Advise on buying a young show dog - Page 2

Can a dog bond with a new owner at 18 months age like it would bond with you when he is a puppy ? I raised my dog long back and got her when she was 10 weeks old and she followed me everywhere since then. 

 Also, what is this term "clear in head" "clear mind" I think its better if I post a whole new message on this.

This is like "Phone a Friend" on Who wants to be a millionaire show...................but  for GSD information. I like this and appreciate all the people responding and sharing their experiences.

I am a GSD enthusist and looking to buy a show line male. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU.

A few months ago I was given a 2 year old male intact German Shepherd that was raised with limited attention by people and no socialization of dogs except the Rottweiler he grew up with. He lived outside for those 2 years. He bonded quickly to me and adapted my habits(time I woke up and times he was let out and fed etc) He quickly learned to let me know when he had to go out if it was before the time I usually let him out. I learned his "Q's" and he learned mine and he has been a great dog. So yes...a dog at any age can adapt to another life style.It is just going to take some time and patience.

Also all these big name kennels who has 30, 40, 50 dogs with some V rated and VA rated males and females ..... cant keep all their dogs in their houses for sure. But I think they will be cared for and trained by professionals all the time.

But ........... seeing these posts like .........good with small kids ....homes with only adults suitable ..........etc it makes me so concerned.

But .........these top kennels who have been in business for such a long time and the dog being a top VA sired .....top show prospect ......... I hope he is good in temperment and stuff.

I would find out if he has been around kids of all ages and how he accepts them.  If he has been around kids I would think he would adapt beautifully with your family but be sure about the kid situation before you bring him to your home.  That would be my concern, otherwise there is no reason why he cannot adapt to your family and your lifestyle and show and train just the same.  Nan  After all he is a geman shepherd.

Yes you need to listen to these people about being careful with small kids in the house whole new game.  I don't want to make you mad but you don't sound like you are experienced enough to handle a older dog.  If i was you i would save my money even if you are in a hurry to get a dog or what and buy a good pup.  I think you will fell safer you will have a even playing field to learn with the pup no bad habits from someone else.  You have to be very careful with older dogs and always ask yourself if the dog is so great why do they want to give it away.  Take you time look for a breeder doing with there dogs what you want to do meet there dogs and i promise you will find you champ if thats what you want but run from this one.

Thank you all.

And Blair Built gsd,
 Yes. You are right. I never did start with an older dog. I did bring mine at 10weeks. Even all other dogs that I owned. I usually dont go close or touch and play with older dogs like many people do unless I know the dog from the childhood. I just want to be carefull. The reason I am being offered this dog is ........we offered them very big. Actually he is not for sale but we offered the breeder the best price and so he agreed because he is a friend to my friend. This dog will be shown this year in German Seiger Show under his VA father's progeny groups. So........ out of lot of interest we wanted him but my family is kind of ..........uncomfortable with an older dog.

We brought home a working-line GSD at 2 years old - she had been returned to her breeder at 18 months because she was out of control and had been kennelled at the breeder's for 6 months.  Georgia wasn't raised with kids, but in talking with the breeder we were able to set up time to meet her and come up with a good plan to introduce her to our household.  We already had a male GSD that we had adopted as an adult and they were best buddies until he passed away. 

She adjusted to living in the house with no problem; she does have behavior issues, primarily from living without any rules in her first home.  She is a dominant dog and can be "hard" - it takes a very firm correction to get her attention and she will not listen to anyone that isn't sure of themselves (calm-assertive as Cesar would say).  She is, however, smart, quick to learn new skills, and a whiz at tracking.  We luckily had support from a wonderful trainer and club to help us get started.

If you are unsure in any way, this probably isn't a good match even if the dog is fantastic.  There are a lot of good dogs out there - many good breeders do help with rescue or sometimes have young adult dogs to rehome. 

Opal

I would listen to the breeder's advice over that of a friend who doesn't know the dog personally.  The breeder should know his dogs' temperament, and whether the dog has been around kids, in a home, in a kennel, etc.

FWIW I brought a 14-month-old West German show line female into our home and my kids had just turned 7 (twin boys).  We also have two cats.  She is now 2 and I hope to earn her BH this summer (maybe even... dare I say it?  SchH 1... we've got a lot of work to do though...).  I've also showed her a time or two.  :)  She is very much our pet.  She sleeps in bed with my husband and me (and he's a cat person, not a dog person!  lol).

Re. can an older dog bond with you: my previous GSD was 4 years old when I got him.  You could not have asked for a dog to bond any better than he did.  What a great dog he was...  *sniff*

Just to add another good experience here, we once took on a 15 month old male who had previously only lived in kennels, and initially we had some of the same concerns as you have, but our experience with him was totally positive.  He adapted to living in the house very easily, bonded with the whole family, was great with the kids and continued to participate in shows.  He had a superb temperament.  I am not saying that this will work as well with all dogs, some that have always been kenneled may not be as sociable or well behaved.  But it is definitely not true that a show dog cannot also be a family companion.