New Member. - Page 5

Timmo · #41 12-01-12, 12:20 PM

Well hopefully I'll find the right one. I'll upload pics on here when I get him. Already got his tag made with his name

LOVEGSD · #42 12-01-12, 12:26 PM

It's exciting isn't it

Look forward to seeing him when he is home with you..

Moobli · #43 31-01-12, 08:18 PM

Sorry I missed your intro first time around.

I have had five GSDs over the past 20+ years and they are all so different.

What sort of lifestyle do you have?
What are you intending to "do" with your GSD? (ie a companion, train in obedience/agility/working trials/schutzhund)
Do you work full time?
How much time do you intend to devote to your dog - exercising and training etc?

I have had a rehome mixed lines (rejected by the police), an obedience line, a West German show line and my latest addition is a full working line. It is my honest opinion that he is no more energetic or "difficult" than the others. Yes he is an energetic, enthusiastic young dog. He takes to training like a duck to water and loves to learn. He spent the first 8 months of his life in a kennel environment, only really being brought out to the training field and then put back (he was originally destined for IPO (Schutzhund) ). I have only had him a couple of months and have spent that time just bonding with him, getting him better socialised and doing basic foundation training.

I don't think a workline is completely unsuitable for a novice GSD owner depending on the individual dog and the lines he is from and the lifestyle of the owner.

There is much talk surrounding worklines, but actually there is no mystique to owning one, you just need to find the right lines and breeder and then give your dog plenty to do and involve them in your life as much as possible. Many workline dogs will spend their days in kennels waiting to be brought out to the training field or for a competition. I actually think an active pet home which includes daily training and lots of exercise is equally as good (if not better) than some competition or working homes.

Having said all this, my longcoat WG showline male has loads of drive and is making a great tracking dog and would also thrive in an active companion home.

You need to be honest with yourself about what you want to do with your dog and how much time you can devote to him.

Sassysmum · #44 01-02-12, 05:13 PM

If you want the right dog you may have to be prepared to travel as the right dog may not be local. I covered various counties and visited many breeders before I chose who I wanted my pup from. Take into consideration that on top of good health you should meet the pups parents or at least the Dam and possibly other family members to see temperament, attitude and possibly drive levels, the breeder (if a good one) will no doubt want to meet you in person before the pup is old enough to take home and you'll choose your Pup or some breeders choose the Pup for you if they know the litter well and your requirements/expectations.

They are a wonderful breed and very natural protectors but they also need time, firm but fair handling, oodles of socialising as pups and good, reward based training and lots of understanding and outlets mentally and physically. You only get out what you put in and I feel I am rewarded daily because of how much work I did with mine as a youngster and do on a daily basis, training is definately an ongoing thing with this breed.

I also feel environment and welfare for the adults is important. Some breeders have big kennels with lots of dogs and I often feel for the dogs because they cannot possibly get that much out of life or the time and attention they deserve - they no doubt get looked after but thats not enough for me personally. Some breeders are smaller, have less dogs but do more with them like show them etc and some breeders have their dogs live in with them. I would want to know that the parents of any pup I was having were sound in most situations outside of their home environment.

Timmo · #45 03-02-12, 06:59 PM

Thankyou for your replies I do appreciate them. I don't mind travelling for a good dog as if it's a good one then it's worth it.

I've now spent the last two weeks with my brother-in-laws German shepherd Diesel. He's a German import working line an sable in colour. If I could of took him home I would of lol. He's a security guard dog for his
Company but he is so affectionate its unreal. He's straight backed which I do prefer as I don't like an excessive slanting back.

Time is counting down. Slowly lol