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by ZIN on 09 April 2010 - 17:04
I have been reading and reading when I keep coming up with the same question, "what will I need to be looking for when I get my next puppy" I have only owned GSD's and all my puppies have come from one breeder except one. After reading many threads I have the feeling my breeder although I really like her she probably wasn't the best breeder. I say this because I have owned 5 dogs from her and none of them have lived past the age of 10 as of yet and the 9 year old and my 6 year old both have had acl surgery and one hip surgery. 2 of my dogs died of bloat. She bread showline dogs but is not breeding anymore. I am very happy to be able to read all this information from professional breeders and trainers or even just very knowledgable GSD owners.
My concern after reading about working dogs and show dogs along with the drive that working dogs have that in my situation these type of dogs would be to much for me to handle. I will not be working my next dog nor will I be showing my next dog but I still want a healthy pet with a sharp mind. I just have read so much about peoples dogs being quite aggressive but that is part of the working line dogs or people saying they pick the spirited puppy when I would pick the sweetest cuddler that curls up in my lap and doesnt want to leave me.I also see people asking about pedigree's to give them an idea of what they might have with in there puppy, but what most people are looking for are not things I would be looking for in my next puppy. So what is it I should be looking for in my particular situation.
Let me tell you a little about my situation. I am now in a wheelchair due to MS. I am home with my dogs every day, all day. My girls can be left outside and they don't leave the yard nor would they ever bite anyone. They will scare the heck out of you charging at you barking but they will do nothing once they get to you. This is all the protection I need if anyone is stupid enough to try to come into my house with a barking dog on the otherside well then we will see what happens. My dogs will come to me even if they are chasing a squirel. My girls eat side by side actually there bowls are 3" apart and they will not eat out of eachother bowls. I love my dogs , I take great care of my dogs ,they are my best friends. I say this because I want you to understand what my dogs mean to me and I hope you take my question seriously and tell me what I should or should not be looking for in my next puppy or where to look for my next puppy.
Thanks, I will be happy to answer any questions. John
My concern after reading about working dogs and show dogs along with the drive that working dogs have that in my situation these type of dogs would be to much for me to handle. I will not be working my next dog nor will I be showing my next dog but I still want a healthy pet with a sharp mind. I just have read so much about peoples dogs being quite aggressive but that is part of the working line dogs or people saying they pick the spirited puppy when I would pick the sweetest cuddler that curls up in my lap and doesnt want to leave me.I also see people asking about pedigree's to give them an idea of what they might have with in there puppy, but what most people are looking for are not things I would be looking for in my next puppy. So what is it I should be looking for in my particular situation.
Let me tell you a little about my situation. I am now in a wheelchair due to MS. I am home with my dogs every day, all day. My girls can be left outside and they don't leave the yard nor would they ever bite anyone. They will scare the heck out of you charging at you barking but they will do nothing once they get to you. This is all the protection I need if anyone is stupid enough to try to come into my house with a barking dog on the otherside well then we will see what happens. My dogs will come to me even if they are chasing a squirel. My girls eat side by side actually there bowls are 3" apart and they will not eat out of eachother bowls. I love my dogs , I take great care of my dogs ,they are my best friends. I say this because I want you to understand what my dogs mean to me and I hope you take my question seriously and tell me what I should or should not be looking for in my next puppy or where to look for my next puppy.
Thanks, I will be happy to answer any questions. John
by Rugers Guru on 09 April 2010 - 17:04
I would like to suggest a WL, even though you may be concerned about the drives.... They make for better pets. Get out and do ANYTHING with your dog, even if it is just OB, and walks. They will be happy to do anything with you. In the long run you will have a more obedient dog, because you have something to work with, My DDR/Czech boy is happy with just OB and being with me, and he is just a pet now. Good luck in your search, let us know when you find what fits you best.
by 1doggie2 on 09 April 2010 - 17:04
You have 3 females currently? I began to give some advise, I do not think that is a good idea so I erased it. You have special circumstances and need someone who can help you not only with the temperment but currently have balance in your pack. This could be very easy to upset, with adding another one to the mix, you are in no position to break up a dog fight. So I am hoping someone with more skill than I can advise you. I wish you good fortune in your quest.
by Red Sable on 09 April 2010 - 17:04
I was under the impression Zin meant, next as in after these dogs pass away. I could be wrong though.
