Anyone have experience with Katzenblut shepherds? Hips? - Page 2

Yvette this isn't your fear biter is it?  I found this dog on a rescue website when I googled the kennel name.

http://www.sheprescue.org/Baron%20vom%20Katzenblut%20.htm

Hmm, hips issues, fear biters and dogs dumped in rescues. I'll take 2 from this kennel. Must be good stuff running through their veins.

Nope.  "Pooh Bear" was a bi color.

Of course, maybe I shouldn't have tipped my hand so soon.  If I were the victim, er... I mean... new owner of that unstable dog I wouldn't post a picture at all, or post a picture of any dog that is NOT bi colored, just to hide the liability of owning a dangerous dog.

I just hope the dog has been brought under control.  I'm the only one that I know the dog has bit, but the guy who brought him to our club said that he has had several "near misses" where he tried to snap at his friends and relatives when they came over to visit the house. 

But hey - here's the bright side... now when people ask me why they should pay big bucks for a quality GSD, I just roll up my sleeve and show the scar.  "Here's what ya get if you don't find a reputable breeder!"  Usually makes them rethink their strategy.

Yvette

That looks like it was a really nasty bite.  I had a similar experience holding a schizoid fear biter once, but my scar is nothing compared to yours.

It was a nasty bite, but looking back now it was almost humorous in a dark way... the dog is a fear biter, so he's not latching on to my arm to "kill" - he just wants to make a brave front to intimidate.  As soon as the poor handler saw what happened he pulled on the leash and "Pooh Bear" came right off. 

So I was standing there in the road, arm dripping in blood, and the poor guy is saying, "OhmiGod, ohmigod, ohmidgod" like a mantra.  Norm just makes an exasperated expression like "Oh s*** now he's done it", Jerry just buries his head in his hand like "I shoulda seen this coming."  Doug finally comes up to me and asks, "Are you feeling faint?"

Upon which I respond, "No I'm feeling PISSED!  Can someone get me a towel?  Heeelllloooo?  Can anyone get me a towel?"

Kinda funny in a dark way.

However, what really pissed me off about the matter was the way that Shirley, the breeder, handled the situation.  If she would have shown the least bit of remorse, or a fraction of accountability, I would have respected her.  I freely admit I never spoke with Shirley directly, but I was in constant contact with the novice handler, and relayed the details of their conversations.  He was such a nice guy.  I hate to see nice guys getting taken advantage of.

Furthermore, this guy could have been a good club member and  dog trainer.  He had such a humble attitude, eager to learn, and determined to "do the right thing".  Pity that he fell into the wrong hands.

Yvette

An all too familiar story.  New people get duped & inevitably end up dropping out of the sport or worse, such as is the case with the dog you mention, end up with a dangerous dog.

Anyone else notice that rescue site claims that dog was sold by the breeder for $10,000?  Ummm, what?

leftbarrelsam,

Sorry I didn't answer your original question.  Molly gives some good advice for finding a good breeder.  Find a dog training club in your area... Schutzhund, Agility, Obedience, whatever is accessible.  Watch the dogs and handlers and talk to them, ask many questions.  I'm sure you'll find helpful folks who would be happy to whip our their dog's pedigree and explain to you why they picked their dog and breeder.

If these folks are knowledgeable they will ask many questions of YOU, so that they can steer you in the right direction for your own needs and lifestyle.  Everyone has different perceptions of what is "the perfect dog".  Find the one that perfect for YOU and your family.

Best wishes!

Yvette

$10,000!!!  I guess she took someone else worse than she took me!  My emails to her are bouncing back and I can't reach her by phone. I would like her to at least reply to me acknowledge that she sold me a pup with HD and offer suggestions on how to manage the pup's health.  I am keeping the pup very lean and swimming her a lot. I also have started her on Adequan and Synovi G3.  I would appreciate other suggestions.