Advice on a possible second pup - Page 1

I am very new to database and am hoping to find some advice to a tough situation. I purchased an 8 week puppy from a local breeder recommended to me by some local club members. I thought I had done my research on bloodlines etc.. and had a promising male as a companion and sport dog. As our puppy matured he developed food allergies, cow hocked and doesn't have proper drives for the work. We will continue to work him in obedience and moderate exercise as his hind quarters are pretty weak. Unable to quiet my interest in Schutzhund I am considering a female out of workinglines . Should I hedge my bets and purchase a green dog or another puppy to insure proper upbringing and socialization with my 15 mo. neutered male???Any feedback appreciated.

If your male is neutered, you can probably be safe bringing in either a male or female.  You can certainly bring in a pup of either gender. 

Of course, that deals with only one issue; the other involves the likelihood of a well bred pup maturing to a legitimate schutzhund dog.  A male has a better chance, but if you are serious (and I don't doubt that you are)  BOTH parents must have schutzhund equivalent titles and be from working lines AND the pup must show a desire to grab & hold, chase & retrieve, and be thick-skinned (metaphorically, not literally).  If you do your homework, there is still a strong chance (25-50% from even very good working breedings) that a good male pup from such a breeding will become single purpose (scent not protection).  So if it is absolutely essential to you to accomplish schutzhund PROTECTION work with your next dog, you already know the answer.  An older dog, 18-24 months, who is already biting like a gator, is what you want.  In that case, you should get a female to avoid having the risk of having to keep your nice current dog and new dog separated, unless the current owner/trainer can assure you that the young male you are bringing in is social with other male dogs.

If you want to avoid food allergies, by the way, you may need to get another breed, sadly.  I am a devoted gsd man, but you may like Malinois for their better odds of working well and being free of food allergies.

Hope your second choice works out better then the first.
Your not alone there.

puppies are a crap shot.....

Thank you for your responses. I have considered Malinois, but I am still devoted to the German Shepherd. To be very honest , I worry that if we are spending the realistic amount of time to train and title a dog (male or female) my current dog will not receive attention he deserves. It is not his fault that his health could be better. I have also been watching the practices of the breeder I got him from. Needless to say we are no longer supporting the club or Breeder I went to begin with. After notification of health and structure problems they repeated the breeding. And I am still determined to HOT a dog myself. This is now my second GSD.Thanks for letting me vent. I will keep the faith.

First German Shepherd was a female she passed at age 12.

I know you checked the dogs pedigree...and that is great.  However, it takes more than a pedigree.  I keep hearing of people buying dogs with fantastic pedigrees from "newbie" breeders.  There is something to be said for optimism...but more to be said for "proven" producers.  Lots of dogs produce puppies.  If you are looking for a dog to do schH with, buy a pup out of dogs who have titled get. 

About allergies...I have never (know on wood) had a GSD with allergies.  I feel bad for all the people with problems and fortunate to not have any with my dogs.

I wouldn't let the new pup follow in the footsteps of the older, non working, dog.  If it is a strong puppy, it will make the older dog stronger, the puppy weaker, and you less important...JMO.

Debbie

JMHO My first dog is healthy but does not have what it takes to be a working dog so I purchased this time instead of a puppy puppy an 8 mo. old bitch I know still not a proven adult but it was a step up.  Personally I am a little concerned about bonding with an older dog.  (Being novice the idea of getting a titled dog scared me as I am not really sure what I would do with it or if it would listen to me as I am just learning myself.)  I was able to see she had good drives and was what I was looking for to continue training.  However  I do not let her spend much time with my original male.  They play every week or so for a few hours but when we are training I want to be more fun than my other dog is for her.  So she spends a lot of time playing with me.  My first GSD is a happy lazy couch potatoe and we love him just the same! 

Why don't you find a good home for the boy.  Maybe a farm or something.  Sometimes, things just don't work out.  Like a human relationship.  It sounds like the boy would be great for a pet home.  And you are correct.  If you are going to be spending all of your time with the new on, why not let him go?  Cut your losses and find the best home for free. 

When things don't work out with your wife, do you go out and get a new one and keep the two ladies seperated in the house?  Hell no!   One wife at home is enough of a problem.