very very basic pup assessment. and as for windwalkers post - i think she means what are the secondary initiatives of this pup?- this also plays into your assessment.

You really should consult a person that you can trust to be present during the assessment. I personally will not import unless i know and trust the selecting party. I want eyes on as many of us do.  

When you select a pup IMHO you need to know and fully understand all that you want from this dog in all aspects of its life. Some cant be trusted with kids, some are single handler dogs,Not all dogs have an turn on turn off switch, etc.... It can be trained to a point but ALL do not possess it.  Proper training, direction, and socialization is a must in puppies!!! You should really also consult an experienced trainer that can help with developement because if you get more serious down the road and wish to take a dog to a high level subtle mistakes in developement will play a significant impact.

IMHO, I select my pups due to the purpose in which i intend there use. It would take conversation as well as meeting you to know exactly what you want and where your capabilities lye and then eyes on the pup to significantly explain what pup and why.

www.eurosportk9.com


Trustworthy & will get you what you ask for. I bought an 8 month old pup a couple of years ago. He's the best dog I've ever had.


Mike

I think what Windwalker is trying to say is that if the dog is also to be a family dog, the most dominant, most high drive, most over the top puppy might not be your best bet.

I recently bought a pup to do club level Schutzhund and to also be a family/in home companion for myself. Because of this, I did NOT but the most high drive, dominant pup I could find. Instead, I bought one more in between. The pup has good drives, but not over the top. The pup has energy, but not off the wall. The pup is confident, but not overly dominant. She is proving to be excellent in the house. At the same time, she has the drive I need to do the sport.

An over the top puppy can be a real handful for a family dog. Can they make it as pets? Yes, but it is very hard and not something I would recommend.

If you want a Schutzhund dog AND a family dog, get something that can do both. Don't just consider the Schutzhund aspect of it. JMHO

your answer lies in the question itself...... what is schtzhund and what will the dog have to achieve ?   that's it .. not a complex issue .... for competing  -    the dog has to retrieve , yes ? then look for a pup , that has a predisposition to bring something back to you  ie. a high retireve trait /instinct. the dog must track - look for a pup that will use it's nose to follow a scent .... for protection  .. look for a dog that expresses confidence and one with a little independence because it must be able to be comfortable working on it's own away from the handler. sch is a character test ... judged by the way it responds to judges / people - so look for a dog that is at least somewhat social . and competitions are at various locations .. so look for a pup that responds well in different environments / recovers fast when stressed. one that will not be gun shy . OK you can take it from here . ...... what are the requirements of what the dog must need to do .. BTW you do not need a killer dog - just one that can do the work !!! .......and remember .. you cannot make a dog what it is not ........ Good Luck

grips