Picking a suitable dog for training

jc24965 · #1 19-11-11, 08:13 PM

Really want a GSD that is going to enjoy being trained. Been looking on the internet at obedience, agility, flyball etc, but I obviously need to find the right dog. If I went for a puppy from a reputable breeder, what should I be looking for in way of breeding lines? If I got a GSD from a rescue, what is the maximum age for training (if there is one)? I assume a younger dog would be easier to train? Of course, I may come across a GSD that is already had training and may like further training, which would be great.

Any advice would be appreciated. My head is spinning with all the info I have been reading. I think I have confused myself. lol

Thanks

DelsMum · #2 19-11-11, 09:03 PM

Apologies in advance if I start waffling lol
I've had 2 rescues and recently got my first pup at 5 months old.
Both rescues and pup settled in within 2 weeks so no difference there.
IMO there is no upward limit to the age you can train a dog, personally I find non pups easier as they have a better attention span lol at the end of the day GSDs are so bright they will all enjoy and need training, I used to train with my old boy when he was 10 and he loved every minute of it.
If you go down the puppy route I would (and did!) ask Pam (Wildmoor) for input re the pedigree/lines as its a bit of a minefield if you don't know what you're looking at.
How old are your children? Some rescues only rehome to families with children of a certain age. Unless of course the dog has been brought up with children. There are increasing numbers that have are only in rescue due to things like the economic climate/family break ups. Poor buggers. For me the only risk with a rescue is not knowing the dogs pedigree and whether there are any health problems in there and if so, what are they and at what age will they 'come out'. That I don't know. maybe someone else does? but I've not had any problems so far. Got both rescue boys at 12 months old and they are/were fit as fiddles.
Good luck and happy hunting!

jc24965 · #3 19-11-11, 09:17 PM

My children are 11, 13 and 15.

My concern with a rescue dog is the health issue, I must admit, especially if you don't know its history.

I've got a few months to decide. Hopefully by the time I am ready to get a GSD, I'll be better equipped knowledge-wise.

DelsMum · #4 19-11-11, 09:31 PM

Don't let it put you off. I lost my first boy to cancer and there is nothing you can do about that. Maybe research into the known GSD health issues ? I wouldn't be at all suprised if someone comes along in a minute and tells us. Prob tells me I'm talking rubbish lol
Re any other history ie behaviourial issues they can be dealt with in my experience. If you get a puppy you have to start from the beginning so its not that different really.
Think your childrens ages will be fine for a rescue as well. Have you had dogs before? If not it might be a bit easier on you if you do get a non-puppy who has some of the basics in place maybe? What do the rest of the family think?

Stuart · #5 19-11-11, 09:34 PM

I guess I am a bit like Faye,.. I have rescue dogs, and I couldnt be more pleased with them,... As far as the health of a dog goes, I am not sure if you can say that any dog out there, beit rescue or not isnt going to fall foul of an illness, rescue dogs are no more suseptable to illness than a pedigree dog.

One of my dogs [ Kee ] is part [ at least] working line dog, these dogs are hard work as they are very high energy dogs,.. if you realy want a dog that is always ready to be `on the go` then you couldnt do better,... again Pam will be able to steer you in the right direction

As far as a dogs history goes,..ok, so if you were to take on a pedigree, you will be well aware of that dogs line,... its not a certainty that the dog will be true to that line,..any more than a rescue,..remember not all rescues are bad lines or rejects, some are from very good beginings,... Kee was born into Police kennels, she only ended up in rescue because she is too small for Police work, and her next owners couldnt cope with her

Shrap · #6 19-11-11, 09:36 PM

You're right, I think puppies can take quite a while to develop enough attention span for training. That and you'll have to wait until pup is around 15-18 months before starting training with jumps like flyball and agility.

Why not have a look at some rescue dogs

If you do want a puppy then definitely definitely DEFINITELY run it by Wildmoor first

wildmoor · #7 19-11-11, 10:04 PM

what traits you may require would be different for me - but for obedience you want a sociable pup, confident, reasonable high prey drive, food orientated - watch the pups with littermates you dont want the overbearing pup who is trying to dominate its sibblings if you are a newcomer to the breed, neither do you want the one that hangs back you will require the middle ground a confident playful pup

jc24965 · #8 20-11-11, 01:36 AM

I can see the benefits of a rescue dog, as well as the benefits of a puppy from a reputable breeder. Maybe I should have the best of both worlds? A rescue dog first and then maybe a puppy a few months later?

Believe it or not, I used to be impulsive. lol

wildmoor · #9 20-11-11, 08:19 AM

never buy or rescue a GSD on impulse - a rescues true personality will not come out for a few months - with pups you need to research the breeder and dont fall some of the tricks played ie they will tell you hips are scored but not show you certificates because they are not breed worthy

jc24965 · #10 20-11-11, 08:44 AM

DEFINITELY not getting a dog on impulse. I used to be an impulsive person but these days it takes me forever to make a decision. Past mistakes in my life have taught me stop and think first.

If I am not sure about something then I won't do it, so if I can't decide which dog is for me then I won't get one. It has to feel right.