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by happykat on 23 September 2011 - 15:09
Hello, everyone. I've read several threads on this site, and most of you seem very knowledgable, so I would be very grateful if you would give me some advice. I am in college, and planning on living in an apartment next year, and I have done some thinking and decided I would like to get a dog. I have always admired GSDs, and I have read from several sources that they can do well in an apartment if they are exercised well. Is this true? I go on long jogs everyday, and the apartment complex has fenced in tennis and basketball courts where the dog would be able to run off lead. I am confident that I could meet my dog's excercise needs. Are there any other major concerns I should consider? I have already spoken with the management, and there are no weight or breed restrictions for dogs there.
Also, do you have any advice on finding a reputable breeder near my area (Florida)? What should I look for in a good breeder, and a healthy pup? I have never owned a purebred dog before, only mutts, so I would like some pointers concerning desirable and undesirable qualities. This dog will only be a pet, so I am not against "faulty" colors like liver or blue. I will be spaying/neutering the pup.
Thank you in advance for taking time to answer my questions. This was not a split second decision, and I am committed to being a devoted owner, and becoming more knowledgable about the breed. Any extra advice or kind words are greatly appreciated. Thanks so much, and have a wonderful day!
Also, do you have any advice on finding a reputable breeder near my area (Florida)? What should I look for in a good breeder, and a healthy pup? I have never owned a purebred dog before, only mutts, so I would like some pointers concerning desirable and undesirable qualities. This dog will only be a pet, so I am not against "faulty" colors like liver or blue. I will be spaying/neutering the pup.
Thank you in advance for taking time to answer my questions. This was not a split second decision, and I am committed to being a devoted owner, and becoming more knowledgable about the breed. Any extra advice or kind words are greatly appreciated. Thanks so much, and have a wonderful day!
by richram on 23 September 2011 - 15:09
Hi Happykat,
I suggest that you Google United Schutzhund Clubs of America. On the left hand side of the page there is a link to all clubs under events. I suggest that you go to or contact these clubs and talk to the members of the club(s) and see what they have and where they got their dog. People on here will help guide you. Good luck in your search! Richard
I suggest that you Google United Schutzhund Clubs of America. On the left hand side of the page there is a link to all clubs under events. I suggest that you go to or contact these clubs and talk to the members of the club(s) and see what they have and where they got their dog. People on here will help guide you. Good luck in your search! Richard
by happykat on 23 September 2011 - 15:09
Thank you, Richard, I will look into it.
by TingiesandTails on 23 September 2011 - 15:09
Yes, they can live in an apartment, but you have to plan in ample time for exercise (at least 1.5 hrs a day) AND training. Training in a club is a great idea.
I would check twice about the tennis court. Usually dogs are not allowed on any sports- or playgrounds though.
Puppies can't be alone for an entire day. So if you get a puppy make sure you have someone there to take your pup out of the crate during the day when you are at work.
Puppies are a lot of work and they need a lot of stimulation and socialization. If you don't have enough time, because you are working/studing outside of home 8 hrs +, maybe think about getting an older dog. Adolescent dogs are challenging sometimes because they constantly try to overstep boundaries and rules you previously trained with them, but if you train consequently, this will bring you and your dog closer. Good luck!
I would check twice about the tennis court. Usually dogs are not allowed on any sports- or playgrounds though.
Puppies can't be alone for an entire day. So if you get a puppy make sure you have someone there to take your pup out of the crate during the day when you are at work.
Puppies are a lot of work and they need a lot of stimulation and socialization. If you don't have enough time, because you are working/studing outside of home 8 hrs +, maybe think about getting an older dog. Adolescent dogs are challenging sometimes because they constantly try to overstep boundaries and rules you previously trained with them, but if you train consequently, this will bring you and your dog closer. Good luck!
by happykat on 23 September 2011 - 16:09
I plan on spending a good deal of time at home, so I won't be leaving my doggie alone for very long. I have thought about getting a adult dog, though, and that option is not off the table. As much as I would selfishly like a fuzzy little baby, I know many older dogs need loving homes too, and would be easier to handle. In the case of getting an adult dog, where do you suggest I look, and what should I look for?
by YogieBear on 23 September 2011 - 16:09
I'm confused - on another post you state you have a 7 month old....
by HighDesertGSD on 23 September 2011 - 16:09
No dog really needs 1.5 hours of exercise a day. What is done per unit time?
In terms of demand on exercise, if a Mal is 10 I think a Husky is 9 and a GSD is 8. GSD is medium high among dogs I believe.
My dogs run, fellow me, on my bike. 2.5 miles at fast trot every other day is enough exercise. I have a set up with an iron pipe at the rear of my bike. My dogs use a harness, not a collar.
If you just walk your dog leisurely, 3 mph perhaps, it may need half hour a day every day, IMO.
In terms of demand on exercise, if a Mal is 10 I think a Husky is 9 and a GSD is 8. GSD is medium high among dogs I believe.
My dogs run, fellow me, on my bike. 2.5 miles at fast trot every other day is enough exercise. I have a set up with an iron pipe at the rear of my bike. My dogs use a harness, not a collar.
If you just walk your dog leisurely, 3 mph perhaps, it may need half hour a day every day, IMO.
by happykat on 23 September 2011 - 16:09
Yogie - Are you talking to me? I've never posted on this site before, so I don't know what you're referring to. I have no dogs at the moment.
HighDesert - Thanks for your input. I don't think a 30 minute walk every day will be a problem at all. :)
HighDesert - Thanks for your input. I don't think a 30 minute walk every day will be a problem at all. :)
by YogieBear on 23 September 2011 - 17:09
Your right HappyKat it was KT484.. Sorry -
I have pm'd you.
I have pm'd you.
by BoCRon on 23 September 2011 - 18:09
You can also check out DVG America for a list of DVG affiliated Schutzhund clubs in Florida, there are quite a few.
www.dvgamerica.com
Annette
www.dvgamerica.com
Annette
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