Experience/expertise - Page 1

We all obviously bring many doggy experiences to this message board. It would be great for members to post who they are and what experiences they have had:-) Would love to get to know you all. Thanks, Sue-Ann GSD Rescue since 1984 GSD breeder since 1994 Showed in AKC obedience, AKC conformation, trained for schutzhund and showed in German style conformation shows. Member SV, USA, GSDCA, WDA, Mt Washington Kennel Club (all breed club), and NH Breeder Referal (unannounced kennel inspections)

what's dock dogs?

I've owned and bred purebred Alaskan Malamutes since 1970. Showed in conformation and OB at AKC shows. Worked as a licensed vet tech for 15 years. Have judged specialty sweepstakes and all-breed AKC matches. After following the breed for 30 years at AKC shows, I was able to purchase my first GSD in 1994, sired by a working line import out of an Am lines bitch. Bought my current dog in 2004, he's 100%German showlines, Trienzbachtal/Arlett/Beluga/Wildsteigerland. Both my GSD's turned out to be pet quality and the first was a coat, so neither have been exhibited.

www.dockdogs.com Its a competition usually reserved for water/hunting breeds, but any breed is welcome. The dogs run off a 40 ft. dock into the water and they measure how far they jump. They give ribbons and titles for each class novice through master. Most of the labs and chessies jumped 15-20+ft. My girl got a 1st, 2nd and 3rd in novice last year (under 10ft.) She doesn't jump as far as the labs, but she has alot of fun!!! Take care, Melanie

Blitzen, I would think Malamutes to be an equally challenging breed to breed as compared with GSDs? You must have oodles of breeding knowledge :-) Who was your 1st GSD out of? Melanie, Dock Dogs sounds like sooooo much fun!!! Wish they did that around here! Sue-Ann

Well I guess I'll chime in here. My parents always seemed to have GSDs when I was a kid, I bought my first one as an adult about 2.5 yrs ago on my wife's urging. My male GSD is 3.5yrs old part West showline part DDR. He is a trained PPD and I competed with him in our first ever PSA (Protection Sport Assoc) trial where he recieved his PDC (Protection Dog Cert.). My trainer and I actually got him ready to compete in the PSA trial in about 4 months which was a lot of work but well worth it. I also have a 8 month old Czech line GSD out of the great Norbo Ben Ju and Exa z. Esagilu. She is definitely the toughest and hardest dog I have ever owned. I plan on Sch titling her and then when that is done I will move into PSA with her as well. I would definitely consider myself a novice but have learned a great deal about obedience and protection training/handling in the past 2 yrs. And I plan on learning as much as possible. GSD's have definitely become a passion of mine.

My first GSD was out of Quai vom Sternbusch SchI. His dam went back to some Doppelt Tay dogs, Sundance Kid, Scorpio. He was a beautiful dog with a fantastic personality with people, he wasn't fond of other dogs though. Malamutes are very, very tough dogs, the survivor experts of the dog world. However, they are a cake walk compared to my present showline GSD, Blitz, the most intelligent dog I've ever owned and quite a challenge. I swear he can look into my soul. He's almost creepy at times LOL.

Dock dogs is a balst! We have several clubs here in the DFW area. I just hope they have them when I move to AZ , LOL! Jerry

I've seen it on TV and it does look like fun. However, the most water Blitz gets into is his wading pool, so I doubt he'd be a star dock dog.