Researching puppy...working vs show observation - Page 2

Nice post, BooBoo, I hope the OP uses the time wisely to learn how to interact with a Schutzhund prospect pup. Learn how to mark behaviours and how to develop a play relationship. The search for good trainers and clubs can not be done too early. We have a couple that have been coming out to our club for more than a year now while waiting to get their next pup.I was fortunate to have found a good breeder of West German showlines for my first Schutzhund dog, she picked a great dog for me that was easy to train, the dog taught me more than I was able to teach him. Whatever line you get make sure the breeder knows how to train so they can be able to recognize a good dog for you. You do not need to.go to Germany to get a good dog. Judge by the parent's temperament if you want to live with that dog, see if the level of suspicion and the threshold for civil aggression is something you are prepared to live with. 

Funny you mention markers as I just watched the Leerburg video on that subject.  I do plan on participating and learning in the club as much as I can before I get a puppy.  Seems like a wait now, but this decision will last for a long time.

Chris

A young pup being added to a family with an older dog can be good or bad...Mostly depends on YOU...It can be a good thing to add some life and fun around the older dog...The older dog can teach your young pup the ropes and when the time comes for your older guy to pass over the Rainbow Bridge it can make for a much easier path for you to cope with the death...

If and when a young pup becomes too much for the older dog...It will be your job to stop the "high energy" that's going on...You can teach the puppy to be crate trained and put him/her in the crate when you want to give the older guy a little peace...Until the young guy understands when to be quiet...