What to expect with DDR puppy

[TheNoob]

My parents told me they placed a deposit for a pure DDR German Shepherd puppy. I'm new to all of this, and honestly, so are my parents. They've never owned a GSD before. I've been reading a bit about the DDR lines, and have heard that they are slower to mature (generally), and aren't great dogs for sport (my parents have no interest in sport). My parents are very active and want a dog that won't be too hard to train in obedience. I would like to know about the temperaments of the DDR lines. Please, any help and advice would be great, because I want my parents to be prepared for this puppy.

[Wolfiesmom]

I have a DDR dog. He has tons of energy. He needs a walk every day and as a younger pup, sometimes he got 2 walks to tire him out. A DDR pup needs a firm hand. You have to be the boss or he will quickly take over. Mine is extremely smart and easy to train. He picks up on things right away. He never pooped in my house and peed in the house 6 times total before he was fully trained. With all of this intelligence comes some challenges for you. Before my dog turned a year old, he could open doors by the door knob, open the lid of the toilet and help himself to a drink, he knows how to open the oven, and he can unzip the zipper on the screenhouse with his teeth and let himself in and out. He climbs up an down ladders, and tries to climb trees. If you don't keep these dogs mentally and physically challenged and give them a job to do, they will find something to do on their own, and you may not like what they come up with. My dog is very stubborn. If he wants something he is very persistent and I can't give in to him. On the good side, he is a character with loads of personality, he's very loving and loyal, and is extremely strong and healthy. He surely keeps us on our toes. I would strongly recommend puppy classes and obedience class. Good luck to your parents. They will have a great dog.

[TheNoob]

Thanks, Wolfiesmom! Your dog sounds awesome and very smart! My parents have already starting scouting out obedience classes. They want to get him socialized asap. Thanks for your informative answer

[Wolfiesmom]

Your welcome! I also forgot to add to be prepared for a lot of biting! I looked like a junky with my arms and legs all bruised up from the biting. I did everything to try and curb it, but it lasted until he was around 9 months old and it stopped. Also I found it helpful to ave bones and chew toys all over the house in every room that the puppy will be in. That way he has options other than your furniture and wood work to chew on. I don't have one single bite mark on anything in my house from from Wolfie because he had things in every room. It makes the house a mess until he's done chewing, but it's well worth it.

[TheNoob]

I guess it's a good thing my parents don't have small children in the house. I'll definitely give them your advice

[N Smith]

My girl (Ironhide) is out of DDR lines. She was a bit slower to mature in the bitwork area, but her obedience and tracking has been a dream! She is absolutely AMAZING! I think that when people say not good for sport it is because they CAN be slower to mature, I personally prefer it! She has been an amazing sport dog to date.

She has endless energy, from the moment she came home (8 weeks) she has needed about 4 hours of exercise a day, split between mental and physical. High prey, hunt and defensive drives (took a little longer to come out), and she gets bored REALLY easily. In fact, she can train doing Tracking, Obedience then protection, for 8 hours and still have energy. It is both a blessing and a curse!

As for dog classes, find someone who bases their training on positive reinforcement, with corrections applied where/when needed.

[Emoore]

Yes to everything Wolfiesmom and NSmith just said. Lots of energy. As he approaches maturity, mine is starting to need a firmer hand than either of my other two did. He's highly food-motivated, which I understand isn't always the case with DDR dogs. He has an aggressive "edge" to him that neither of my other two did. Just a little quicker to aggression and a little slower to back down. Extremely aloof towards strangers-- this is not the dog that's going to want to sit, down and shake for your friends.

Always always always always fixated on the ball.

[dawnandjr]

Keep in mind some DDR dogs can be more handler sensitive as well. Using positive training methods is very important. Look for a trainer familiar with training GSD's, they are so different from other breeds. See if you can find a Schutzhund club nearby. I dont mean that so you can train Schutzhund, I mean that so you can find a good trainer. If you dont have luck or are not sure where to go for training, post your location and maybe someone will have a good recommendation for you.

I cannot stress to you how important it will be to find a good trainer. I have heard about more dogs being ruined with improper training, especially a DDR line dog.

[TheNoob]

Thanks for everyone's helpful replies. Your advice is great! I live in Atlanta, Georgia if anyone can recommend a good trainer. Thanks!

[lhczth]

What has the breeder told you to expect?