Looking for my next service dog - Page 1

I am looking for a young dog, prefer 1 to 2 Yr's old, to train for my next service dog. The dog must be stable, friendly, and outgoing with no fear, or dominance issues. No preference for male or female. needs to be large dog with good solid bone.

My current Service Dog I've only had a few months, she is wonderful and loves working, however I found out last Friday that she has severe Hip Dysplasia.  It has been a very heartbreaking experience for me.

I do not have a lot of money to pay for a dog since I'm recently disabled,  however I have a 12 week old male puppy that I bred, out of German/Czech lines that I can trade, or I can trade Stud Services to my Czech line male.

I am located in the Jacksonville, Fl. area

Beth

rood1234@aol.com

Beth Sorry to hear about the HD on your dog. Please be aware however that it does not necessarily mean she can't work. How old is she? Why did you choose to x-ray her - was it because she was having problems?

Dog w/ HD can and do live long healthy lives without inhibiting their ability to work.  You obviously know your dog best so listen to her . You said she loves working - why not give it a try for awhile.

I have a friend who years ago bought a Golden to be trained as her guide dog. She was being sold because she had mild HD and it was a show breeder. Ivy worked until she was 13 and and was an award winning guide dog who also saved her owner's life on several occasions.

I had my girl x-rayed because she yelped one day when I moved one of her hind legs to look at her tummy. She also has trouble with steps/stairs. I will continue to use her while my next dog is in training with me, I just don't want her to "break down" from too much work. She won't even be 4 Yr's old until the end of July, but her hips are just awful. I also will be using her for brace work and to help me balance as I can't stand for long periods, and I'm afraid that using her for that for long periods may hurt her more.

The right dog for me will come along, i just have to keep looking.

Beth

I wish the one I have here would work for you, but I don't think she is outgoing enough. She can be on the timid side.

I do have a 4 year old that might work for you. She is actually about to turn 5 in June. Is that too old?

Have to confess to some curiosity. You have at least 5 GSDs (1 M/4F) and two Malinois (1/1). Could not one of them be trained as your service dog? If not them - since you seem to breed them fairly consistently- why not one of their pups?

Hi Tig,

 The litter I have now is my first litter in many years.  The girls on my website, Cora passed away Saturday from  a complication from Heartworm disease, and Ebony went to a new home the same day. Cora, Ebony, and Golfi all had Heartworms when I got them, I only found out a week ago sunday. The horrible person who had them before, lied, and is still lieing about giving them monthly heartworm preventative. I only got the 3 girls the end of February. This has been a long heartbreaking couple of weeks I can tell you! We tested Falka the mother of the pups last night at class and she is a little nervous so will not work for full use, my malinois girl tested out as a tad too timid.  I have not tested my Malinois boy yet as I was waiting to get the report back on his hips, which I got back friday, but I'm worried that he too may test a little timid.

Ramage,

5 is a little old as it takes a good year to get a dog to the point of being certified.

Maybe I'm just asking too much. I really struck gold with Golfi, but she won't hold up for long. The reason I don't want to start with a pup is I'm looking at back surgery in the next couple of months and will need the dog then.

Beth

HAve you thought about going to the pound or animal rescues? I would think there would be a few that could fill your "needs" and budget

I talked with one local rescue and they didn't have anything that would work for me. But I also am afraid of repeating my current problem of getting a dog with bad hips.  With a breeder who knows their dogs there is a much better chance of me getting a dog without hip issues.

Beth