Breeding Untitled Female....???? - Page 10

 When you talk of a dog blowing off it's owner, you're talking about a "trained" dog. When speaking of a NATURAL retrieve, NATURAL implies green or UN-trained. I maintain that there is zero wrong with a GSD lacking a natural retrieve. In fact, I prefer it over the marshmallow who the thought of keeping its catch never occurred to it. Not saying all dogs w/natural retrieves are weaker, but I am saying that it is not a criteria that the GREEN GSD pup should be judged negatively on if he/she does not possess it. 

I don't think you can judge a pup with any certainty, it's a short cut in my opinion.
It takes time to know whats there, anyone who can't take the time is not serious about it.

 Jenni, I agree with what you've said.  I've raised many a puppy.  If they didn't want to possess they didn't turn out.  I value that trait.

Is there a difference between a green pup, and a young dog who "gets the pic" that you want to play with him, to engage him, to throw the ball.  A smart dog (in my opinion) figures out how to "make you his ball throwing machine".  But then, some dogs lack prey/chase drive and just want to chew up the ball. Its all part of prey drive.

Moons, curious, how many litters have you bred and raised?  At what age were the pups when you placed them?

Bump for moons 

In a lifetime I think I have seen a handful of pups.
German Shepherds, Irish Setters, and one old cur Coon Hound.
Lately I bred a black GSD bitch twice to the same sire, source of my youngest dog now.
My other GSD bitch just had her first litter and if they show promise I will breed her again at least once more.
The black sire is a working K-9 locally and my own male is from Kirschental Kennels.

Puppies who are placed are eight weeks old and up.  
I keep track of all but a few.

The green pup question doesn't make sense.

NoCurs, I'd like to throw my two cents in that question.

Nearly ALL of my pups, will chase a ball at a young age then plop down to gnaw it. I use a long line, a ball on a rope, and behavior silly enough to make my neighbors wonder what I'm smoking and in a few days, a week or two at most, the puppy has learned that the fun part of the game is coming back and interacting with me. A lot of cocky young puppies want to keep that toy for themselves so I have to make it worth their while to bring it to me by making it fun, playing a bit of tug, letting them win, then they can't wait to show me what they found and flaunt how awesome they are. Of course a puppy that plays well has good drive but I consider this shaping behavior moreso than a test of prey drive. Getting the pup to bring it back, that is, not the play as a whole.

 Maybe breeders should be more picky with the females they use and not focus so much on the males, especially when the female is the most important part according to many when it comes how the offspring will turn out.