Question about Maturity - Page 1

I know that certain lines mature slower or faster than others.  Can I get some input from those who have experience with some of the lines or dogs that are "slow to mature".  What I am trying to understand is what drives and what the behavior may be like for a male or female dog that is slow to mature.

Good question. I was just wondering that myself.

people in sports prefer slow to mature lines since it gives a wider window to prepare for the trials.  Common sense.

Also when the dog is slow to mature you will will notice traits which to a lay man may look like anomalies an defects.

Its always advisable to be close to your breeder from whom you get these dogs so that you have constant flow of advice.

Example trotting like a puppy even at 8 months of age throwing up front legs while running etc etc . these may all look like anomalies and defects to a lay person.

But slow maturing dogs are fun  you have a kid on your hand for a longer time. also indicates higher prey drive and higher threshold levels in drives


cheers & good luck

Actualy people in sport, dont want to wait 5 years for a dog to get some brains...so they like a dog that shows all they need the dog to show very early in the training... I am not sure Vikram how many dogs you've trialed but I sure dont want to sit on my ass for forever to see if my dog will ever mature to get things done. I like my dog to be good and ready for competition before he/she reaches 3 years. By 4 years of age we tune in completelly, Then it will give me 2-3 years of competing if there are no injuries.Also my male was pretty much matured by the age of 3 years (he was slower to mature but not bad at all)and now he is 5 and still trotts around like a puppy, that is just his personality when he plays. 

I dont want to be stepping on your toes but you are not making much sence to me.

Slower maturing dogs tend to not commit untill they fully develop, the bitework is good but it lacks the confidence of a mature dog (that is if the dog is good, has good drives). The presentation the dog gives of him, herself when they have plenty of drive and they need to mature is sometimes a little hectic (I call it all drive no brains) They need to lear to think and that comes only with training, teaching, and maturity with time.

But, do not exchange slow maturing dog, for a dud..

Question about Maturity by vonissk on 10 May 2011 - 04:05

vonissk Posts: 187 Joined: Fri Dec 30, 2005 05:20 am

Good post Pack and I agree with you.  My boy was very very slow to mature and I can see how frustrating that would be to a sport person.  He did not fully mature until he was 5.  I have a girl here who is also slow maturing. tho she is not a sport dog, I do obedience and conformation with her and at times it is frustrating..............at times I want to tell her will you hurry up............LOL...

That feeling sounds too familiar. I have 2 six month olds, one is a backyard bread with no kinds of papers I have no knowledge of his pedigree but OMG he impresses me and can work his lil tail off.
Another one is a showline from a pedigree of both parents who can do work, and she's really good at obidience, but as far as sport goes she's just not there yet. She has drive and energy, gets really excited about the tug or rope, but does not fight for it as soon as I pull a little she outs it. She's doesn't go for the ball like the other one does either. We are gonna flirt her with a rope or a tug a few minutes a day for a little while see how she does over time.