Guidance needed - central New Jersey - Page 2

The biggest advice I can give is to have a clearcut idea of exactly what personality/temperament you want in your dog because I think this is a really important aspect. My family and I have been researching and have ultimately purchased some dogs over the past two years. We delved into the German lines after being unhappy with the American lines and have learned a great deal by doing online searches, contacting kennels, asking questions, getting recommendations, etc. It seems like most of the dogs you're interested in are going to have strong working lines. Please be aware that there are distinctions between "show" lines and "working lines." You can do a messageboard search to find out what people say. While both lines can be great, if you're pretty much looking for a family dog, a working dog with high drive probably won't be what you'll be happy with. One of the best questions to ask breeders about specific litters are the temperaments of the puppies themselves. A good breeder will be able to tell you what puppies seem to be more laid back, what ones are more adventurous, what ones will need a stronger, more experienced hand, etc. Puppies who are often deemed as "independent," "very curious," "fearless," etc. will likely be handfuls and while they might be great dogs, you'll need to really establish yourself early on or you'll likely have problems down the road. It doesn't matter who the parents are, how good the kennel is, etc., if you get a puppy that ultimately doesn't fit into your lifestyle, you won't be as happy as getting a dog whose temperament fits into your daily routine.

The owner of Jaegermiester Kennel is very a good trainer and accomplished breeder. Part of a breeders job is to match his pups with the correct partners. Don't ignore a litter on advice from people you do not know. The litter you mentioned is a strong working pedigree but not every pup out of a litter is going to be a champion. Maybe an older dog would be a better fit for you also. Good Luck, Kyle

hello again, Please visit the clubs and talk with owners and watch the dogs first hand. Then decide if high power is what you really want. If it is, it is hard to find a balanced 'high power' working dog. You will need expert guidance and Jaegermiester can offer that. Also, Molly of Eichenluft, who is a frequent poster on this site, is such a level. But the first requirement is you must know what you want and what will work for you and your family. No breeder can explain terms like 'strong', dominant, weak, soft to you unless you have a little background on what dogs act like that fit those words. I do agree line mating 2-2 is risky, maybe pick a litter from Jaegermiester without such a tight mating ? They have very nice dogs and a good reputation and tons of experience! Good Luck! Happy Holidays! cindy g

[quote] First and foremost, I am looking for a companion dog to join my pack, wife, two children (4 years and 2 years), and our house cat. I'm also very interested in pursuing Schutzhund with the GSD, but not on a competitive basis (more of a way for the dog and I to learn about the sport together, to bond together, and to enhance his training with professionals). I'm also looking to purchase the pup no earlier then a spring 2008 litter. My budget is up to $2,500. I don't care so far (since I have little knowledge of) which line the dog comes from as long as it's German and not American, healthy (parents OFA normal/good), correct temperment, genetics are stacked my way for a good long term healthy dog. [/quote] I would recommend talking to Lee Hough - Wolfstraum Kennels. [url]http://www.wolfstraum.net[/url] I have Giza, one of her pups. She's 4 1/2 months old now. You can see her information at [url]http://www.wolfstraum.net/g-litter.html[/url], as well as a picture of her from a month or so ago. Her sire is Enno v Fuchsstein SchH3, FH, KKL, 'a' normal, son of Tom Leefdaalhof. Dam is Bianka v Spitzbubezwinger, Schh3, IPO3 KKL2 by Ufo v Guy's Hof x Babsi Hexenforst. Both are pictured on the same page I posted above. I bought Giza looking for the same type of dog you are looking for with the intention later on of her being my service dog if my health determines I have need of one. She lives in the house with me and is about as calm and mellow in the house as you could ask for. She was housetrained within 2 weeks of her arrival, a total of about 7 accidents during that time and no accidents since. She's chewed absolutely nothing, doesn't bother any cords (electric, computer, medical equipment), doesn't get in the trash, doesn't counter surf, doesn't get on or chew the furniture, and is crate trained. She doesn't mouth or bite hands and hasn't since her arrival, a big plus with young children - and many adults. She's not a "jumper" - doesn't jump on people in the house unless playing with my son or nephew (both in their 20's). Using only "kitchen training" she knows "platz", "sitz", "bring", "geb laut", "steh", "heir" and "foos" and has known most of those commands for well over a month now. No compulsion, just a bit of training "fun". She lives to chase a ball, her "chamois", the tug and absolutely loves going training on Saturday mornings to get out there and "play" with the helper at the club. She will literally sit just outside the training field watching the club helper and the dog he's working and watches intently at dogs doing the bark and hold and grabbing the sleeve - all only about 10 feet from where she is sitting. She is all about her tracking training regardless of where we go to train. Nothing phases this pup. She is fearless, is not people or dog aggressive or fearful. She's what I call an "adult in a puppy body". A very mature, thinking pup. Giza was flown here to Nashville from Pennsylvania. When she came out of the crate after the flight she acted as if she'd known us all along and stepped out on the lead as if she'd been wearing a lead and collar all her short life. No fear at all at the airport when we took her out to potty after her flight, then right back into her crate. She travels like a dream. To date, she hasn't met a stranger. Very social and confident. Back in the house again, and she's like a senior - relaxed, calm, and all about the house manners. Even today, after I came home from the hospital after being gone since Christmas morning (which is why I couldn't respond before now) she was of the best behavior. Excited, but behaved. I can't say enough about the temperament of this pup and I understand that her littermates are the same. I'd strongly recommend looking to Lee for a pup. She will be there for you after the sale and truly listens and matches owner/family to the pup as far as lifestyles, goals, temperaments. Talk to her soon. You

(continued) You won't be disappointed. Good luck with your pup. I look forward to hearing about him/her and how it works out for you!