Zin, find a reputable breeder, that meaning, breeds as close to the standard as possible, and someone who is honest. Lines, don't matter so much as the dog, so I'm sure you can find what you are looking for in either line, you just need a good breeder to pick a pup that suits you.
Where abouts are you located?
Zin, find a reputable breeder, that meaning, breeds as close to the standard as possible, and someone who is honest. Lines, don't matter so much as the dog, so I'm sure you can find what you are looking for in either line, you just need a good breeder to pick a pup that suits you.
Where abouts are you located?
by ZIN on 09 April 2010 - 18:04
Yes I am talking about my next puppy. I now have to females and I have never had any problem with raising 2 dogs at a time. I am in Wisconsin right on the ILLINOIS WISCONSIN border. I understand that most people on here are serious about working or show LINE dogs I just wanted help on what I should be looking for or even breeders I should be interested in for my needs. I have always had pick of the litter and I must say other than health issues I have always had well trained dogs that know I am in charge. They just want to please me and that is what I am looking for. I am the go to guy with everybody that knows me when it comes to helping them with anything about there dogs. I think maybe I was a dog in my past life cuz dogs love me. lol
by beetree on 09 April 2010 - 18:04
Here's a link for you to read in your spare time, it is called "Kennels I Have Not been Screwed By".
www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/bulletins_read/52288.html
www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/bulletins_read/52288.html
by Mystere on 09 April 2010 - 19:04
Zin,
Whether Working Lines or Show Lines, the most important thing, particularly in your situation perhaps, is TEMPERAMENT. The puppy must have strong nerves, and a stable temperament, regardless of bloodlines. That is where we all, ideally, start-temperament.
I have a male that is a senior citizen now.
In his prime, however, with regard to drive, fighting drive/aggression, he was simply an extreme male, as was his sire. Yet, because he has such strong nerves and a very stable temperament, he could have done well in a pet home. He was a monster on the training/trial field, but a complete Teddy Bear at home. The same guys who all wanted him, based on seeing him work, would not have bothered to feed him, had they seen how mellow he was at home. Some of his littermates, including the bitch puppy the breeder considered the pick puppy, went to pet homes and were just fine. Also, in every litter, you are going to have a puppy (or two or three or...) that are simply the relative "cuddle-wuddles" who not only make good pets, but good service dogs.
You need to seek out a breeder who does emphasize TEMPERAMENT in their breeding program. Ask what they look for and see if you can check out some of the dogs they have produced.
Whether Working Lines or Show Lines, the most important thing, particularly in your situation perhaps, is TEMPERAMENT. The puppy must have strong nerves, and a stable temperament, regardless of bloodlines. That is where we all, ideally, start-temperament.
I have a male that is a senior citizen now.
In his prime, however, with regard to drive, fighting drive/aggression, he was simply an extreme male, as was his sire. Yet, because he has such strong nerves and a very stable temperament, he could have done well in a pet home. He was a monster on the training/trial field, but a complete Teddy Bear at home. The same guys who all wanted him, based on seeing him work, would not have bothered to feed him, had they seen how mellow he was at home. Some of his littermates, including the bitch puppy the breeder considered the pick puppy, went to pet homes and were just fine. Also, in every litter, you are going to have a puppy (or two or three or...) that are simply the relative "cuddle-wuddles" who not only make good pets, but good service dogs. You need to seek out a breeder who does emphasize TEMPERAMENT in their breeding program. Ask what they look for and see if you can check out some of the dogs they have produced.
by VomRuiz on 09 April 2010 - 19:04
I have to say Mystere hit the nail on the head as far as temperament... My workingline male is very intense on the field but has amazing house manners. He knows when it's time to work vs. time to relax at home with the family
Good Luck and have fun looking for the right breeder/litter
Stacy
Good Luck and have fun looking for the right breeder/litter
Stacy
by Keith Grossman on 09 April 2010 - 19:04
John, in most litters, working or show lines, there will be a few with a lot of drive and several that are appropriate for pet homes like yours. As others have said, find a reputable breeder who breeds for health and correct temperament and let him/her help you find a pup suited for you.
In your location, I would recommend Steve and Connie Miller: vomhausmiller.com/
by Keith Grossman on 09 April 2010 - 19:04
"I would like to suggest a WL, even though you may be concerned about the drives.... They make for better pets."
That's a ridiculous statement.
That's a ridiculous statement.
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