Help! Looking for GSD pup to train as an assistance dog - Page 1

I’m looking for a GSD puppy to train as an assistance dog, and a suitable puppy is incredibly hard to find. When I contact breeders, the honest ones tell me that none of their pups would be suitable. Others tell me that gosh, every pup in their last litter would have been just perfect, but dang it, they’ve all been sold, what a shame. Others never respond at all to messages. And a few suggest pups that are obviously totally unsuitable.

I admit the requirements are a bit stiff, but I know it can be done. Here’s what’s needed (obviously some of these things kick in with adulthood):

1. Highly social, outgoing, friendly temperament. Happily accepts attention and touching from nice people. NO great watchdogs/alerts to strangers with strong barking/highly protective/suspicious of strangers types.

2. High intelligence and love of learning.

3. Strong drive to have a job. Wants to work even if he has other options like running around like a goof. Goes right back to work after being fussed over by strangers.

4. Low to zero prey drive. NO shreds-my-ankles- bloody-when-I-cross-the-room/EXTREME ball drive types.

5. Good judgment—easily and instinctively distinguishes between good guys and bad guys based on what’s inside the person, not on appearance. Does not flip out with weird but harmless people but immediately recognizes a genuine thug.

6. Outstanding nerve. No environmental issues. Loves to get out and see new things and meet new people.

7. Off switch. Can lie quietly and contentedly when nothing is going on.

8. Highly social with other dogs. Genuinely enjoys canine companionship.

9. Male. (At least this one is easy.)

I would also consider a young to middle-aged adult dog.

I can provide the training, but I can’t provide the pup.

I have an outstanding country home for a dog with lots of secure fenced space to run and play, training suited to the dog’s temperament, and excellent medical care. The dog will be a cherished friend and companion all of his life. He will get to be with me and go everywhere with me 24/7. I am an experienced GSD owner with a great love for the breed.

Suggestions, anyone? Help would be greatly appreciated.

Please do not suggest a rescue dog. I do GSD rescue, and I have yet to find a suitable rescue GSD. Also, the temperament/history/breeding of the dog must be 100% known. Assistance dog work is not a game, and the dog has to be totally reliable when he is accidentally stepped on, bumped, or poked in the eye by a toddler. Good breeding does matter.

I’m willing to have the right pup/dog shipped to me, so location doesn’t matter as long as it’s in the U.S. I’m also willing to pay a reasonable price for the right pup/dog.

Ok you left out the most important part.

What is this service dogs job? there are many different types of work for a service dog.

Also I want to point out soemthing crucial.

I am curious to why you would say prey instinct is an unsatisfactory or knock against a service dog. I say it is a good tool to use in developeing a service dog and almost a must in the appropriate levels and control.

We have a lab that is going home with her owner in a month that her owner is in a wheel chair. Tons of prey drive and willingness to work yet bomb proof with excellent nerve. She retrieves anything you can point too with a laser pointer, dropped, or trained such as going to get things out of the fridge. opens doors, lightswitchs, delivers anything(such as money) etc...... the list go on. Also the lab is a rescue. It took 4 months to find a suitable candidate but it is possible.

So im curious to what you are looking for.

Also il have to look up the name but there is a lady on the west coast whom breeds shepherds for the purpose of different specialties in the service dog field. Il have to see if she is still doing it.

There are some good stock dog breeds like that, but not a GSD. Sorry wrong breed.

My current service dog is a GSD, so this is clearly the right breed. But he will eventually need to retire, and I'm looking ahead.

Also, I don't say I want a dog with ball drive. I don't.

And I don't want a Lab, as much as I love Labs.

The most important part is not the specific tasks the dog will be trained to perform. That part is very easy.

The hard part is the temperament.

Sounds like you just want a mellow pet/companion. Why would you want a gsd, if you want it to lack many characteristics of a properly bred, solid temperment dog? What type of "assistance" are you desiring?

"Sounds like you just want a mellow pet/companion. Why would you want a gsd, if you want it to lack many characteristics of a properly bred, solid temperment dog?"

My current service dog is an outstanding GSD. His temperament is rock solid, and he is an extremely well-bred German working lines import.

Please do not hijack this thread into the usual forum nastiness about what a good GSD is. If you don't like the kind of GSD I'm looking for, fine. I have no interest in arguing with you.

I will not respond to any other posts of this nature. I know what I have and what I need to get. If someone can help, I will be extremely grateful. But please do not waste your time or mine trying to pick a fight. I have better things to do, and I really need to find the right GSD pup.

Not sure what age you are looking for and I am not sure if she still has the pup but this is a friend of mine that might have what you are looking for.
www.kavanaughshepherds.com/dogs_litters_Wendi%20and%20Arri.html

She is picky about who gets her pups so don't be surprised if she asks a bit of questions....as any reputable breeder should.
FWIW

The right dog will find you, be patient :)
Always,
Cee

Good luck with your search!

This may/may not be of use, but you might search for a GSD from herding lines, rather than schutzhund. They have the instinct to watch and protect their flock, while schutzhund dogs usually are selected for higher ball and prey drive.

My service dog is a GSD, and he is wonderful! He has most of the characteristics you describe.

I have a female GSD which I hoped would be able to take over for him. I don't think it's going to happen. Why? TOO MUCH PREY DRIVE!  She totally loses concentration when she sees an animal that's not of her own species.

I had her at a horse show last summer, and we stood by the fence as the horses were warming up. EVERY TIME one went past, she'd break her sit. Her concentration span seemed to be about 20 seconds...SIT!....pops back up.....SIT...pops back up.....