Puppy? Or older Dog? - Page 2

I can speak only from personal experience.  We have a 3 1/2 yr old female whom we have raised since she was two months old, and a 4 yr old German import male whom we acquired at 2 1/2.  I had some of the same worries about him as an unneutered, SchH trained dog, kenneled until we purchased him.  All those worries have been unfounded.

In many ways, he is more bonded than she is.  She is a very high energy, dominant bitch, always on the go, extremely inquisitive.  He is much calmer, less dominant, and much more attuned to me.  Whether it is by training or just personality, he quickly became our dog at 2 1/2.  Perhaps we have been just lucky, but we spent a great deal of time with him initially and the bonding was almost immediate and effortless.

in every case it will be supposed you see the behavior of parents if they is this feasible whenever you will know that you might move
base of behavior and afterwards be thought the time  that you will give for the preparation of dog your good chance. But in adult dog it will be supposed you know that you will be in place to correct the errors of previous dog owner................think about it

If I had it to do over, I would buy a young 24 mo. old female, passing all tests ofa and complete vet checks that females can go thru to confirm if they have all their tools...and of course , the temperament would have to be confirmed by her being Schutz 1 at least...tht way she has been in groups and I want a bubbly personality..

I just sold a man and his family a male that was  4 yrs old , that I took back , man and wife split and his name was Cody Dak...out of my korbelbach boy ,very drivey, and hard,,,,this male wasnt,,,he was loving, fun and bonded with the new man and his family on day one...

He is a Physcologist , and takes him to the office , as it is on a bad road, and he feels protected with him there >Dog must be able to greet people and like them , and Cody Dak did perfect....But I knew his personality, as I kept him 30 days before reselling him and I knew he was the right dog....now his Dad nor his mom would have not worked out.   Funny how he skipped right over them and inherited their grandmoms personality,,,much like we people inherit some of our good traits from out grannies and grandpas...

 Emily,
JMO but to me the answer is in you. Look at all of the variables, but above all look at what it is you really want, and why. Personally I believe that if a person has one dog that they are happy with, are well bonded with, the dog meets your expectation, then why get another one unless you have a definate plan and goal which it sounds like you do not.  Do you really want another dog? Do you want the extra work and many responsabilities that go with it and share your time with your present dog. No one on this board can answer these questions! 
Is this just a whim, something you hope will bring more happiness in to your life, to fill a void ? Cause most of the time it will not. Take a look at your motives and what it is you are really looking for and then do it. If you continue to " window shop" you will probably end up with something and maybe not what you want. Take the time and make a decision you will be happy with 1,2 or 8 years down the road.Hope this does not add to your confusion, just take the time to make a good decison for you and your dog. Good luck

I currently have a 5 year old male and a 6 month female. Nenz was free due to bad hips. He was already 4 when I got him. Spunky I paid $1500 for and I can honestly say my next dog will definitely be older. Nenz has bonded, I think, more strongly although both are extremely devoted to me. Personally, I like a good guard dog and my puppy will alert but then is very friendly. Nenz bonded within a few days of my getting him. He used to show in Germany and supposedly did not have much obedience training but he was obedient and good off leash just a few days after I got him. He came already housebroke and leaves the pillows and my daughter's stuffed animals alone, although he does like plastic and in fact destroyed our tv remote last night. I am guessing showdogs do not get socialized as much as household pets, maybe that's why he is more reserved? He accepts attention and licks hands just does not actively seek it as Spunky does. Everybody has to make their own choice. I personally prefer an older dog next time. Puppies are cute but alot of work and an adult dog is what you see is what you get, in all their glory.

olskoolgsds.

I never planned on getting this dog soon. I wanted to get a few more titles on my current shepherd before even thinking about really getting one. But, it's always good to get information before making a concrete decision.  If, and when I do get this dog, she would be trained with my other shepherd in schutzhund, and eventually titled and bred with him if all turns out well. I've done my homework, and know what I am getting into and I'm excited for it.

If I did get one, it wouldn't be for atleast a year to two years, so I know I'll still be interested for sure.